NURSING EMERGENCY CARE

EMERGENCY CARE - Main reasons people seek emergency care include: Pain (main reason), Abdominal Pain, Chest pain, h/a, Difficulty breathing, fever, Injury (especially in elderly population) - EMTs can provide basic life support interventions such as AEDs, O2 - Paramedics can provide advanced life support interventions such as cardiac monitoring, advanced airway management (intubation) IV access - Staff and pt safety are major concerns in ER/ED setting a. Staff: Disease transmission and physical safety when dealing with agitated or aggressive pts.  always use standard precautions. De-escalate situations if able, notify security, know exit routes. b. Patient: 1. Identification: use identifiers such as ID bracelet. Two unique identifiers (name/DOB/SSN etc) unknown pts use unique identification system such as Jane/John Doe. 2. Safety: Early identification of falls risk. Older adults should always have all side rails up, bed should be in lowest position and call light w/in reach. Teach them to call out if they need assistance. Reorient pt as needed. 3.Skin integrity: Take measures that maintain skin integrity. -Death in ER: 1. Medical examiner required if: a. Trauma b. Suspected homicide or abuse DO NOT clean skin, leave all IV lines & tubing in place. The body can be covered with linen. The face may be exposed for viewing.