First Aid Flashcards

Question

What are open and closed fractures?

Answer 1

Open is when there is a skin and tissue wound also | Closed when there is no open surface wound

Answer 2

``` No complications (e.g. soft tissue, nerves) = simple Compound = complications ```

Answer 3

Overriding = body naturally splints the fracture, shrinks muscles and pulls the bones along side each other Avulsed means there is a bit missing or broken off

Answer 4

a) straight across break b) diagonal break c) twisting round the bone d) crushed and lots of little bits e) floating bit f) bone driven in to each other g) damage to epiphysis h) not complete - more of a bend

Answer 5

Minimise movement of the area and NEVER try and re-set a fracture. A muzzle may be required Control any bleeding without disturbing the fracture Seek VS asap Assess whole patient - ABCs. Fractures aren't life threatening! If a limb fracture, slide folded towel under fracture for support and cover any open fractures with gauze or clean tea towel. Let animal find comfortable position and support the site. Control any haemorrhage and wait for vet. Check and treat for shock if Apt.

Answer 6

Immobilise the fracture site May require a Robert Jones bandage (very thick) or splint - helps immobilize are, reduce swelling and inflammation. Provision of analgesic under VS direction Most patients will require sedation or GA if stable Radiographs likely

Answer 7

Incised Lacerated Puncture Abrasion

Answer 8

a clean slice caused by sharp implement - clean edges - bleeds freely , no elastic recoil (blood vessels aren't damaged so blood can still get to the area to promote healing) - often deep, involves other structures - heal well with little scarring

Answer 9

A torn wound - caused by blunt object e. g. bite or scratches - Jagged edges - doesn't bleed much - the deeper it is, the more severe - high risk of infection - slow healing and extensive scarring The wound has been stretched, so blood vessels elastic recoiled and shrivelled. Tissues tend to die off because no active blood supply or nutrients

Answer 10

Deep, narrow wound caused by a sharp point - small skin wound but deep track - often infected - skin heals, trapping the infection causing an abscess

Answer 11

Dragging or friction injury causing removal of skin surface - doesn't penetrate skin thickness - painful but rarely serious - capillary ooze

Answer 12

Arrest the haemorrhage - pressure bandage Prevent shock Prevent sepsis - flush minor wounds with saline 'dilution is the solution to pollution - debriding (VS direction ) - appropriate dressing - Cling film can be used in an emergency

Answer 13

Good supply of nutrients and oxygen Cleanliness and flushing Humidity at wound surface

Answer 14

Maintenance of circulation and good nutrition Excellent hygiene - PPE etc Aseptic dressing changes and gentle lavage Appropriate dressing and bandage selection Prevent patient interference Monitoring the patients stress and well-being

Answer 15

Contusion and Haemorrhage

Answer 16

``` a blow by a blunt instrument causing rupture of blood vessels in the skin and soft tissue (i.e. bruise) Initially red (inflammatory response), then purple, then fades to yellow/green. ```

Answer 17

Cold compress - vasoconstricts so reduces severity of bruising Firm bandage can help reduce swelling Hot compress can be used a few days after which helps bring nutrients to the area and breakdown the blood clots

Answer 18

Rupture of a blood vessel under the skin causing a pool of blood. Can be caused by self-trauma e.g. head-shaking, blunt trauma. After the initial trauma, swelling is painless and cold. Over a few weeks, become contracted and hard.

Answer 19

Cold compress tight bandage Surgery may be required at a later stage to remove clot and relieve pressure and prevent recurrence

Answer 20

Burn = destruction of tissue by extreme localisation e.g. dry heat, excessive cold, chemicals, electrical current, radiation Scalds = destruction of tissue by moist heat e.g. boiling water, steam, oil

Answer 21

Depth and surface area (% of body surface) affected. *very deep burns may not be painful as all the nerve endings have been burnt!

Answer 22

Cool area immediately (can be luke warm as long as cooler than body temperature) Careful in small animals not to cause hypothermia! Keep the patient warm Once cool, dress the wound with a non-stick sterile dressing (can use clingfilm) Monitor patient for hyper/hypothermia and shock Restrict patient's movement Do not leave patient unattended Comfort them IVFT may be indicate *plasma can ooze from a blister or burn - it may be this loss that kills the patient! SO monitor for shock!*

Answer 23

Remove the oil or fat immediately to prevent the congealing of the skin. Use paper towels to remove excess Apply lukewarm water and detergent to remove the rest Continue to cool and treat as any other burn

Answer 24

creates a surface burn when a high voltage passes through the body. High risk of cardiac arrest e.g. chewing cables Patient would be collapsed, stiff or twitching/ spastic contractions of muscles, fur standing on end, short, sharp breathing. Entry and exit points - pale centre surrounded by redness.

