Medical Emergencies - Chapter 9 Review

Overview

• Focus on medical emergencies as per Chapter 9 of the Torres Patient Care Book.
• Enables students to:
  • Assess neurological and cognitive functioning.
  • Classify shock and describe the shock continuum.
  • Recognize and respond to various medical emergencies.

Key Topics Covered

Neurological and Cognitive Assessment

• Assess upon patient admission for a diagnostic procedure to establish a baseline.
• Observe for changes in consciousness and report.
• Use the Glasgow Coma Scale for assessment.

Emergency Procedures in Imaging Departments

• Immediate action in emergencies: call hospital emergency team (code blue).
• Know emergency team's contact and location.
• Emergency carts (crash carts) available with essential medications and equipment.

Shock

• Types of Shock:
  • Hypovolemic Shock: Due to blood or fluid loss.
  • Cardiogenic Shock: Resulting from cardiac disorders.
  • Distributive Shock: Involving blood pooling in peripheral vessels; includes neurogenic, septic, and anaphylactic shock.

Shock Continuum

• Initial Stage: Increased heart rate.
• Compensatory Stage: Redirecting blood from non-essential organs.
• Progressive Stage: Decreased perfusion and worsening symptoms.
• Irreversible Stage: Organ damage and failure.

Anaphylactic Shock

• Common in radiographic imaging due to iodine contrast media.
• Symptoms: Nasal congestion, itching, hives, breathing difficulties, severe reactions.
• Management: Immediate stop of infusion, inform radiologist, monitor vitals, and be prepared for CPR.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

• Blockage in pulmonary arteries by clots.
• High risk in hospitalized surgical patients.
• Includes symptoms like chest pain, rapid heart rate.

Diabetes Mellitus

• Types:
  • Type 1: Insulin-dependent, occurs in younger individuals.
  • Type 2: Most common, management includes lifestyle changes.
  • Gestational: Occurs during pregnancy.
• Emergencies: Hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic non-ketotic syndrome.

Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke)

• Blockage or rupture of brain blood vessels.
• Symptoms: Headache, weakness, vision impairment, speech difficulty.
• Immediate response and intervention required.

Cardiac and Respiratory Emergencies

• Cardiac Arrest: Heart stopping effectively; necessitates CPR and defibrillation.
• Respiratory Arrest: Breathing ceases; requires immediate intervention.
• Use of AEDs and maintaining CPR certification is critical.

Airway Obstructions

• Can be partial or complete.
• Response: Immediate help, abdominal thrusts, and ensure airway is clear.

Additional Considerations

• Seizures: Stay with patient, do not restrain, note duration.
• Syncope (Fainting): Supine position with legs elevated.
• Other Conditions: Nausea, nosebleeds (epistaxis), vertigo, asthma.

Conclusion

• Radiographers must be vigilant in recognizing and managing medical emergencies.
• Awareness of emergency procedures and patient care standards is essential for effective intervention.