Module 05 Content Competency: Prioritize Care Of The Client

Module 05 Contentcompetencyprioritize Care Of The Client With Medical

Identify three common injuries/illnesses that bring people to the emergency room. Within your PowerPoint presentation, complete the following:

1. Identify ways to prevent each of the selected injury/illness.

2. Provide basic first aid steps that can be taken prior to arriving at the hospital for each injury/illness.

3. Using your selections, identify how clients are prioritized during triage and explain why they would be seen in this order.

4. For each injury/illness, explain the prioritization of acute treatment provided in the emergency room.

Paper For Above instruction

Emergency rooms are vital components of healthcare systems, providing urgent medical care to individuals experiencing acute injuries or illnesses. The efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care in these settings significantly impact patient outcomes and community health perceptions. To enhance understanding and community engagement, this paper explores three common reasons for ER visits: fractures, chest pains, and allergic reactions. It emphasizes prevention strategies, basic first aid steps, triage prioritization, and in-hospital treatment protocols for each condition.

1. Fractures

Fractures, especially wrist and ankle fractures, are among the most common injuries leading to ER visits. These are often caused by falls, accidents, or sports injuries. Prevention involves educating the community about fall prevention strategies such as maintaining good lighting, installing handrails, and wearing appropriate footwear. Safety measures in recreational activities and sports can also reduce injuries. Wearing protective gear like helmets and pads can significantly diminish fracture risk in high-impact sports.

Basic first aid for fractures includes immobilizing the affected limb to prevent further injury. Applying a splint, if possible, and covering any bleeding with a sterile dressing are essential steps before arriving at the hospital. Elevating the limb and applying ice can reduce swelling and pain. It's crucial to avoid realigning the bone, which should be left to medical professionals.

During triage, patients with fractures are prioritized based on the severity of the injury—open fractures with significant bleeding or neurovascular compromise are seen as urgent. While fractures are painful, they are typically not immediately life-threatening unless associated with other trauma. In the ER, acute treatment involves pain management, immobilization, and prompt imaging to assess the fracture type and plan for surgical or conservative management.

2. Chest Pain

Chest pain is a serious symptom that could indicate life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction or angina. Prevention rests on managing risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking cessation, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices through community outreach programs. Regular medical check-ups can detect early signs of cardiovascular disease, reducing emergency occurrences.

First aid steps for chest pain include ensuring the patient is seated comfortably, loosening tight clothing, and encouraging them to stay calm. If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, immediate CPR should be administered. Administering aspirin, if available and no contraindications exist, can help thin the blood and improve outcomes before arrival at the ER.

In triage, chest pain is a high-priority issue due to its potential to be life-threatening. Clients exhibiting severe, persistent chest pain are seen immediately, often in the emergency bay, to stabilize vital signs and initiate advanced care. Acute management involves rapid assessment, oxygen therapy, ECG monitoring, and administration of medications such as nitrates or anticoagulants, aiming to restore coronary blood flow and prevent cardiac arrest.

3. Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions, especially anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Prevention strategies include community education about allergen avoidance, proper reading of labels, and carrying epinephrine auto-injectors for known severe allergies. Educating parents and caregivers about recognizing early signs and administering appropriate medications can reduce the severity of reactions.

Basic first aid for allergic reactions involves removing the trigger, administering antihistamines, and in severe cases, using an epinephrine auto-injector. Keeping the patient calm and positioning them to facilitate breathing—such as seated upright or lying down with legs elevated—is also critical.

In triage, patients experiencing anaphylaxis are prioritized as urgent due to the risk of airway obstruction and shock. They are immediately taken for emergent treatment, which includes airway management, epinephrine administration, and supportive measures like IV fluids. The goal is to stabilize airway, breathing, and circulation as swiftly as possible, preventing progression to respiratory or cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

Understanding prevention, basic first aid, triage prioritization, and acute care management for common emergency conditions can empower community members and improve overall emergency response. Educating the public on these essentials can reduce the severity of injuries and illnesses, optimize ER efficiency, and enhance patient satisfaction. Community-based initiatives, including town hall meetings, are vital for disseminating this crucial health information and fostering a culture of preparedness and safety within the community.

References

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• Sampson, P. D., & Holt, R. (2019). Managing allergic reactions in the community. Allergy & Asthma Proceedings, 40(2), 87-92.
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