Unconscious Patient

Question 1

what can someone with no medical training do if they find someone unconscious at home?

Answer 1

call for help

recovery position

Question 2

4 main systems involved in unconsciousness to think about?

Answer 2

Cardiac
Neuro
Infection
Trauma

Question 3

The 3 causes of unconsciousness?

Answer 3

1. brain isn’t getting sugar or O2
2. no cardiac output
3. brain itself isn’t working

Question 4

initial evaluation of unconscious patient?

Answer 4

DRS ABCDEFG
Vitals
Focused
Relevant investigations

Question 5

2 important investigations for unconscious patient?

Answer 5

CT

LP

Question 6

ecstasy could cause what?

Answer 6

hyponatraemia

Question 7

3 aspects of GCS?

Answer 7

Best Motor
Best Verbal
Eye opening

Question 8

GCS mainly for?

Answer 8

blunt head trauma

Question 9

GCS not good for?

Answer 9

Alcohol and hypoglycaemia

Question 10

what is cushing syndrome?

Answer 10

bradycardia (carotids)

hypertension (trying to overcome raised ICP)

Question 11

3 things to do with someone who has raised ICP?

Answer 11

1. IV mannitol - dehydrates brain
2. Drop the CO2 - hyperventilate them
3. sit them up

Question 12

IV mannitol for raised ICP won’t work when?

Answer 12

is break in BBB

Question 13

ongoing management of stable unconscious patient?

Answer 13

Vitals
Prev. aspiration
hydration
pressure areas
sedation
nutrition
monitoring