Debrief - Falls vs collapse
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Patient Assessment: Fall and Arm Injury
Introduction to Patient Scenario
Scenario Overview: The patient has fallen over and injured his left arm.
Assessment of Fall vs Collapse
Key Questions: It's crucial to differentiate between a fall and collapse.
- What were you doing before you fell?
- Did you lose consciousness?
- Did you hit your head?
- Was it a witnessed fall?
- How did you fall? (e.g., outstretched hand, backwards)
- Any chest pain or dizziness?
- Did you feel impending doom or tunnel vision?
These questions help rule out neurological, cardiac, or mechanical causes.
Patient's Account and Clinical Decision
Patient's Account: He tripped over the carpet, fell forward with an outstretched hand, and briefly blacked out.
Assessment: No loss of consciousness established.
Pain Management: With a pain score of two at rest, we applied a sling for comfort and instructed him to minor injuries.
Importance of Ring Removal
Risk Management: Advised removal of his ring due to potential swelling complications.
This approach ensures proper care and minimizes future complications for the patient.