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Mnemonic to assess mental state and/or level of consciousness.
- A-Alert. Communicates clearly w/out any stimuli
- V-Verbal. Responds to verbal stimuli
- P-Painful. Responds to painful stimuli
- U-Unresponsive. Doesn't respond to verbal and painful stimuli
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Normal ranges for breathing...
- Adult: 12-20 breaths/minute
- Child: 15-30 breaths/minute
- Infant: 25-50 breaths/minute
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Normal pulse rates
- 60-100 bpm adults
- 70-100 bpm children
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Sample History-Key questions in a patient history
- S-signs
- A-Allergies
- M-Medications
- P-Pertinent Past Hx
- L-Last oral intake
- E-Events leading to injury or illness
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Questions about Hx of Present Illness
- O-Onset
- P-Provocation
- Q-Quality
- R-Radiation
- S-Severity
- T-Time (duration)
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Mnemonic used to remember possible physical findings identified during the head-to-toe survey
- DCAP/BTLS:
- D-Deformities
- C-Contusions
- A-Abrasions
- P-Punctures/penetrations
- B-Burns
- T-Tenderness
- L-Lacerations
- S-Swelling
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Conjunctiva
membrane that lines the interior surface of the eyelids and covers the anterior surface of the sclera
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Crepitus
Grating or crackling sound or sensation caused by air beneath the skin or broken bone ends rubbing together
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Detailed physical examination
Comprehensive head to toe assessment to identify secondary injuries; part of the focused (secondary) assessment.
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Dorsalis pedis
artery in the foot that is palpable on the dorsal (top) portion of the foot.
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Focused (secondary) Assessment
Part of the assessment devoted to identifying history and physical findings needed to treat the patient.
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Focused physical exam
physical exam directed to the specific area of injury for patients with limited injuries or specific medical complaints; part of the focused (secondary) assessment.
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Head- to- toe survey
rapid exam to identify signs and symptoms in unresponsive patients with a significant mechanism of injury.
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History of present illness
Portion of history that clarifies the chief complaint through a series of questions (ie. OPQRST)
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Initial (primary) Assessment
Part of the assessment devoted to identifying and treating life threatening conditions related to airway, breathing, circulation and mental status.
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Ongoing assessment
Reevaluation of the patient (repeat initial [primary] assessment, vital signs, focused [secondary] assessment, check of interventions) or reassessment.
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Scene safety
first step in the scene size up phase of patient assessment. Ensures safety for providers, patients and bystanders.
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Scene size up
first phase of patient assessment that includes scene safety, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and determining the mechanism of injury or illness.
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Subcutaneous emphysema
Air trapped beneath the skin as a result of trauma to the airways, lungs, esophagus, or skin.
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Vital signs
- Blood pressure (120/80)
- pulse (60-100)
- Respiratory rate (15-20)
- Temperature (97.8-99.0 F or 36.5 C-37.2)
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systolic pressure
pressure of the blood when the ventricles contract (ventricular systole).
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Diastolic pressure
pressure of the blood when the ventricles relax (diastole).
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PEARRL
- P-Pupils
- E-Equal
- A-and
- R-round
- R-reactive to light
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II. Initial Assessment
A. General Impression - [TAGS]
- 1. T = Trouble-Dangers/problems in area?
- 2. A = Age-Patient's age
- 3. G = Gender-Patient's gender
- 4. S = Situation-Environment/surroundings
B. Assess Mental Status - AVPU
C. Assess Your A, B, C's
- 1. A = Airway
- 2. B = Breathing
- 3. C = Circulation
- D. Determine Priority
- (see table for High Priority patients)
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