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BLS AssessmentFoundational to every ACLS Algorithm is the BLS Assessment. The BLS Assessment is the first step that you will take when treating any emergency situation, and there are 4 main assessment steps to remember. This is an outline of the
4 steps in the BLS Assessment : Remember to assess first then perform appropriate actions, and after each action…reassess. Primary Assessment for ACLSThe Primary Assessment uses the ABCDE model to systematize the assessment process. The ABCDE’s of the Primary Assessment are: The Primary Assessment is included in every ACLS algorithm and like the BLS Assessment, it helps to systematize the resuscitation process and improve patient outcomes. Secondary Assessment for ACLSThe secondary assessment includes a search for underlying causes for the emergency and if possible a focused medical history. This search for for underlying causes, also known as differential diagnosis, requires a review of all of the H’s and T’s of ACLS. Visit H’s and T’s page for a full review. Performing the focused medical history can be simplified using the acronym SAMPLE. (S)Signs and symptoms; (A)Allergies; (M)Medications; (P)Past Illnesses; (L)Last Oral Intake; (E)Events Leading Up To Present Illness. Use the links to the left for further details of ACLS Protocol and specific interventions in each ACLS algorithm. The objective of the review of these ACLS Algorithms is to help prepare you for the ACLS written test and the ACLS Megacode. After reviewing, you can test your skills and knowledge by accessing the ACLS Megacode Simulator and ACLS practice exams. [523.251,659.255,783.991] [523.251,659.255,783.991]
Toggle all The approach to all deteriorating or critically ill patients is the same. The underlying
principles are: First steps
Airway (A)Airway obstruction is an emergency. Get expert help immediately. Untreated, airway obstruction causes hypoxia and risks damage to the brain, kidneys and heart, cardiac arrest, and death. 1. Look for the signs of airway obstruction
2. Treat airway obstruction as a medical emergency
3. Give oxygen at high concentration
Breathing (B)During the immediate assessment of breathing, it is vital to diagnose and treat immediately life-threatening conditions (e.g. acute severe asthma, pulmonary oedema, tension pneumothorax, and massive haemothorax).
Circulation (C)In almost all medical and surgical emergencies, consider hypovolaemia to be the primary cause of shock, until proven otherwise. Unless there are obvious signs of a cardiac cause, give intravenous fluid to any patient with cool peripheries and a fast heart rate. In surgical patients, rapidly exclude haemorrhage (overt or hidden). Remember that breathing problems, such as a tension pneumothorax, can also compromise a patient’s circulatory state. This should have been treated earlier on in the assessment.
Disability (D)Common causes of unconsciousness include profound hypoxia, hypercapnia, cerebral hypoperfusion, or the recent administration of sedatives or analgesic drugs.
Exposure (E)To examine the patient properly full exposure of the body may be necessary. Respect the patient’s dignity and minimise heat loss. Additional information
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What needs to be completed for this patient within 20 minutes after hospital arrival?Do not delay CT, obtain CT without contrast within 20 minutes of patient arrival. A neurologic assessment by the stroke team or designee should be done within 20 minutes of patient arrival to the ED.
What is the recommended next step after defibrillation?Aim: Current consensus guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) recommend that chest compressions resume immediately after defibrillation attempts and that rhythm and pulse checks be deferred until completion of 5 compression:ventilation cycles or minimally for 2min.
Which of these tests should be performed for a patient with a suspected stroke as early as possible?Patients with suspected strokes must be assessed within 10 minutes of arrival in the emergency department by the stroke team and other experts. Within 10-25 minutes, the CT scan must be completed, and within 45 minutes it must be read.
Which action would be the initial priority to address the respiratory failure?The first step in any airway intervention is to open the airway.
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