Surgical Emergencies Flashcards
What is infection control
The prevention of any harm from your patient by reducing the risk of infection
What is an SSI
Surgical site infection caused by microbial flora on the skin (required within 30days)
Define a surgical infection
an infection developed within 30 days of surgery (or 1 year if there is an implant)
Define sepsis
The presence of pathogens and their toxin products in the tissues of a patient
Define asepsis
The absence of pathogenic microbes in living tissues
Antiseptic
A patient that either inhibits pathogenic microbes or inhibits their growth
Disinfectant
A chemical that kills micro-organisms on objects
Disinfection
the removal of micro-organisms but not necessarily their spores
Sterilisation
the complete elimination of microbial viability. Including bacteria and spores.
What is a clean surgical area/site
Does not enter GI tract, urogenital tract or resp tract. No inflammation or prior infection
What is a clean contaminated surgical area/site
Can enter the GI tract, urogenital tract or resp tract.
No inflammation or prior infection
What is a contaminated surgical area/site
open, fresh and accidental wounds
What is a dirty surgical area/site
Anal, oral or infected areas.
What does chlorhexidine provide?
long lasting inhibition or bacterial growth
What does alcohol provide?
It kills bacteria quickly but doesn’t remove organic matter
What is a GDV - Gastric dilation and volvulus
GDV is the dilation of the stomach causing it to expand, misposition and rotate
What can a GDV cause on the body
inadequate blood flow to the heart
rupture of the stomach wall
pressure on the diaphragm - abnormal respiratory pattern
3 treatment stages of a GDV
stabilise and decompress stomach
surgical exploration
gastropexy
What is meant by septic peritonitis?
An inflammatory condition of the peritoneum that occurs secondary to microbial contamination
bacteria in the peritoneum - inflammatory
What are some causes of septic peritonitis?
FB rupture ruptured uterus penetrating object (stick injury) bile leakage uroabdomen
What is the treatment for a patient presenting with septic peritonitis?
Stabilisation (prior to surgery) = IVFT and ABs
Surgery - removal of cause of infection
What are the clinical signs for a patient presenting with septic peritonitis?
Acute abdominal pain
dehydration
fever/pyrexia
shock (hypovolemic, septic and distributive)
What is a haemabdomen
a condition where an accumulation of blood occurs in the peritoneal space
What are the clinical signs of a patient presenting with a haemabdomen
Tachycardia Tachypnoea Pale MM pronged CRT Hypovolemia Perfusion issues
