Week 3 ED/Disaster Flashcards
(105 cards)
Most common patient safety issues
patient identification, fall risks, skin breakdown, medication errors and adverse events
Core competencies of emergency nursing
assessment, priority setting, clinical decision making, multitasking and communication
Emergent triage
a condition poses immediate risk to life or limb
Urgent triage
should be treated quickly but a threat to life does not exist
ex: new onset pneumonia, renal colic, complex lacerations, displaced fractures or dislocations and fever over 101
Nonurgent triage
can tolerate several hours without care
ex: sprains, simple fractures, cold sx and rashes
Emergency severity index (ESI)
categorizes PTs from level 1 (emergent) to level 5 (nonurgent)
Canadian triage acuity scale (CTAS)
uses lists of descriptors to establish a triage level
Mistriage
a PT safety risk that can delay care or cause inadequate care
Example of intentional trauma
assault, homicide, suidice
Blunt trauma
results from impact forces like in a car crash or fall from a height
Injury is caused by rapid acceleration-deceleration
Penetrating trauma
results from sharp objects or projectiles
Primary survey
the initial assessment of the trauma victim
Based on ABC plus D (disability) and E (exposure)
Resuscitation efforts occur at the same time as the survey
Airway intervention for a breathing PT
Non-rebreather mask
Airway intervention for someone needing ventilatory assistance
Bag valve mask with 100% O2
Airway intervention for someone with significantly impaired respirations and cognitive status
Intubation with an ET tube and mechanical ventilation
Breathing assessment
determines if ventilatory efforts are effective, not just if the PT is breathing
What to do if CPR is necessary on a ventilated PT
Disconnect the ventilator and manually ventilate with a BVM
What is the main indication to perform chest decompression and how is it done?
Tension pneumothorax
a needle or chest tube is used to vent trapped air
S/Sx of a tension pneumothorax
decreased or absent breath sounds, respiratory distress, hypotension, JVD and tracheal deviation (late sign)
BP estimates in trauma situations: presence of radial pulse
BP at least 80
BP estimates in trauma situations: presence of femoral pulse
BP at least 70
BP estimates in trauma situations: presence of carotid pulse
BP at least 60
Best IV access gauge and site in trauma
16 gauge in the antecubital area (bend of the elbow) Central catheters (8.5fr) can also be used in femoral, subclavian or jugular veins
IV solutions of choice in trauma
Ringers lactate and NS 0.9% warmed before administration to prevent hypothermia