Drowning

Question 1

what is drowning?

Answer 1

A process resulting in primary respiratory
impairment from submersion/immersion in a
liquid medium.

Question 2

what happens in a salt water drowning?

Answer 2

Salt water has an osmotic pressure 3.5 to 4
times that of blood which draws more fluid from the body into the
lungs (pulmonary oedema).

Question 3

what happens in a fresh water drowning?

Answer 3

fresh water enters the lungs, has a lower osmotic pressure than the blood. it denature surfactant and cause alveoli damage and collapse.

Question 4

What is the management of a drowned pt?

Answer 4

Resus. prioritize airway mangement. high flow oxygen, IV access, treat hypothermia.