ABCDE - Disability and Exposure Flashcards
What are the tests/investigations done for ‘Disability’?
Cap Blood Glucose
GCS
Examine pupils with pen torch
3D History - Description of symptoms, drugs & allergies, disorders/disability before illness
What is an emergency low capillary blood glucose? How do you manage it?
<3 mmol/L
Send blood to lab for formal glucose measurement
Immediate IV Dextrose
GCS Scoring
Eyes - 4
Verbal - 5
Motor - 6
Describe the scores for ‘Verbal Response’ in GCS
5 - oriented - time + place 4 - confused 3 - Inappropriate words 2 - Incomprehensible sounds 1 - No response
Describe the scores for ‘Motor Response’ in GCS
6 - Follows command 5 - Localises pain 4 - Flexes away from pain 3 - Inappropriate flexion 2 - Inappropriate extension 1 - No response
What are the phrases used to describe someone with a score of 2 or 3 on ‘Motor Response’?
3 - Decorticate
2 - Decerebrate
At what GCS score is a person comatose?
8 or below
How to manage somebody with low GCS?
Perform ABG if indication of hypercapnia (chronic lung disease, depressed ventilation)
0.8-2mg IV Naloxone if small pupils, or no obvious cause
Re-assess after 1 minute, then further action if needed
What do bilateral pinpoint pupils suggest?
Opioid intoxication
Pontine lesion
What do bilateral dilated pupils suggest?
Amphetamine/Cocaine Intoxication
Atropine
Tricyclic Antidepressant Intoxication
What clinical sign would raised ICP and 3rd nerve palsy cause?
Unilateral, fixed, dilated pupil
Investigations for ‘Exposure’ during GCS?
Body Temp
Full exposure investigation
Abdo exam (distension, tenderness, guarding, rigidity)
What signs do you look for during full body exposure?
Jaundice
Wounds/bleeds/visible injury
Rashes
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