TEST 3

Exam Three Review Sheet

Mnemonics

  • AVPU: A mnemonic used to assess the patient's level of consciousness

    • Awake: Patient is alert.

    • Verbal: Patient responds to verbal stimuli.

    • Pain: Patient responds to painful stimuli.

    • Unresponsive: Patient does not respond.

  • DCAP-BTLS: Mnemonic for assessing injuries during a physical exam

    • Deformities

    • Contusions

    • Abrasions

    • Punctures/penetrations

    • Burns

    • Tenderness

    • Lacerations

    • Swelling

  • SAMPLE: Mnemonic for obtaining patient history

    • Signs and Symptoms

    • Allergies

    • Medications

    • Pertinent past medical history

    • Last oral intake

    • Events leading up to illness or injury

  • OPQRST: Mnemonic for assessing pain

    • Onset

    • Provocation or palliation

    • Quality

    • Region/radiation

    • Severity

    • Timing

Patient Assessment Steps

Primary Survey

  1. Scene Size-up:

    • Assess safety, mechanism of injury (MOI) or nature of illness (NOI), number of patients, and need for additional help.

    • Steps include:

      • Take Standard Precautions (BSI)

      • Ensure scene safety

      • Determine MOI/NOI

      • Determine number of patients

      • Consider additional/specialized resources

  2. Initial Assessment:

    • General impression of the patient, initial assessment, initial interventions, and prioritization.

Secondary Survey

  1. Focused History and Physical Exam:

    • Differentiate assessments for medical (responsive, unresponsive) and trauma patients.

  2. Interventions:

    • Administer necessary treatments based on the assessment.

  3. Detailed Physical Exam:

    • A thorough examination of the patient to identify additional injuries or conditions.

  4. Radio Report:

    • Communicate critical findings and interventions to medical personnel.

  5. Ongoing Assessment/Reassessment:

    • Monitor patient status throughout treatment and transport.

Vital Signs

  • Normal and Abnormal Vital Signs:

    • Know typical adult and pediatric values.

    • Measure and record:

    • Heart Rate

    • Respiratory Rate

    • Blood Pressure

    • Temperature

    • Skin Conditions:

      • Pale, cyanotic, or flushed skin indicates potential health issues.

Communication and Documentation Terminology

  • Ensure clear communication regarding patient conditions and interventions.

  • Document all findings thoroughly for patient care continuity.

Scenario-Based Questions

  • Be prepared to utilize the assessment process in hypothetical situations.

  • Apply your knowledge from the study material to respond effectively to case scenarios.

Importance of Patient Assessment

  • Quality patient assessment is essential for effective emergency care and influences outcomes.

  • The assessment process consists of:

    • Scene size-up: Identifying risks before patient interaction.

    • Primary survey: Identifying immediate life threats and establishing patient stability.

    • History taking: Gathering background information to inform treatment.

    • Secondary survey: Performing a detailed examination of the patient.

    • Reassessment: Continuously evaluating patient status throughout care.

Scene Size-up Process

  • Preparation Steps:

    • Begins with information from dispatch.

    • Continuous situational awareness is required.

  • Safety Measures:

    • Take precautions, ensure scene safety, determine MOI/NOI, and assess patient numbers.

    • Call for additional resources as needed.

Mechanism of Injury (MOI) and Nature of Illness (NOI)

  • Importance of understanding MOI in trauma assessment:

    • Evaluates force, duration, and affected body areas.

  • Categories of trauma include:

    • Blunt Trauma: Impact over a broad area; usually no skin breach.

    • Penetrating Trauma: Small point of entry; high infection risk.

History Taking Process

  • Involves understanding chief complaints and symptoms thoroughly.

  • Techniques include using the SAMPLE mnemonic and dealing with various communication challenges.

Assessment Techniques

Physical Assessment Techniques

  • Inspection: Observe abnormalities visually.

  • Palpation: Feel for irregularities in body structures.

  • Auscultation: Listen to body sounds with a stethoscope.

  • Use the DCAP-BTLS mnemonic for guiding your physical assessments.

Vital Sign Monitoring

  • Use tools like pulse oximetry and blood pressure cuffs to monitor patients.

  • Understanding ranges for normal vital signs varies by age and other factors is crucial.

Documentation and Communication

Effective Communication Skills

  • Use verbal and non-verbal techniques to communicate effectively with patients and medical officers.

  • Maintain professionalism when interacting with all individuals involved in a case.

Documentation Essentials

  • Ensure thorough documentation of all aspects of patient care for legal, administrative, and continuity of care purposes.

This guide should serve as a comprehensive review of the Emergency Medical Services patient assessment process and related protocols for Exam Three.