Thermal emergencies
Heat Stroke
·
It
can develop in people who have been exposed to high heat and humidity for too
long and who are unaccustomed to them.
·
It
is defined as the combination of hyperpyrexia (105 F) and neurologic symptoms.
·
It
is caused by a shutdown or failure of the heat-regulating mechanism of the body
Treatment:
·
Make
the person lie down
·
Apply
cold compression
·
Elevate
feet give
·
lots
of fluids
·
use
fan to decrease temperature
Other measures
·
Dialysis
for renal failure.
·
Diuretics,
such as mannitol (Osmitrol), to promote diuresis. Anticonvulsant agents to
control seizures.
·
Potassium
for hypokalaemia and sodium bicarbonate to correct metabolic acidosis
·
Perform
continuous ECG monitoring and frequent cardiovascular assessments for possible
ischemia, infarction, and dysrhythmias
Frost Bite
Frost Bite: Exposure to extreme cold.
·
Local
tissues are frozen Constriction of blood vessels leading to necrosis.
Frostbite may be classified as
1. Frost nip (initial response to cold,
reversible)
2. Superficial frostbite
3. Deep frostbite
1. Frost nip: History of gradual onset.
·
Skin
appears white.
·
Numb,
pain-free
·
Reversible
2.Superficial Frostbite
·
Damage
is limited to the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
·
The
skin will appear white and waxy.
·
On
palpation, the skin will feel stiff but the underlying tissue will be pliable,
soft, and have its normal bounce.
·
Sesnstion
is absent
3.Deep Frostbite
·
Skin
will appear white, yellow-white, or mottled blue-white.
·
On
palpation, the surface will feel frozen and the underlying tissue will feel
frozen and hard.
·
The
affected part is completely insensitive to touch
MANAGEMENT
·
Remove
all constricting clothing
·
Rewarming
·
Place
sterile gauze or cotton between affected fingers/toes to absorb moisture.
·
Elevate
the part to help control swelling. Use
a foot cradle to prevent tissue injury
·
Restore
electrolyte balance
·
Advise
patient not to use tobacco.
COMMENTS