Management of Medical Emergency (R.E.P.A.I.R.)

Full Answer Section

E: Evaluate Patient's Level of Consciousness

Assess the patient's level of consciousness using the AVPU scale:

• Alert: The patient is awake and responsive.
• Verbal: The patient responds to verbal stimuli.
• Pain: The patient responds to painful stimuli.
• Unresponsive: The patient does not respond to any stimuli.

P: Place and Position

• Recumbent Position: If the patient is stable, place them in a recumbent position, such as lying down.
• Upright Position: If the patient is having difficulty breathing, place them in an upright position to facilitate breathing.

A: Activate the CABs of CPR

• Circulation: Check for a pulse. If no pulse is detected, begin CPR.
• Airway: If the patient is unresponsive, open the airway using the head-tilt chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver.
• Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing. If the patient is not breathing, begin rescue breathing.

I: Implement Appropriate Emergency Protocol for Anaphylactic Shock

• Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Administer intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine) immediately, following the manufacturer's instructions. This is the most important intervention for anaphylaxis.
• Antihistamines: Administer oral or intramuscular antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine.
• Corticosteroids: Consider administering corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone or prednisolone, to reduce inflammation.
• Oxygen: If the patient is having difficulty breathing, administer oxygen.

R: Refer Patient to Healthcare Professionals

• Call Emergency Services: Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911) for immediate medical attention.
• Transport: If the patient is stable, arrange for transportation to the nearest emergency department.
• Follow-Up: Advise the patient to seek medical follow-up to assess the severity of the allergic reaction and develop a management plan.

Sample Answer

R: Recognize Signs and Symptoms

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for prompt intervention. Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Respiratory: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, hoarseness, or a feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Cardiovascular: Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting.
• Cutaneous: Hives, itching, flushing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.