1.17.26 @2nd
Introduction to Displacement and Obstruction
Discusses displacement in medical scenarios, particularly focusing on tracheostomy tubes and obstructions.
Primary Medical Concerns
Obstruction: Often caused by dust, particulates, and phlegm requiring suctioning.
Pneumothorax (P): Occurs when lung integrity is compromised due to displacement or equipment failure.
Equipment Failure (E): When uncertainties arise regarding the functionality of medical equipment like ventilators.
Suggested approach: "Become the ventilator"; rely on family, patient, and caregivers for familiarization with ventilatory needs.
Socioeconomic Influences on Healthcare
Patients often face socioeconomic challenges affecting medical care.
Higher risk for communicable diseases due to insufficient hygiene practices.
Key factors include access to proper medications, food, and heating.
Bariatric Patient Considerations
Bariatrics Key Issues: Addressing weight and size in emergencies is crucial.
Importance of calling for professional assistance within the first two minutes of an incident.
Production of sufficient manpower must be organized early.
Manpower Requirement: Alongside bariatric stretchers and capabilities, it's critical to have adequate personnel trained for lifting heavy patients.
Health Risks: Bariatric patients are at higher risk for infections, respiratory issues, and pressure-related injuries.
Communication and Behavior with Patients
Developmentally delayed patients present challenges in communication and behavior due to cognitive impairments.
Often unable to articulate chief complaints.
May require multiple caregivers for safety and information gathering.
Routine Importance: Routine provides leverage for managing patient's anxiety. Disruption causes behavioral upset, especially in cognitively impaired individuals.
Chemical Sedation: Advocated only for extreme cases to prevent self-harm; involve family and professionals when possible.
Understanding Cognitive Disabilities
Patients may have a range of cognitive impairments which could complicate diagnostics.
Communication Techniques: Speak directly to the patient, rather than intermediaries like family or caregivers. Even if they communicate ineffectively, they can often express basic concerns.
Routine and Predictability: Disruption of normal routines leads to increased anxiety and confusion.
Development of Terms and Patient Respect
Discusses historical context of terms like "mental retardation" and the evolution of nomenclature in clinical settings.
Emphasizes all patients should be treated equitably and with respect.
Developmental Delays and Behavioral Issues
Many patients have learned behavioral traits due to their circumstances; some may act combatively due to confusion or fear.
Sensory sensitivities, particularly in autism, indication for direct communication—avoid ambiguous language.
Consideration of Special Medical Situations
Patients with apnea monitors: Special considerations for transporting those at risk for breathing issues.
Ventricular assist devices (VADs): No chest compressions if functioning unless in a critical situation.
Discussed different pacemakers and their functions, with specific parameters laid out (i.e., heart rates).
Challenges of Transferring Patients with Medical Equipment
Emphasizes protocol for safely transferring patients with indwelling devices (e.g., G-tubes, Foley catheters).
Importance of keeping devices secure to prevent dislodgement and infection risk.
Discuss the implications of not replacing or attempting repairs of external medical devices during transport.
Managing Acute Situations
BLS Protocols for Patients with G-Tubes and Pacemakers: Address common complications and outlined protocols for managing these scenarios in transportation.
Discussion of hydrocephalus and risks associated with shunts demonstrates the necessity of knowledge about potential complications and preventative actions.
Ethical Implications of Care
Requires awareness of the ethical demands of working with patients who have complex needs, often discussed within the context of potential for inadequate care due to social circumstances.
Long-term Feasibility of Protocols: Sedation in end-of-life care raises questions about appropriate responses and patient autonomy regarding health outcomes.
Conclusion of Special Population Protocols
Reference to planned activities and examination preparation for the understanding of special populations in healthcare.