Disability

• What is the first learning objective of the disability workbook notes?

  To understand the basic principles of assessing disability in the context of an A-E assessment
• What is the second learning objective of the disability workbook notes?

  To understand the tools used for assessing disability in the context of an A-E assessment
• What does disability refer to in the context of an A-E assessment?

  Disability refers to the conscious level of the patient and factors affecting this conscious level
• What are some factors that can affect conscious levels?

  Medications, blood sugar, injury, and illness
• What are the components of disability assessment?

  • Use of a rapid assessment tool (AVPU)
  • Use of a detailed assessment tool (GCS)
  • Measurement of blood sugar
  • Review of medications given
• What does the acronym AVPU stand for?

  Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive
• What is considered an abnormal score in the AVPU assessment?

  Any score below 'A'
• What does it mean when a child is classified as 'Alert' in the AVPU assessment?

  The child is aware of their surroundings and can follow commands
• What does it mean when a child is classified as 'Voice' in the AVPU assessment?

  The child opens their eyes in response to verbal stimuli
• What does it mean when a child is classified as 'Pain' in the AVPU assessment?

  The child only reacts to painful stimuli
• What does it mean when a child is classified as 'Unresponsive' in the AVPU assessment?

  The child does not respond to verbal or painful stimuli
• What is the purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

  To assess neurological observations and level of consciousness
• What is the maximum score for the Glasgow Coma Scale?

  15
• What are the three areas assessed in the Glasgow Coma Scale?

  Eyes, Verbal, Motor
• What is the maximum score for the eye response in the GCS?

  4
• What is the maximum score for the verbal response in the GCS?

  5
• What is the maximum score for the motor response in the GCS?

  6
• What are the methods of applying painful stimuli?

  • Squeezing the trapezius muscle
  • Applying pressure to the supraorbital groove
• How do you calculate the total GCS score?

  Eyes + Verbal + Motor = GCS Score
• What is the normal range for blood sugar?

  4 – 7 mmols
• What are the steps to obtain a blood glucose reading?

  1. Explain the procedure and gain consent
  2. Wash site and hands
  3. Put on gloves and apron
  4. Prepare meter and puncture skin
  5. Dispose of lancet and apply gauze
  6. Wait for result and document
• Why is it important to include families in the care of children in hospitals?

  Parents and guardians know their children best and can provide valuable insights
• What should be noted when assessing pupil size?

  Pupils should be of equal size, as unequal pupils can indicate raised intracranial pressure
• What does the acronym PEARL stand for in pupil assessment?

  Pupils Equal And Reacting to Light
• How is limb power assessed in children?

  • In young children: through play activities
  • In older children: by asking them to push and pull against the assessor