Week 8: ABCDE Approach Flashcards
What are the principles?
- 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
What does it stand for ABCDE
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Disability
Exposure
Air way: Causes of airway obstructio
- Foreign bodies ( blood vomit)
- Blocked tracheostomy
- Trauma
- Infection
- Inflammation
Air way: Recognition of airway obstruction
- 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
Air wayTreatment of airway obstruction
- 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
Breathing (B) Causes of breathing problems
– Asthma
– Infection
- Decreased respiratory
Breathing (B)nRecognition of breathing problems
LOOK
– Rate, rhythm, depth
– Accessory muscle use – Cyanosis
– Chest deformity
– Conscious level
LISTEN
– Noisy breathing – SILENCE = BAD!
FEEL
– Expansion
– Percussion
– Tracheal position
– Surgical emphysema
Breathing (B) Treatment of breathing problems
- Position patient High Fowler’s position
- Reassure
- Oxygen
Circulation (C) Causes of circulation issues
Shock : –Cardiogenic –Obstructive
–Electrolyte imbalance –Anaemia –Hyperthermia –Hypothermia
Assessing Circulation
- Pulse/Heart Rate
- Blood Pressure
- Skin Turgor
- Capillary Refill
- Urine Output
3 things to assess on someone pulse
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
What is blood pressure dependent upon
- Cardiac output (pumping action of the heart)
- Blood volume
- Blood viscosity
- Venous return
- Peripheral vascular resistance & elasticity of large artery walls
Circulation (C) Recognition of circulation issues
Shortness of breath
Syncope
Bleeding or fluid loss
Blood pressure changes; hypotension, hypertension
Poor peripheral perfusion – increased capillary refill time
Circulation (C) Treatment of circulation issues
- Dehydrated
- Urine Output
Disability (D) Causes of reduced conscious level
Drugs –Prescribed –Recreational
* Hyper or hypoglycaemia
* Hypoxia