ABCs of Emergency Nursing Care – Study Guide

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ABCs of emergency care

Airway, Breathing, Circulation - prioritized sequence in life-threatening situations.

Airway

The passage through which air enters and leaves the lungs; must be clear for effective breathing.

Breathing

The process of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide; assessed in emergency situations.

Circulation

The movement of blood throughout the body to supply oxygen and nutrients to vital organs.

Obstruction of airway

Blockage that prevents airflow; caused by tongue, food, mucus, or vomit.

Signs of airway obstruction

Noisy breathing, gasping, choking, cyanosis, chest retraction.

Heimlich maneuver

First aid procedure for choking; involves abdominal thrusts to expel airway obstruction.

Stridor

A high-pitched wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow; indicative of airway obstruction.

Jaw-thrust maneuver

Technique used to open the airway without tilting the head; suitable for spinal injury suspected.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing rate; can indicate respiratory distress.

Bradypnea

Abnormally slow breathing rate; can indicate respiratory depression.

Chemicals that can cause respiratory depression

Overdose from substances such as opioids, sedatives, or alcohol.

Signs of respiratory distress

Use of accessory muscles, asymmetrical chest rise, cyanosis, gasping.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; emergency procedure to restore breathing and circulation.

CPR

A sudden loss of heart function; requires immediate resuscitation efforts.

Cardiac arrest

Hypovolemic shock

A state of circulatory failure caused by a reduction in intravascular volume. Significant blood loss, severe dehydration, or extensive burns can lead to this condition, resulting in inadequate organ perfusion and potential end-organ damage if not promptly treated.

Administering fluids to restore blood volume and improve circulation.

Fluid resuscitation

Mean Arterial Pressure below 65 indicating possible organ hypoperfusion.

MAP < 65

Ventricular fibrillation; a life-threatening heart rhythm requiring defibrillation.

V-fib

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support; protocol for managing cardiac emergencies.

ACLS

Sepsis

A life-threatening response to infection resulting in systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction.

Pneumothorax

Air in the pleural space causing lung collapse; can compromise breathing.

Suctioning

Clearing airway secretions to enhance airflow and promote effective breathing.

Sign of poor circulation or shock; indicates reduced blood flow to skin.

Cool, clammy skin

Indicator of peripheral perfusion; delayed refill can signal shock.

Capillary refill > 3 seconds

Bluish discoloration of skin or mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygenation.

Cyanosis

Inadequate blood flow to organs, leading to cellular damage and organ dysfunction.

Organ hypoperfusion

Device used to deliver high concentrations of oxygen to patients in respiratory distress.

Non-rebreather mask

BLS

Basic Life Support; fundamental emergency care for victims of cardiac arrest.

Intubation

Insertion of a tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway.

Flail chest

A condition where a segment of the rib cage is detached, impairing breathing.

Respiratory rate assessment

Measurement of breaths per minute to evaluate ventilation efficiency.

Cyanosis in children

A critical sign indicating severe oxygen deprivation, necessitating immediate assessment.

Emotional responsiveness

The patient's ability to show awareness and reaction to their surroundings or distress.

Signs of shock

Pale skin, confusion, weakness, and rapid heart rate - indicators of circulatory failure.

Pallor

Paleness of skin, often associated with reduced blood flow or shock.

Tourniquet application

Technique to control severe bleeding by compressing blood vessels.

Positioning for breathing difficulty

Upright positioning can assist with respiratory distress.

Auscultation

Listening to the internal sounds of the body, typically to assess lung function.

Crisis intervention

Immediate action taken to stabilize a patient in a life-threatening condition.

Priority of airway maintenance

Critical as patients cannot breathe without an open airway.

Neurological status assessment

Evaluating consciousness and responsiveness to gauge brain perfusion.

Primary survey

Initial assessment in emergency care to identify life-threatening conditions.

Rib fracture consequences

Can lead to compromised lung function and breathing difficulties.

Chest rise assessment

Evaluation of the chest expanding and contracting to ensure effective ventilation.

Signs of effective breathing

Regular rate and rhythm, normal effort without use of accessory muscles.

Spinal precautions

Measures taken to prevent spinal injury during patient stabilization.

Airway management techniques

Includes head-tilt/chin-lift, jaw-thrust, and intubation.

Management of respiratory distress

Includes administering oxygen and positioning to improve ventilation.

Assessment of pulse

Checking for presence and quality of pulse to gauge circulation status.

Signs of effective circulation

Presence of a pulse, normal blood pressure, warm skin.

Rapid assessment tools

Techniques used to quickly identify critical health issues in emergencies.

Continuous observation

Regular monitoring of patient status during emergency interventions.

Patient's response to treatment

Evaluating effectiveness of interventions through observable improvements.

Team communication

Essential for coordinated emergency response and care.

Post-resuscitation care

Continued monitoring and support after initial emergency treatment.

First responders' role

Initial care providers who stabilize patients before advanced care arrives.

Significance of rapid intervention

Quick management can significantly improve patient outcomes in emergencies.

Emergency care protocols

Standardized procedures followed in acute medical situations.

Documentation in emergencies

Recording interventions and patient responses for ongoing medical care.

Legal considerations in emergency care

Understanding consent and liability in time-sensitive situations.

Patient education post-crisis

Instructing patients about ongoing care and prevention strategies.

Ethical considerations in emergency care

Making decisions that respect patient autonomy and well-being.

Nursing priorities during emergencies

Focus on ABCs to ensure immediate stability.

Accessibility to emergency services

Timely availability of medical care in acute situations.

Coordination with emergency medical services

Effective collaboration essential for patient transport and care.

Simulation training for emergencies

Practice drills that prepare healthcare providers for real-life scenarios.

Importance of quick assessment

Determining life-threatening issues swiftly can save lives.

Community awareness campaigns

Educational efforts aimed at improving emergency response knowledge.

Trauma assessment

Evaluating and identifying injuries in patients following accidents.

Use of technology in emergency care

Incorporating tools like electronic health records for rapid information sharing.

Crisis management skills

Ability to maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure.

Preparation for peak stress scenarios

Training for high-pressure situations in emergency medicine.

Collaboration among healthcare teams

Working together improves patient outcomes in emergencies.

Role-playing in emergency drills

Practicing response strategies through simulated scenarios.

Patient safety measures

Ensuring protocols are followed to minimize risk during care.

Feedback loops in emergency training

Continuous improvement through reviewing response effectiveness.

Mental health support in crisis response

Recognizing and addressing emotional impacts on care providers.

Cultural competency in emergencies

Understanding diverse patient backgrounds to provide sensitive care.

Legal documentation during emergencies

Properly recording actions taken can protect healthcare providers.

Increasing public education on emergencies

Teaching community members about basic first aid could save lives.

Standardized protocols for nursing actions

Consistent procedures that enhance patient care efficiency.

Research advancements in emergency care

Continual development of techniques and strategies for better outcomes.

Integration of emergency practice guidelines

Applying proven strategies to real-life situations enhances care.

Promoting health literacy in emergencies

Educating patients about recognizing symptoms and seeking help.

Using mnemonics for emergency assessments

Memory aids that help remember critical steps in patient evaluation.

Patient-centered approach in emergencies

Focusing on the individual needs and circumstances during care.

Emergency response teams training

Specialized training for medical professionals in crisis management.