Answer 25

*care not to stand in any liquid! Switch off the electricity supply* If cannot turn off, remove the patient with a dry insulator e.g. wooden pole. Check ABCs If no HR, start cardiac massage - may have to do CPR Check burns and treat as any other Monitor and get to vet ASAP

Answer 26

``` Distress Excessive panting restlessness Cyanosis (unable to respire properly) Hypersalivation Unsteady on feet Collapse and comatose ```

Answer 27

Remove from the hot environment Run cool water over patient ( cold water can cause shock) Soak the coat so that the water contacts the skin Apply cold towels/ice packs to the heat (heat on the brain is very dangerous -can cause fitting) Take temp very often until falls below 39 and then just keep an eye on it to ensure it keeps falling (stop cooling when 1 degree above normal) ``` In practise: un-warmed IV fluids sedation or GA Clipping off coat Cool water enema ```

Answer 28

Everything slowly shuts down sleepy and weak Ears/paws cold Slower HR, coma

Answer 29

``` Slowly warm environment Make sure animal is dry Insulate floor with blankets Cover patient with plenty of blankets Don't use direct heat ``` In practise: - ABCs - warm kennel in warmest room - thick vet beds - constant monitoring: TPR every 10 minutes - Warmed IV fluids may be indicated

Answer 30

Any substance which when enters the body is enough dose, has a harmful effect.

Answer 31

VPIS | Veterinary Poisons Information Service

Answer 32

Find out: - patient details - how the animal is - when was the substance ingested - how much was ingested - ensure animal is removed from source - attempt to ID the poison - reserve any faeces/vomit/urine for forensics - may need to contact VPIS

Answer 33

``` vomiting diarrhoea disorientation abnormal behaviour ataxia shock convulsions profuse salivation unconsciousness ```

Answer 34

Contains theobromine milk choc = 9g/kg dark choc = 1g/kg

Answer 35

Activated charcoal | Fluids and monitoring

Answer 36

Acute kidney failure Vomiting Inappetant Seizures Tx: - often unsuccessful - supportive treatment, fluids (to dilute), can use pure ethanol within 24 hrs (reacts with ethylene glycol and converts into something safer)

Answer 37

``` Can die rapidly Kidney failure Inappetant Depressed Polydipsia ``` supportive treatment - often unsuccessful - may washout stomach

Answer 38

Permethrin is found in supermarket spot-ons and insecticides. Cats are very sensitive (esp if put on a dog product) Causes twitching, tremors, collapse, convulsions. Can be fatal Clip hair and bathe ASAP in lukewarm water supportive treatment drugs to control seizures

Answer 39

Metaldehyde causes twitching, wobbliness and seizures Tx: - sedate or GA if fitting really bad. This gives the brain a rest and will hopefully pull them out of it.

Answer 40

Rat poison blood thinning agent and prevents clotting symptoms are just bleeding constantly - epistaxis, pinpoint bleeding, GI bleeding Tx: - Vit K - will help clotting - supportive treatment - possible a blood transfusion

Answer 41

Xylitol increases insulin which decreases blood sugar levels hypoglycaemia can lead to collapse - fit- coma Tx: - manage blood sugar - check liver - supportive - get them to eat

Answer 42

If the poison was corrosive If the patient is unconscious If the patient ingested the poison over 2hrs ago.

Answer 43

Prevent the animal grooming or preening - collar, wrap in towel Constantly supervise Clean contaminated coat with appropriate substance: - non-oily compound - disinfectants + water - liquid, oily compound - Swarfega or cooking oil to work into coat and then wash off with detergent and water until no smell - solid oily contamination - clip hair, then liquid paraffin or veg oil

Answer 44

Rapid ID of poison Prevention of further absorption Appropriate symptomatic treatment Availability of an anecdote

Answer 45

Remove sting if possible Bee sting - bicarbonate solution Wasp sting - vinegar solution Apply ice pack If animal collapses or swelling continues, animal should come to surgery In case of anaphylaxis, institute treatment for shock ABCs O2 etc

Answer 46

``` Trembling Excitement Drooling Vomiting Collapse Dilated pupils Rapid pulse ```

Answer 47

Minimise movement (reduces circulation) Wash bite thoroughly with cold water to remove venom Keep affected area below heart (want to stop the poison from getting round the body) Apply ice pack and bandage area In practise: - IV fluids - antibiotics - anti-inflammatories - treatment for shock - analgesics - anti-venom - o2

Answer 48

Dressing e.g. gauze swabs Primary layer e.g. synthetic padding/cotton wool (softban) Secondary layer e.g. conforming (knitfirm) Tertiary layer e.g. cohesive conforming (petflex)

First Aid Flashcards

(72 cards)