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An adult patient involved in an assault presents with shortness of breath blood pressure of 88/50 heart rate of 130 in respiratory rate of 32 the patient has muffled heart tones and cyanic what is the priority intervention?

User Mei
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2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

The priority intervention for an adult patient presenting with signs suggestive of cardiac tamponade is immediate stabilization and preparation for pericardiocentesis, alongside IV fluids and supplemental oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The adult patient presenting with shortness of breath, low blood pressure, tachycardia, tachypnea, muffled heart tones, and cyanosis may have a condition known as cardiac tamponade. This is a medical emergency where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, which exerts pressure on the heart and impairs its function. The priority intervention for suspected cardiac tamponade is immediate stabilization and preparation for pericardiocentesis. In parallel, administering IV fluids to manage hypotension and providing supplemental oxygen to address hypoxemia are essential. A 12-lead ECG, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram would be helpful in confirming the diagnosis. Nonetheless, due to the urgency, the clinical presentation can be sufficient to initiate treatment if diagnostic facilities are not readily available.

User Asahi
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6 votes

Final answer:

The patient with signs of cardiac distress requires immediate life support, including high-flow oxygen and potential pericardiocentesis for suspected cardiac tamponade, adhering to ACLS protocols.

Step-by-step explanation:

An adult patient involved in an assault with shortness of breath, a blood pressure of 88/50, a heart rate of 130, a respiratory rate of 32, muffled heart tones, and cyanosis likely requires immediate intervention for cardiac tamponade or another form of acute cardiac distress, possibly leading to cardiac arrest. A patient with these symptoms is considered hemodynamically unstable and is at risk for rapid deterioration.

The priority intervention would be immediate life support, which includes securing the airway, providing high-flow oxygen, and preparing for possible pericardiocentesis if cardiac tamponade is suspected. In this scenario, the medical team must act quickly to assess and stabilize the patient using Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols.

The priority is to stabilize the patient's vital signs and provide adequate oxygenation by administering emergency oxygen therapy, initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary, and promptly transferring the patient to a higher level of care such as an intensive care unit (ICU) for further evaluation and treatment.

User Pretzel
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