Medical Emergencies In Medical Imaging Flashcards
(25 cards)
Define shock
A state in which there is a disturbance of blood flow to the vital organs, or a decreased ability of the body tissues to use oxygen and other nutrients needed to maintain them in a healthy state
What causes shock?
Disease, injury, or emotional reactions
Early signs and symptoms of shock`1
- decrease in body temp
- weak, thready pulse
- rapid heartbeat
- rapid, shallow respirations
- hypotension
- skin pallor
- cyanosis
- restlessness, anxiety and confusion
What is cyanosis?
Appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface having low oxygen saturation
Later signs and symptoms of shock
If shock is allowed to progress without treatment
- apathetic (no interest)
- delirious
- comatose
Categories of shock
- hypovolemic
- septic
- cardiogenic
- neurogenic
- anaphylactic
Hypovolemic shock
Shock caused by an abnormally low blood volume of circulating fluid(plasma) in the body
Possible causes of hypovolemic shock
- internal or external hemorrhage
- burns
- peritonitis
- vomiting
- diarrhea
What is peritonitis?
Inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal wall and covering the abdominal organs
Signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock
- fainting, dizziness, restlessness, anxiety
- decreased of falling blood pressure
- weak, thready pulse and shallow rapid respiration
- extreme weakness, lethargy, semi-consciousness, coma
- subnormal body temp
- possible complaints of excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting
- subnormal urinary output
In the case of hypovolemic shock, what actions should be taken by the RT?
- place patient supine
- look for any signs of visible discharge ( blood, vomitus, feces, urine) and notify the radiologist of the patient’s condition immediately
- be prepared to assist the doctor with administration of oxygen and IV fluid
- keep patient warm and dry (do not overheat)
- vitals every 15 minutes
- blood loss from an open wound- use gloves, apply pressure directly to the wound with a sterile dressing
- need quiet, non-stressful environment
- do not allow the patient to see any blood
- do not offer the patient any food or liquids
- remain nearby to reassure and notice any changes in the patient’s condition or appearance
Septic shock
- results from severe systemic infection usually from a bacterial infection
- the elderly, the debilitated, and newborns are the most susceptible to this
Immunocompromised
Signs and symptoms of septic shock
- early stages: skin may feel warm and dry
- urine output may be normal or excessive
- later, an inability to concentrate and increasing confusion
- increase in pulse and respiration
- decrease in blood pressure
- as condition progresses, there is a decrease in urinary output
- skin then becomes cold and clammy
- nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping
In the case of septic shock, what actions should be taken by RT?
- place patient in supine position and keep quiet
- notify radiologist immediately
- vitals every 15 min
- if patient is very warm to the touch, cover the patient with a sheet only
- prepare to assist with IV fluid administration and oxygen
Cardiogenic shock
- failure of the heart to pump an adequate amount of blood to the vital organs; causes inadequate supply to the tissues
- onset sudden
- often occurs in myocardial infarction patients
- can also occur following cardiac tamponade or pericarditis
Cardiac tamponade
- the heart is compressed due to the collection of fluid or blood in the pericardium which surrounds the heart
- aka: pericarditis
Signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock:
- restlessness, anxiety
- falling blood pressure
- weak, rapid pulse
- shallow, difficult respirations
- decreased urinary output
- cool, clammy skin
- possibly semiconscious or coma
In the case of cardiogenic shock, what actions should be taken by RT?
- summon assistance
- put crash cart near the patient
- place patient in a semi-fowlers(15-30 degrees) or upright sitting position
- take vital signs every 15 minutes
- be prepared to assist with administration of IV fluids and O2
- keep patient quiet and stay with them
Neurogenic shock
Condition occurring when concussion, spinal cord injury, psychological trauma, or spinal anesthesia(causes abnormal dialation of the peripheral blood vessels), causing a drop in blood pressure as blood pools in the veins
Signs and symptoms of -neurogenic shock
- hypotension
* initial alertness (unless the patient is unconscious due to head injury)
In the case of neurogenic shock, what actions are to be taken by RT?
- vitals every 15 minutes
- keep the patient flat
- prepare to assist with administration of IV and O2
- warm blanket
- suction
- emesis basin
- gloves
Anaphylactic shock
Caused by an extreme sensitivity to a particular antigen
Early signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock
- itching at injection site or around eyes and nose
- sneezing
- apprehension
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Later symptoms of anaphylactic shock
- edema of face, hands, or other body parts
- choking, wheezing, difficulty breathing, cyanosis
- airway tightens
- falling BP
- weak, rapid pulse
- dilated pupils
