Cold Related Injuries

13 cards·by tatiana05

Definition of Chilblains( pernio)/Signs and symptoms

After repetitive exposure, "cold sores" < 24 hrs after exposure, plaques, blue nodules and ulcerations, prutitis, burning

Definition of Trench (immersion) Foot

Local, non-freezing injury, occurs in cold, WET conditions, atleast 12 hrs cold exposure, decreased blood flow and oxygen

Signs and symptoms of Trench Foot

Cold, mottled, decreased tactile sensation, sluggish cap refill, erythema after re-warming, itching, tingling and increased cold sensitivity

Treatment of Trench Foot

Remove cold/wet, air dry, do not constrict extremity, elevate, bed rest

Definition of Frostbite

Only epidermis, pale, decreased sensation, treat w/ direct heat

Definition of Superficial Frostbite

Epidermis & parts of dermis, waxy white, skin soft w/resilient pressure, blisters

Definition of Deep Frostbite

Epidermis, dermis & deep structures; hard skin, edema, cyanosis, blood bullae

Definition of Primary Hypothermia

Affects healthy ppl exposed to cold condition

Definition of Secondary Hypothermia

Sepsis, trauma, hypoendocrine states, hypothalamic function

Physiologic Response to Cold

Initial cold exposure preshivering, subsides after hours and terminate at temp < 30 degrees

Predisposing factors of Hypothermia

Extreme age, trauma, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, recreational & therapeutic drugs, ethanol

Symptoms of decreased cerebral blood flow

Decrease in motor skills, lack of coordination, dysarthria, ataxia, decreased neuronal metabolism, parodoxical undressing

Treatment of Hypothermia

ABCs, initial resuscitation, pharmacological, rewarming