- Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of perceived actual or potential, sudden or urgent, physical or psychological problem that is primarily acute or episodic
- Requires minimal care or life-support measures, education of patient and significant other, appropriate referrals and knowledge of legal implications
The principles of emergency care of any patient are based on
the following objectives:
- Establish a patent airway and provide adequate ventilation – employ resuscitation measures when necessary – protect the cervical spine first and assess for chest injuries with subsequent airway obstruction and ventilator impairment
- Evaluate, maintain and restore circulatory function
- Determine patient’s ability to follow commands
- Carry out rapid initial and on-going physical examination
- Start cardiac monitoring
- Splint any suspected fractures
- Protect and clean wounds, apply sterile dressing
- Identify allergies and significant medical history
- Document and record patient’s condition to guide in decision making
Special Considerations for Emergency Nursing
- Data collection
- Time of incident
- Place of incident
- Nature of incident
- Infection control – adhere to standard precaution
- Individualized discharge planning
- Psychological support – act confidently/competently
- Documentation – careful monitoring and treatment should be well documented
