Unconscious Patient Flashcards
What could kill a patient immediatly
Cardiac arrest, airway obstruction, breathing (oxygenation)
What could kill a patient in the next few minutes
Hypoglycaemia, overdose, intracranial hypertension and herniation
Things to cover in quick primary survery
Neurological, impending herniation, breathing pattern, toxidrome, signs of shock, abdominal or trauma
What to give is opioid toxidrome suspected
Naloxone 0.2-0.4mg IV over 2-3 min
What to do if there are signs of impending herniation
Intubate, provide analgesia and sedation, elevated the head of the bed, respirate to a target pCO2 of 35mmHg, mannitol 0.501 gram or 3% hypertonic saline 2-3ml/kg IV bolus
What to do if the patient is hypoglycaemic
Fixed rate insulin infusion IV
What can kill a patient in the next 10 minutes
ABCs, hypotension, anaphylaxis, hyperkalaemia, MI, aortic dissection
Interventions if there is n abnormal ECG or suspect hyperkalaemia
2-3 amps of calcium gluconate IV
What to do if patient is hypotensive
Fluid bolus or blood products
What to administer if there is suspician of anaphylaxis
Adrenaline 0.5mg IM
What can kill a patient over the next few hours
Sepsis, intracranial haemorrhage, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, nec fasc, abdominal catastrophes, metabolic problems such as DKA, HHNK, hyponat, thyroid, adrenal
What is given in myxedema
Thyroxine
What is given in adrenal crisis
Dexamethasone
What is given in non-convulsive status epilepticus
Benzodiazepines
What is the mnemonic to help identify causes of unconsciousness
AEIOU TIPS
