Medical Emergencies

Crash cart◦Drugs and equipment for emergency situations

Automatic External Defibrillator(AED)◦Analyze the pts cardiac rhythm and determine

if shock is necessary

Head Injury

Indications◦Irritability◦Lethargy◦Slowing pulse rate◦Slowing respiratory rate

Response◦Maintain open airway◦Stop procedure and obtain medical

assistance/vital signs

Medical Emergencies

Oxygen◦ Mask or nasal cannula◦ 3-5L/minute

Suction unit◦ Maintain pt’s airway

Cardiac arrest◦ Cessation of heart function◦ Call code◦ Grab crash cart◦ Perform CPR

Respiratory arrest◦ Cessation of breathing◦ Choking/upper respiratory tract swelling◦ Failure of CNS

Shock

Shock◦ Symptoms

Diastolic less than 50 (hypotension) Systolic less than 30 Dyspnea (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) Accelerated pulse Confusion Restlessness and apprehension Pale, cool, clammy skin Weakness

Septic shock Toxins in bloodstream cause drop in blood pressure

Neurogenic shock Causes blood to pool in peripheral vessels

Shock

Hypovolemic shock Loss of large amount of blood/plasma

Cardiogenic shock Cardiac failure

Allergic shock◦Anaphylaxis◦Allergic reaction to foreign proteins◦Low pressure/dyspnea◦ Iodinated contrast reactions

Mild reaction◦Urticaria(hives), nausea,vomiting

Serious reaction◦Laryngeal edema, shock, cardiac arrest

Shock

Failure of the circulatory system to support vital body functions◦Hypovolemic-loss of blood or tissue fluid◦Cardiogenic-cardic disorders/myocardial

infarction◦Neuorgenic-damage to spinal cord◦Vasogenic-sepsis,anaphylaxis

Hypoglycemia

Excessive insulin◦Caused by taking insulin and not eating

breakfast◦Hungry, weak, shaky, sweating,

confused,irritable, aggressive◦Administer carbohydrate (OJ, soda,candy)◦Schedule pts first thing in AM

Hyperglycemia

Excessive sugar in bloodExcessive thirst, urination, rapid deep

breathing, drowsiness, confusionCan lead to diabetic comaPt needs insulin/get medical help

Asthma

WheezingDilation of bronchi on inspiration and

collapse on exhalationInhaler or bronchodilator Stop procedure and assist pt to a sitting

position/calm pt down

Heimlich Maneuver

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Minor emergencies

Epistaxis◦Nosebleed◦Lean forward and pinch nostril

Vertigo◦Dizziness

Syncope◦Fainting◦Assist to a seated or recumbent position◦Be careful when having pts sit up after lying on

xray table

Seizures◦Prevent pt from being injured

Falls◦Never leave a pt alone on the xray table