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Cardiac Arrest: Difference between revisions
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====Patient assessment==== | ====Patient assessment==== | ||
During a cardiac arrest a structured assessment of the patient is required to detect the effects of the resuscitation, return of spontaneous circulation, reversible causes. To facilitate this assessment, an ABCDE approach can be used.<br> | During a cardiac arrest a structured assessment of the patient is required to detect the effects of the resuscitation, return of spontaneous circulation, reversible causes. To facilitate this assessment, an ABCDE approach can be used.<cite>Thim, Guly</cite><br> | ||
'''Airway:''' During the first step it is important to assess if the airway is clear. Airway obstruction can occur at any level. It can be caused by obstruction from the soft palate and epiglottis, blood, vomit and foreign bodies or airway oedema. It is important to look, listen and feel for airway obstruction. Look for chest and abdominal movements, listen and feel for airflow at the mouth and nose. In partial airway obstruction, the inspiration or expiration is usually noisy by an inspiratory stridor or expiratory wheeze.<br> | '''Airway:''' During the first step it is important to assess if the airway is clear. Airway obstruction can occur at any level. It can be caused by obstruction from the soft palate and epiglottis, blood, vomit and foreign bodies or airway oedema. It is important to look, listen and feel for airway obstruction. Look for chest and abdominal movements, listen and feel for airflow at the mouth and nose. In partial airway obstruction, the inspiration or expiration is usually noisy by an inspiratory stridor or expiratory wheeze.<br> | ||
'''Breathing:''' Hypoxaemia is a reversible cause and after assessment and securing the airway, ventilation of the patient should be optimized. Arterial blood oxygen saturation can be monitored to assess hypoxaemia. If necessary tracheal intubation, sedation and controllered ventilation should be instituted.<br> | '''Breathing:''' Hypoxaemia is a reversible cause and after assessment and securing the airway, ventilation of the patient should be optimized. The airway can be secured using a variety of devices and ventilation methods. Arterial blood oxygen saturation can be monitored to assess hypoxaemia. If necessary tracheal intubation, sedation and controllered ventilation should be instituted.<br> | ||
'''Circulation:''' Myocardial ischemia or infarction is a common cause of cardiac arrest. Furthermore before or after the cardiac arrest tachycardias or bradycardias may occur and acute management is indicated. <br> | '''Circulation:''' Myocardial ischemia or infarction is a common cause of cardiac arrest. Furthermore before or after the cardiac arrest tachycardias or bradycardias may occur and acute management is indicated. <br> | ||
'''Disability:''' This step consist of determining the Glasgow Coma Scale of the patients and look for neurologic symptoms that might cause cardiac arrest. Furthermore it is important monitor glucose and temperature. <br> | '''Disability:''' This step consist of determining the Glasgow Coma Scale of the patients and look for neurologic symptoms that might cause cardiac arrest. Furthermore it is important monitor glucose and temperature. <br> | ||