ICU learning pathway | Assessment, diagnosis, resuscitation

Assessment, Diagnosis, Resuscitation
Session Overview
Description
This session gives an overview of the approach to dealing with an unconscious patient.

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Explain the common terms used to describe reduced consciousness
• Recognize the possible causes of a reduced conscious level
• Determine the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of a patient
• Apply the ABCDE approach to the patient with a reduced level of consciousness

Before commencing this session you should:

• Have knowledge of primary and secondary survey
• Understand the control of blood flow to the brain

Patients commonly present with an altered level of consciousness. Understanding the possible causes, and how to assess and treat them in the acute setting is an essential skill.

This group of patients are at great risk of sustaining secondary injuries, both to the brain and other organs. The physician’s goal is to prevent these secondary injuries from occurring while the primary problem is diagnosed and treated. To do this, the patient must be rapidly assessed and stabilized. This will allow further investigation and transfer to ensure correct and prompt treatment of their presenting problem.

This session will define the commonly used terms, and give a broad overview of the differential diagnosis. The use of the ABCDE approach will be explained, integrating assessment and resuscitation, to illustrate the important features of managing a patient with a reduced conscious level.