Medical Emergencies in the Dental Practice 2023 – Part 2 – More Perfusion & LUCAS!
Perfusion of oxygen can be disrupted by swelling that blocks oxygen getting into the lungs. This is dramatically seen in an anaphylaxis where the airways are constricted after an allergic reaction. The anaphylactic shock affects the entire body. The inflammation is wide spread, causing swellings throughout the body, such as the tongue. The bronchial air tubes into the lungs, start to spasm and close up, creating extreme breathing difficulties.
This is bronchospasm that causes acute wheezing.
To improve perfusion in in anaphylaxis, Adrenaline is administered intramuscularly, usually into the thigh. The medication opens up the airways by expanding the diameter of the bronchiolar tubes to the lung. The chemical also constricts small blood and therefore swelling.
In asthma, Ventolin and other aerosol medications, open up the bronchi, to allow more oxygen into the lungs.
If necessary, oxygen is administered, under pressure into the lungs, to improve perfusion of the blood.
- Place a pulse oximeter on patient finger ASAP.
- The patient saturated oxygen (SpO2) level should be between 93-96%. Do not exceed 96%! Turn down or turn off oxygen.
Now for something new –
LUCAS – Lund University Cardiac Assist System
The LUCAS device is an easy-to-use mechanical chest compression device that provides consistent chest compressions to sudden cardiac arrest patients.
This frees up the emergency workers to do other essential duties for the patient without getting tired applying compressions. The device provides compressions at the high rate that are now needed to perfuse the brain with blood.
Next week
Dentist At Large - Melbourne