Management of Acutely Injured Patients Overview

Management of Acutely Injured Patients

The management of acutely injured patients involves a comprehensive approach to ensure their safety and wellbeing following an injury. This includes immediate assessment, stabilization, and treatment while ensuring proper documentation. Here is a brief overview of the key steps involved in managing acutely injured patients.

Assessment and Prioritization of Injuries

The first step in managing acutely injured patients is to assess their condition and prioritize injuries according to urgency. This involves identifying life-threatening conditions such as airway obstruction, severe bleeding, or signs of shock and addressing them immediately. The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol provides an organized approach to this assessment process.

Establishing Airway Patency

Ensure that the patient's airway remains open by performing head tilt–chin lift or jaw thrust techniques if necessary. If conscious, direct the patient to control his/her breathing via deep breaths through pursed lips.

Breathing

Check for adequate oxygenation with the use of pulse oximetry, and provide supplemental oxygen via nasal cannulas if required. Ensure there are no chest wall interferences and maintain chest expansion during resuscitation efforts.

Circulation and Hemorrhage Control

Assess the patient's circulation by checking for adequate peripheral pulses and skin color. Manage hemorrhage by applying direct pressure to bleeding sites, elevating injured limbs, or performing tourniquets if necessary.

Disability

Evaluate the patient's neurological status with the AVPU (Alert, Voice, Painful, Unresponsive) scale and administer thromboembolic prophylaxis early on. Assess sensory function by monitoring responses to pain stimuli.

Exposure and Environmental Control

Expose the patient from neck to toes while maintaining body temperature with warm fluids and blankets. Ensure that the scene is safe and free from environmental hazards.

Documentation

Document all steps taken during initial management using appropriate documentation tools like trauma sheets or electronic health records. This ensures continuity of care throughout the hospital.