Unit 52

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Unit 52

Response to Basic Emergencies


Objectives

• Spell and define terms.• Recognize emergency situations that

require urgent care.• List and describe the eleven

standardized types of codes.


Objectives

• Evaluate situations and determine the sequence of appropriate actions to be taken.

• Describe how to maintain the patient’s airway and breathing during respiratory failure and respiratory arrest.


Objectives

• Recognize the need for CPR.• List the benefits of early defibrillation.• Identify signs, symptoms, and treatment

of emergency situations such as:– Cardiac arrest– Choking– Bleeding


Objectives

• Identify the signs, symptoms, and treatment of common emergency situations such as:– Shock– Fainting– Heart attack– Brain attack (stroke)– Seizure


Objectives• Identify the signs, symptoms, and

treatment of common emergency situations such as:– Vomiting and aspiration– Thermal injuries – Poisoning– Known or suspected head injury


Dealing with Emergencies • Emergency situations develop rapidly

and unpredictably• Emergency situations can occur at any

time to anyone:– Automobile accidents– Strokes (brain attacks)– Suddenly feeling weak– Fainting and falling


Dealing with Emergencies

• An emergency is any unexpected situation that requires immediate action and medical attention.

• In a true emergency:– Prompt action is needed to prevent further

complications and to save the life of the victim

– It is important to take immediate action.


Being Prepared

• While working in a hospital or long-term care facility– You are always close to professional

medical help • When you witness an accident away

from the medical facility– You may not have access to professional

help


Being Prepared

• Whatever course of action you choose:– The victim should not be further

endangered


Standard Precautions

• Emergencies are stressful and it is easy to become distracted.

• Use standard precautions– Protect yourself from exposure to blood,

body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, and nonintact skin.


Standard Precautions

• If accidental contact occurs, wash the exposed skin area well with soap and water.

• If mucous membrane contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with running water.

• Inform your supervisor of the exposure as soon as the emergency is over.


Basic Emergencies • Some basic emergencies:

– Cardiac arrest– Choking– Obstructed airway– Bleeding– Shock– Fainting– Heart attack


Basic Emergencies • Some basic emergencies:

– Stroke (brain attack)– Seizures– Vomiting and aspiration– Electric shock– Burns– Orthopedic injuries– Head injury– Accidental poisoning


Code Words

• Health care facilities announce various code words over the intercom to designate different emergencies.

• Facilities are standardizing the code words to minimize confusion.


Code Words

• Memorize the code words used in your facility and learn what your responsibilities are in each.


DNR Orders

• You must know which patients on your unit have do not resuscitate (DNR) orders– Or know where you can find this

information quickly• Refer to Figure 52-4


DNR Orders

Documents

Unit 52