Pedrettis Incidents and Emergencies: First Aid Guide PDF

From Pedrettis Incidents and Emergencies Seizures: When a client shows signs of entering a seizure, the following steps should be taken: 1. Place the person in a safe location and position him or her away from anything that might cause injury. Do not attempt to restrain or restr...

From Pedrettis Incidents and Emergencies Seizures: When a client shows signs of entering a seizure, the following steps should be taken: 1. Place the person in a safe location and position him or her away from anything that might cause injury. Do not attempt to restrain or restrict the convulsions. 2. Loosen clothing around the person's neck to assist in keeping the client's airway open. 3. Do not insert any objects into the person's mouth; this can cause injury. 4. Remove sharp objects (glasses, furniture, and other objects) from around the person to prevent injury. 5. When the convulsions subside, roll the person onto his or her side to maintain an open airway and to prevent the person from aspirating any secretions. 6. After the convulsions cease, have the client rest. He or she may experience confusion for a period of time. It may be helpful to cover the client with a blanket or screen to provide privacy. 7. Get medical help. Shock: Clients may experience shock as a result of: § excessive bleeding § sepsis § respiratory distress as a reaction to the change from a supine to an upright position; or as a response to excessive heat or anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). § Shock causes a drop in blood pressure and inefficient cardiac output, resulting in inadequate perfusion of organs and tissues. Ø Signs and symptoms of shock include: o Pale o Moist o cool skin o shallow and irregular breathing o dilated pupils o a weak or rapid pulse o dizziness or nausea o and an altered level of consciousness. If a client exhibits symptoms of shock, the following actions should be taken: 1. Get medical assistance as soon as possible because shock can be life-threatening.  2. Try to determine the cause of shock and correct it if possible. Monitor the client's blood pressure, breathing, and pulse rate. 3. Place the person in a supine position, with the head slightly lower than the legs. If head and chest injuries are present or if respiration is impaired, it may be necessary to keep the head and chest slightly elevated. 4. Do not add heat, but prevent loss of body heat if necessary, by applying a cool compress to the client's forehead and covering the client with a light blanket. 5. Do not allow exertion. Keep the client quiet until emergency medical help arrives. Bleeding: A laceration may result in minor or serious bleeding. The objectives of first aid treatment are to prevent contamination of the wound and to control bleeding. The following steps should be taken to stop the bleeding: 1. Wash your hands and put on protective gloves. Continue to wear protective gloves while treating the wound. 2. Place a clean towel or a sterile dressing over the wound and apply direct pressure to the wound. If no dressing is available, use your gloved hand. 3. Elevate the wound above the level of the client's heart to reduce blood flow to the area. 4. Encourage the client to remain quiet and to avoid using the extremity. 5. Do not apply a tourniquet unless you have been trained to do so. Warning Signs and Symptoms of Insulin-Related Illnesses: Ø Inadequate insulin levels (hyperglycemia, or a high blood glucose level) or from excessive insulin (hypoglycemia, or a low blood glucose level). Ø An insulin reaction (also called insulin shock) can be caused by too much systemic insulin, the intake of too little food or sugar, or too much physical activity. If the client is conscious, some form of sugar (candy, orange juice etc) should be provided. Respiratory Distress: Dyspnea control postures may be used to reduce breathlessness in clients in respiratory distress. Ø High Fowler's position may be used for clients in bed. The head of the bed should be in an upright position at a 90-degree angle. Ø The client bends forward slightly at the waist and supports the upper body by leaning the forearms on a table or counter. Pursed-lip breathing (ie, a breathing pattern of inhaling through the nose and slowly exhaling through pursed lips) can help decrease dyspnea and the respiratory rate. Body Mechanics: 1. Keep a wide base of support. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other. 2. Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only. If needed, put one knee to the floor and your other knee in front of you, bent at a right angle (half kneeling). 3. Keep good posture. Look straight ahead, and keep your back straight, your chest out, and your shoulders back. This helps keep your upper back straight while having a slight arch in your lower back. 4. Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don't twist as you lift. 5. Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button. 6. Use your feet to change direction, taking small steps. 7. Lead with your hips as you change direction. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move. 8. Set down your load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only. Ø Keep in mind: o Do not attempt to lift by bending forward. Bend your hips and knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift. o Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level. o Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy object. Ø It is important that clients thoroughly understand how to use body mechanics to stabilize their backs. This includes maintaining a straight back, bending from the hip, avoiding twisting, maintaining good posture, carrying objects close to the body, lifting with the legs to promote safe performance, and using a wide base of support.