On-call Flashcards
What would be some appropriate referrals for on-call physio
Any deteriorating respiratory patient (who will deteriorate further without pt input)
Occlusion e.g blood, tumour, aspiration
Changes in lung volume
Bronchospasm - spasm of smooth muscle in the wall of the bronchial tree
Problems elsewhere in the body may show similar symptoms - renal, cardiac, acid-base compensations
What would some inappropriate referrals for on-call physio be according to the local on call policy?
- In the absence of any other chest pathology: pulmonary oedema, pleural effusions, pulmonary embolus
- When suction only is required
- When patient is not for resus and no active treatment and is in no chest distress
- End of life care unless patient is in distress due to secretions
What questions should you ask the caller?
- Name and location of patient
- Who is speaking and which Dr requested
- HPC
- What is their main problem now?
- Have they had ABG/CXR
- What has been done to improve their condition? What is planned
- Resus status
What advice could you (as a physio) give over the phone?
- Are they on humidified O2?
- Are they prescribed nebulisers? If yes, can they have one, or no can dr prescribe
- Advice re-positioning of the patient
- Pain relief?
What to remember about inappropriate referrals?
They need to be documented as this is the only physiotherapy record of the discussion with the Dr/nurse about why you did not think it was suitable to attend.
- If in doubt, go in!
