Test your knowledge on this section focused on communication and patient assessment. If you have difficulty answering these. Go back to review. You may need to consult your textbook for deeper explanation and to master a topic you are struggling with. (more…)
Archive | Patient Assessment
Patient Assessment | Clinical Decision Making
Clinical Decision Making Ability to quickly integrate an enormous amount of information from multiple sources to form a correct treatment plan Practice Environment: the field is a unique environment to apply medical skill and therapies. Major Trauma: injuries or mechanisms that place the patient at great risk of death or disability Major Medical: patient can […]
Patient Assessment | Part Four
Transport Three R’s Right person, right place, right amount of time Receiving facility depends on: Patient Condition Available facilities: Special centers Multisystem trauma Burns AMI Spinal Pediatric Neonatal Hyperbaric chamber Behavioral/Psych Medical Direction: contact receiving facility re: Nature of incident Number of patients coming Life threatening problems Care being rendered Results of care ETA Other […]
Patient Assessment | Part Three
Phases of Scene Assessment (Continued) 5 – Detailed Physical Examination Detailed assessment: organized, subjective and objective exam For priority patients, do this en route to the hospital 6 – Ongoing Assessment Continue through definitive field management and transportation Stable every 15 min Unstable every 5 min Mental Status Monitor the airway Monitor breathing rate and quality […]
Patient Assessment | Part Two
Phases of Scene Assessment (Continued) 3 – Focused History and Physical Exam Medical Medical: Limited and is specifically related to the acute problem of the day. Use OPQRST Assess: what ever is related to the complaint Take: baseline vitals Unresponsive Medical: do a rapid assessment Position patient to protect the airway Assess: Head Neck Chest Abdomen […]
Patient Assessment | Part One
Patient Assessment SOAP Format: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan Symptom: subjective indication of a disease or condition as perceived by patient -complaint, history etc. Sign: objective finding, vital signs, what you see Phases of Scene Assessment 1 – Scene size up: scene safety is #1 BSI Dispatch is based on: Patient condition/medical history Scene condition Number […]
Techniques of Physical Examination | Part Five
Considerations for Examining an Infant or Child: Infants – under 1 year Child – age 1-8 years old Differences to keep in mind: Internal organs are larger in proportion to adult, all packed in small space Head is larger in proportion to body, injuries common Bones are softer and more flexible, will bend, may not […]
Techniques of Physical Examination | Part Four
Nervous System Remember symmetry: evaluate everything in terms of bilateral tests: strength, sensation and reflexes. Results must be parallel to the other side of the body. Organize by: Mental Status and Speech – LOC, note any deterioration, use AVPU, Glasgow Coma Scale Motor System – observe body in motion and at rest. Voluntary and involuntary […]
Techniques of Physical Examination | Part Three
Cardiovascular System Evaluate Four areas: Arterial Pulse – check for rate (bradycardia – tachycardia), regularity/rhythm (skipped or extra beats), and character/amplitude (strong, weak…): radial (most often for conscious patients) carotid (patients with shock or poor circulation) femoral (also patients with shock or poor circulation) – brachial – infants Blood pressure: normotension = normal limits normal […]
Techniques of Physical Examination | Part Two
Techniques of Physical Examination | Part Two Making a General Survey: universal overview of the patient’s general condition. Document appropriately: LOC Signs of Distress Apparent state of health Skin color temp and condition Weight Posture Gait activity Dress grooming personal hygiene Breath odors Facial expression Vital Signs Additional assessments: pulse oximetry, blood glucose, cardiac monitoring […]