Category: Resus

Neonatal Seizures

Seizures are a common neurological emergency in the neonatal period, occurring in 1–5 per 1000 live births.1 The majority of neonatal seizures are provoked by an acute illness or brain insult with an underlying aetiology either documented or suspected, that is, these are acute provoked seizures (as opposed to epilepsy). They are also invariably focal in nature.

Clinical diagnosis of neonatal seizures is difficult. This is in part because there may be no, or very subtle, clinical features, and also because neonates frequently exhibit non-epileptic movements that can be mistaken for epileptic seizures.

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LVAD – Resus & Troubleshooting

ctsurgerypatients.org

LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Device) are becoming more common and there are patients in our region with them as a bridge to transplant or recovery and in some cases a destination therapy.

The patient and their family will likely know more about this device than you and should have brought spare parts. Our local LVAD centre is Wythenshaw however, there are other units around the country the patient may direct you to.

The patient may not have a palpable pulse, the blood pressure will be low and the heart pump sounds like a buzz when you listen.

If patient is unresponsive or has a history of collapse its important to troubleshoot the device and resusitation may be required

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Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter (AF)

Before you start 

  • Whats the cause? – treating the precipitant often sorts the AF (adding B-Blockers to Sepsis can make things worse)
  • Stable or Unstable?  – Electricity vs. Drugs
  • CHADS-VASC vs. ORBIT– Anticoagulation (previously HAS-BLED)
  • Rhythm vs. Rate control??
  • NEW Symptomatic Arrhythmia Clinic – referral form attached tho the PDF

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Paediatric Blast Injury

Save the Children, have published a used full guide on management on blast injuries in children. Taking you through pre-hospital, ED and inpatient care.

Although blast injury is rare in the UK it’s worth a read as an adjunct to APLS/ATLS training.

  • Recognising “Blast Lung” – which may be subtle initially and develop over hours (p51)
  • Prophylactic antibiotics
  • Compartment syndrome and fasciotomy (p105)
  • Burns Fluids and escharotomies (p112)

Ful Guide[PDF] – HERE

Intranasal Fentanyl

There is currently a national shortage of Intranasal Diamorphine therefore we are using Intranasal Fentanyl as a replacement.

Dose is 1.5micrograms/Kg for the initial dose and 0.75micrograms/kg 10 minutes later if required.

Drug Delivery

Draw up the appropriate dose plus 0.1ml to allow for the dead space in the Mucosal Atomizer Device

Attach the MAD to the syringe

Sit the child at 45 degrees insert MAD loosely into the nostril and press the plunger

Doses greater than 0.5ml should be split between 2 nostrils

 

Contraindications

  • Blocked nose due to upper respiratory illness or epistaxis
  • Respiratory depression
  •  Hypovolaemia
  • Altered consciousness
  • Hypersensitivity to fentanyl
  •  Children below 1 year old

Full Intranasal Fentanyl SOP