Syncope (A0725) Flashcards
What are the care objectives for syncope?
Identify patients with syncope, manage symptoms, and determine the right care pathway based on condition and risk.
Who is the Syncope CPG aimed at?
Patients aged 16 and older experiencing transient loss of consciousness.
Define syncope.
A transient loss of consciousness due to cerebral hypoperfusion, with rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery.
Describe reflex syncope signs.
Triggered by unpleasant experiences or prolonged standing, often with autonomic symptoms before collapse.
What indicates orthostatic hypotension in syncope?
Symptoms occur upon or immediately following standing, can be related to medication changes.
What are cardiovascular syncope indicators?
Syncope during exertion or when supine, sudden onset with palpitations, or a family history of sudden death.
What is the approach for low-risk syncope?
Consider outpatient management for reflex syncope or uncomplicated orthostatic hypotension without other clinical priorities.
Provide self-care advice for syncope.
Lie flat and elevate feet if faint, ensure fresh air, remain flat for 10 minutes after, and move slowly when standing.
What actions to take for high-risk syncope symptoms?
Call emergency services if developing chest pain, shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, palpitations, or severe headache after a syncope episode.
Management for low-risk syncope?
Refer to outpatient if no urgent ED needs. Send ECG to VVED if referred.
What to do for high-risk syncope patients?
: Require ED care, prolonged monitoring, not for outpatient management.
What are the assessment essentials
History, physical exam, ECG, Medication review, consider pregnancy & lactate test, competing medical conditions
What is considered low-risk Syncope?
Reflex syncope OR uncomplicated orthostatic hypotension.
