Special Nursing Care | Management of Emergencies and First Aid | Management of Shock, Burns, Bleeding, and Fractures |

 

Special Nursing Care:

Management of Emergencies and First Aid:

1. Introduction to First Aid and Emergency Care

Definition of First Aid: First aid refers to the immediate, temporary care provided to an injured or ill person before professional medical assistance arrives. The primary goal is to preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery.

Objectives of First Aid:

  • To save lives
  • To prevent the condition from worsening
  • To promote recovery
  • To provide reassurance and comfort to the injured person

Principles of First Aid:

  1. Assess the Situation: Check for potential dangers to yourself, the patient, and bystanders.
  2. Stay Calm: A calm approach helps avoid panic and allows for clear thinking.
  3. Call for Help: Contact emergency services if the situation requires professional assistance.
  4. Provide Immediate Care: Use appropriate first aid techniques while waiting for emergency responders.

Golden Rules of First Aid:

  • Do no harm.
  • Prioritize life-threatening conditions.
  • Ensure your safety before assisting others.
  • Use available resources effectively.

Importance of Emergency Care:

  • Increases the survival rate of victims.
  • Prevents complications from injuries.
  • Reduces the time required for full recovery.

2. Management of Shock, Burns, Bleeding, and Fractures

Management of Shock

Definition: Shock is a life-threatening condition caused by insufficient blood flow to vital organs. It may result from severe injury, blood loss, or infection.

Types of Shock:

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Rapid breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Confusion or unconsciousness

Management:

  • Lay the person flat with legs elevated to improve blood flow to vital organs.
  • Keep the person warm and comfortable.
  • Call for emergency medical assistance.
  • Do not give food or drink.

Management of Burns

Types of Burns:

  1. First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain.
  2. Second-Degree Burns: Affect both the epidermis and dermis, causing blisters and severe pain.
  3. Third-Degree Burns: Destroy all layers of the skin and may affect tissues, nerves, and bones. These burns are often painless due to nerve damage.

Management:

  • Remove the source of the burn (fire, hot liquid, chemicals, etc.).
  • Cool the affected area with cool (not cold) water for 10-15 minutes.
  • Cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing or clean cloth.
  • Do not apply ice, ointments, or creams.
  • Seek medical attention for severe burns.

Management of Bleeding

Types of Bleeding:

  • Capillary Bleeding: Slow, oozing bleeding from small vessels.
  • Venous Bleeding: Dark red blood flows steadily from veins.
  • Arterial Bleeding: Bright red, spurting blood from an artery, requiring immediate action.

Management:

  • Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
  • Elevate the injured area above the heart if possible.
  • Apply a sterile bandage to the wound once bleeding stops.
  • For severe bleeding, apply a tourniquet as a last resort and note the time it was applied.
  • Seek medical attention immediately for severe or continuous bleeding.

Management of Fractures

Types of Fractures:

  • Simple Fracture: Bone is broken but does not puncture the skin.
  • Compound Fracture: Bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
  • Greenstick Fracture: Bone bends and cracks, typically in children.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Pain and swelling at the injury site
  • Deformity or unnatural positioning of the limb
  • Inability to move the affected limb

Management:

  • Immobilize the affected area using a splint or a sling.
  • Do not attempt to realign the bone.
  • Control any bleeding with sterile gauze.
  • Seek emergency medical attention.

3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS)

What is CPR? CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an emergency life-saving procedure performed when a person's heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival after cardiac arrest.

Steps of CPR (for adults, children, and infants):

  1. Check Responsiveness: Tap the person and shout to check if they are responsive.
  2. Call for Help: Call emergency services or ask someone else to do so.
  3. Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
  4. Chest Compressions:

o    Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest.

o    Place the other hand on top and interlock the fingers.

o    Push down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

o    Press to a depth of 2 inches for adults and 1.5 inches for children.

  1. Rescue Breaths:

o    Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.

o    Pinch the nose shut, seal your mouth over theirs, and give two rescue breaths.

  1. Continue CPR: Repeat 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency responders arrive.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Overview: BLS is a level of medical care used for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care. BLS focuses on:

Key Components of BLS:

  1. Early Recognition and Call for Help: Identify emergencies and call for assistance immediately.
  2. Early CPR: Provide high-quality chest compressions.
  3. Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED): If available, follow instructions to deliver shocks.

Difference between BLS and CPR:

  • BLS includes the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), basic airway management, and early recognition of emergencies.
  • CPR is part of BLS and focuses on chest compressions and rescue breaths.

Importance of BLS and CPR:

  • Increases survival rates for cardiac arrest.
  • Provides oxygen to vital organs, especially the brain.
  • Can be performed by trained laypersons, healthcare providers, and first responders.

Key Takeaways for CPR and BLS:

  • Immediate action increases survival rates.
  • Chest compressions must be hard, fast, and uninterrupted.
  • An AED is a life-saving tool that anyone can use with guidance.

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