Week 8: ABCDE Approach

Question 1

What are the principles?

Answer 1

• Complete a prompt initial assessment
• Treat life-threatening problems as they are found * call for help early
• Use all members of the team
• Assess response to treatment/interventions
• Effective communication – e.g. ISBAR/iSoBAR

Question 2

What does it stand for ABCDE

Answer 2

Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Disability
Exposure

Question 3

Air way: Causes of airway obstructio

Answer 3

• Foreign bodies ( blood vomit)
• Blocked tracheostomy
• Trauma
• Infection
• Inflammation

Question 4

Air way: Recognition of airway obstruction

Answer 4

• Is the airway obstructed? – Look, listen and feel. Look for cyanosis
• Can the person speak in a usual voice in full sentences?
• Any evidence of:
  – Noisy breathing
  – Gurgling
  – Choking
  – Snoring
  – Stridor

Question 5

Air wayTreatment of airway obstruction

Answer 5

• Call for assistance
• First aid steps to safely remove obstruction (where
  possible)– e.g. first aid (back blows), Magill forceps, suction
  – Recovery position
• Airway manoeuvers back blows to try and dislodge foreign objects

Question 6

Breathing (B) Causes of breathing problems

Answer 6

– Asthma
– Infection
- Decreased respiratory

Question 7

Breathing (B)nRecognition of breathing problems

Answer 7

LOOK
– Rate, rhythm, depth
– Accessory muscle use – Cyanosis
– Chest deformity
– Conscious level
LISTEN
– Noisy breathing – SILENCE = BAD!
FEEL
– Expansion
– Percussion
– Tracheal position
– Surgical emphysema

Question 8

Breathing (B) Treatment of breathing problems

Answer 8

• Position patient High Fowler’s position
• Reassure
• Oxygen

Question 9

Circulation (C) Causes of circulation issues

Answer 9

Shock : –Cardiogenic –Obstructive
–Electrolyte imbalance –Anaemia –Hyperthermia –Hypothermia

Question 10

Assessing Circulation

Answer 10

• Pulse/Heart Rate
• Blood Pressure
• Skin Turgor
• Capillary Refill
• Urine Output

Question 11

3 things to assess on someone pulse

Answer 11

Strength: the pulse volume or amplitude
Equality: assess the corresponding pulse on the other side of the body for equality
Rhythm: has a equal time lapses between beats

Question 12

What is blood pressure dependent upon

Answer 12

• Cardiac output (pumping action of the heart)
• Blood volume
• Blood viscosity
• Venous return
• Peripheral vascular resistance & elasticity of large artery walls

Question 13

Circulation (C) Recognition of circulation issues

Answer 13

Shortness of breath
Syncope
Bleeding or fluid loss
Blood pressure changes; hypotension, hypertension
Poor peripheral perfusion – increased capillary refill time

Question 14

Circulation (C) Treatment of circulation issues

Answer 14

• Dehydrated
• Urine Output

Question 15

Disability (D) Causes of reduced conscious level

Answer 15

Drugs –Prescribed –Recreational
* Hyper or hypoglycaemia
* Hypoxia

Question 16

Disability (D)
Recognition of reduced conscious level

Answer 16

• AVPU and pupils initially – then GCS later
• Blood glucose
• Core temperature
• Check medications, infusions, charts and notes
• in recovery position

Question 17

Disability (D) Treatment of reduced conscious level

Answer 17

• Airway-Breathing-Circulation treatment
• position to facilitate patent airway if needed;
  lateral or recovery position
• oxygen if appropriate

Question 18

Exposure (E)

Answer 18

examination surface, orifice, extremity, cavity, drains
* e.g. injuries, bleeding, tenderness, deformities, rashes, bites and stings
avoid heat loss
– record temperature
* Remove clothes to enable examination - maintain dignity

Question 19

REASSESS ABCDE

Answer 19

• Assess response to treatment/interventions
  – Assess for new/emerging issues
• Use ABCDE for effective communication e.g. within ISBAR/iSoBAR