Identification of a critically ill patient

Question 1

Define critical illness.

Answer 1

An acute life-threatening multisystem process that is reversible and can result in significant morbidity or mortality

Question 2

How do you identify a critically ill patient?

Answer 2

Triage- Diagnosis based, Procedure based, Speciality based, Vital signs based

Question 2

Name 5 scores that can be used in recognition of a critically ill patient.

Answer 2

• Rockall score
• TIMI risk score
• The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II)
• Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II
• POSSUM score, Physiological and Operative Severity Score
• Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score
• SOFA Score
• The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI)
• CHEWA score

Question 2

For GCS, which mnemonic can you use for verbal response.

Answer 2

VOICE (1-5)

Question 2

For GCS, which mnemonic can you use for motor response.

Answer 2

OLDBEN (6-1)

Question 2

For GCS, which mnemonic can you use for eye opening.

Answer 2

EYES (1-4)

Question 3

How do you manage a critically ill patient?

Answer 3

Call for help!

ABC assessment

ABC management – save the patient’s life!

Diagnosis

Disposition + FAST HUGS IN BED PLEASE