Triage workshop Flashcards
What does triage mean in the context of a single patient?
assessing which body systems are affected to prioritise and direct therapy efficiently
What are some important considerations of triage?
Chance of survival
Quality of life afterwards
Resources required
What factors affect effective triage?
Experience/knowledge
Presence or absence of a plan
Stress and anxiety levels
Leadership and communication skills
Agile decision-making
Effective triage = timely & appropriate prioritisation
How do we optimise performance/effective triage
Practice
Algorithms
What is the ABCDE in triage
A = airway
B = breathing
C = circulation
D = disability
E = exposure
Neumonics not good in stressful situations, easy to forget
What are the components of the Primary Survey in triage?
TPMR (Trauma, Primary, Monitoring, Resuscitation)
POCUS (TFAST, AFAST, VetBLUE)
Blood Pressure Measurement
Neurological and Pain Assessment
What are the clinical signs and diagnostic tools for hypovolemia in a trauma patient?
Clinical Signs: Lowered rectal temperature, increased pulse rate with reduced quality, pale mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time
Diagnosis: Ultrasound (POCUS) to assess cardiac filling, caudal vena cava size, and free fluid
How do pulmonary contusions present, and how are they diagnosed?
Clinical Signs: Increased respiratory rate & total effort, cyanosis
Diagnosis: Ultrasound (POCUS) showing B-lines/Lung rockets in post-trauma patients
What are the signs and diagnostic methods for reduced perfusion with oxygenated blood?
Clinical Signs: neurological depression
Diagnosis: Blood pressure, Lactate, Blood gas analysis
What does the Secondary Survey focus on?
Further patient-side diagnostics (e.g., blood glucose, electrolytes, PCV/TP, clotting tests)
Focused examinations (neuro, ophtho, ortho, organ ultrasound)
When is a Tertiary Survey performed?
Once the patient is stable
Includes full clinical exam, history, imaging, and lab tests
