emt 100 patient assessment. vital signs *signs of life*
TRANSCRIPT
EMT 100EMT 100
Patient Assessment
Vital SignsVital Signs
*SIGNS OF LIFE*
PulsePulse
Is the heart rate expressed in beats per minute
Radial Artery Palpation
Carotid Artery Palpation
Normal Pulse ValuesNormal Pulse Values
Adult – 60-100Children – 80-100Infants – 100-140
Rapid Weak Pulse May Be A Rapid Weak Pulse May Be A Sign Of Shock!Sign Of Shock!
RespirationRespiration
Expressed in breaths per minuteEach breath consists of an inspiration and
an expirationLook, Listen, and Feel!
Normal Respiration RatesNormal Respiration Rates
Adults = 12-20Children = 20-40Infants = 30-50
Rapid And Shallow Rapid And Shallow Respirations May Be A Sign Respirations May Be A Sign
Of Shock!Of Shock!
TemperatureTemperature
Normal = 98.6F or 37CWarm, dry skin
Cool, Clammy Skin May Be A Cool, Clammy Skin May Be A Sign Of Shock!Sign Of Shock!
Skin ColorSkin Color
Pale, white ashen appearance, ie Pallor, may be a sign of shock!
Bluish, gray skin, ie Cyanosis, shows poor oxygenation of the blood
Yellowish-orange skin, ie Jaundice, may be a sign of liver disease or blood disease
PupilsPupils
Normally are the same size and react equally to light
Level of Consciousness (LOC)Level of Consciousness (LOC)assessed by asking:assessed by asking:
Who are you? (Orientation to self)What were you doing? (Orientation to
situation)Where are you ? (Orientation to place)What day of the week is it? (Orientation to
time)
LOC LOC continuedcontinued
Questions must be asked in this orderMay need to assess every few minutesAs patients become disoriented, they lose
the ability to answer the questions in the reverse order that they are asked
Psychological ConcernsPsychological Concerns
Extremely aberrant behavior by the patient may be a manifestation of illness or injury
Psychological Concerns Psychological Concerns ((continuedcontinued))
Be in controlBe supportiveBe honest
Golden RuleGolden Rule
Treat each patient the way you would want to be treated if you were
the patient!
Patient Assessment Patient Assessment SequenceSequence
Perform scene size-up.Perform primary assessment.Obtain SAMPLE History.Secondary assessment—head to toe exam.Perform on-going re-assessment.
Step I: Scene Size-upStep I: Scene Size-up
Maintain body substance isolation.Maintain scene safety.Determine mechanism of injury or
nature of illness.Determine need for additional
resources.
Step II: Step II: Perform Primary Perform Primary
AssessmentAssessmentLook for Life-Look for Life-
Threatening ConditionsThreatening Conditions Form general impression of patient. Assess responsiveness. Check airway. Check breathing. Check circulation.
Primary Assessment:Primary Assessment:Assess ResponsivenessAssess Responsiveness
AVPU ScaleAVPU Scale
AAlert
VVerbal
PPain
UUnresponsive
Primary Assessment: Primary Assessment: Check Patient’s AirwayCheck Patient’s Airway
Head tilt–chin lift technique
– The tongue is the most common cause of obstruction in
an unconscious person
Jaw-thrust technique
Inspect mouth
Insert airway if needed
Primary Assessment: Primary Assessment: Check Patient’s BreathingCheck Patient’s Breathing
If conscious: – Check rate and quality.– Check for any difficulty.
If unconscious:– Look, listen, and feel for breathing.– Start rescue breathing, if needed.
Primary Assessment:Primary Assessment:Check Patient’s Check Patient’s
CirculationCirculationCheck carotid or radial pulse.Check for severe bleeding.Check skin color and temperature:
– Pale - decreased circulation– Flushed - excess circulation– Yellow - liver problems
Step III: Patient’s Medical Step III: Patient’s Medical HistoryHistory
SSigns/Symptoms (Chief Complaint)AAllergiesMMedicationsPPertinent, past medical historyLLast oral intakeEEvents associated with or leading to
the injury or onset of illness
Step IV: Seconday Step IV: Seconday Assessment - Physical Assessment - Physical
ExaminationExaminationCheck patient from head to toe
for non-life-threatening conditions.Purpose of exam is to locate and begin
initial management of injury or illness.
Physical Exam: Physical Exam: Examine the Patient from Head Examine the Patient from Head
to Toeto Toe• Look and feel for signs of injury:
• Deformity• Open injuries• Tenderness• Swelling
• Search all areas of body in a clear, concise, consistent format.
Examine Patient’s Head and Examine Patient’s Head and EyesEyes
• Examine head:– Use both hands.– Do not move patient’s head.– Remove eyeglasses.– Remove wigs if necessary.
• Examine eyes: – Cover one eye for 5 seconds. – Watch for pupil contraction.
Examine Patient’s Neck and Examine Patient’s Neck and ChestChest
• Examine neck:– Examine each side; check for pain.–Check neck veins.–Check for a medical identification tag.
Examine Patient’s ChestExamine Patient’s Chest
• Examine chest:
– Check for pain on inhalation/exhalation.
– Look for signs of difficult breathing.
– Note injuries, bleeding, or abnormal, unequal, or painful movement.
– Check for collarbone or rib fractures.
Examine Patient’s AbdomenExamine Patient’s Abdomen
• Look for signs of external bleeding, penetrating injuries, or protruding parts. • Check for stomach rigidity or swelling.• Check for soiled clothing.• Check genital area for external injuries.
Examine Patient’s Pelvis Examine Patient’s Pelvis • Examine pelvis:
– Check for obvious bruising, bleeding, or swelling.– Check for pain if no pain has been reported.
• Examine back:– Stabilize head and neck and log-roll– Check one side of the back at a time.
Examine the ExtremitiesExamine the ExtremitiesObserve the extremity.Examine for tenderness.Check for movement.Check for sensation.Assess the circulatory status.
Step V: On-going Step V: On-going ReassessmentReassessment
Monitor patient’s vital signs:
– Every 5 minutes if unstable.
– Every 15 minutes if stable.
Maintain an open airway.
Monitor breathing and pulse.
Monitor skin color and temperature.
It is time for lab!
Check and record the radial/carotid pulse and the respirations of 5 fellow students
Primary SurveyPrimary Survey
Looks for life-threatening conditions!
Determine whether victim is Determine whether victim is conscious or unconscious, conscious or unconscious,
then check:then check:
AirwayBreathingCirculationHemorrhageShock
Secondary SurveySecondary Survey
Is a head to toe survey that looks for other injuries/problems
Secondary Survey (Secondary Survey (contcont.).)
Neck Skull Face, Nose, and Mouth Chest and Lungs Abdomen Pelvis, Genitals, Incontinence Extremities Back and Buttocks Reassure!
Don’t Overlook:Don’t Overlook:
Situation Bystanders, Family or
Friends Medications and
Medical History Wallet Cards Vial of Life Med-Alert Tags