Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Every pediatric patient should be resuscitated unless there is rigidity, body decay, known terminal illness, or irreparable damage. The techniques for pediatric CPR are described in detail.
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The introduction of closed chest massage in 1960 initiated a widespread interest in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Until that time, open chest cardiac massage was the standard for CPR. Initial explanations for blood flow during closed chest CPR were based upon direct compression of the heart. ⋯ Cardiac output with open chest massage is approximately double that obtained by closed chest massage. Cerebral blood flow during open chest massage approaches physiologic values. The use of drugs possessing alpha adrenergic activity and maneuvers that augment intrathoracic pressure improve vital organ perfusion.
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The resuscitation of the traumatized patient with multisystem injuries begins on the scene of the incident, continues into the emergency department, and finally includes the surgeon and the operating room. Treatment of the traumatized patient requires a systematic approach to best utilize all facilities and personnel while limiting duplication of service. The patient must go to the facility that best meets his or her needs. ⋯ Hetastarch may turn out to be a valuable addition to the fluid management of these patients. The patient is entitled to one physician who can call the consultants together. In addition, there should be a single physician for the patient who can control the timing of operative intervention as well as coordinate the overall management by the consultants.
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The diagnosis of hypothermia rests solely upon a measured core temperature of 35 degrees C or less; a special thermometer calibrated to record low temperatures should be used whenever hypothermia is suspected. Hospital management of the hypothermic patient consists of definitive rewarming therapy.
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Pharmacologic agents are used to improve conditions that may contribute to the development of cardiac arrest such as dysrhythmias, hypotension, shock, or anoxia. The authors review the clinical application of several specific agents in resuscitation.