medical emergencies Flashcards
(32 cards)
what should all sick patients be given according to GDC guidelines
oxygen
15L/ min
non rebreathing mask
Anaphylaxis
ABCDE
A - stridor, tongue/lip swelling
B - increased, wheeze
C - possible increase, possible hypotension
D - possible loss of consciousness due to hypotension
E - swelling, itchy rash
stridor
high pitch breathing due to narrowed airway
on inspiration
treatment of anaphylaxis
remove trigger if possible
call 999 if life threatening
Adrenaline 0.5mg IM injection using z track technique
15L/min O2
z track technique
apply tension to thigh
insert needle
aspirate
inject
remove halfway
release tension
remove fully
adrenaline moa in anaphylaxis treatment
bronchodilator - opens airways
peripheral vasocontrictor and central vasodilator - raises BP
reduces swelling
angina vs MI
both pain comes from lack of blood flow to heart meaning muscles starved of oxygen
angina = narrowed arteries
MI = blocked
Angina/ MI
ABCDE
A - talking
B - increased
C - increased
D - alert
E - pale, clammy, chest pain
treatment of unstable angina
2 x puffs of GTN sublingually (400um each puff)
repeat after 5 mins if required
GTN MOA
venous dilator - reduces amount of blood returning to the heart therefore reduces heart workload reducing pressure and pain
symptomatic relief
treatment of suspected MI
time sensitive
300mg crushed aspirin
aspirin MI MOA
antiplatelet - reduces risks of clots forming or clots growing
asthma
ABCDE
A - difficulty completing sentences
B - increased with wheeze
C - increased
D - alert
E - tripod position
If life threatening attack, pt may be unable to speak and decreased breathing and circulation - cardiac arrest risk
treatment of mild - moderate asthma attack
2 puffs salbutamol , hold each puff for 10s
treatment of severe asthma attack
10 puffs salbutamol into spacer then breath for 20s
then switch to o2 for 2 mins
repeat if required
hypoglycaemia ABCDE
hump analogy
initially ABCD increased then will decrease - pt may become unconscious
E - pale, confused, irritable
reasons for seizure/ fits
various
epilepsy
alcohol
trauma
treatment of seizure
ensure patient in safe environment - wont fall, wont hit heat etc
most seizures spontaneously resolve within 2 mins
if repeat seizure or more than 5 min seizure, 10mg midazolam injection buccaly
midazolam MOA in seizure treatment
benzopdiazepine
increases effects of GABA which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Reduces number of action potentials which can fire which reduces electrical activity in brain
syncope treatment
lie down legs elevated
choking treatment
ask if they can cough
if not - 5 back slaps then 5 abdominal thrusts
compression info
5-6 cm depth
100-120 per minute
30:2 with breaths
centre of chest
compressions in children and infants
child (>1) - 5 cm depth, one hand
infant - 4cm depth , 2 thumbs (encircling technique)
15:2 ratio
how does salbutamol work when treating an asthma attack
short acting beta agonist
causes bronchodilation - relaxes muscles of airway allowing easier airflow in and out of the lungs
