Health Essay Sample

Essay 7
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Essay 7
1 Differentiate among several types of shock: cardiogenic, hypovolemic, obstructive, distributive, and septic. Explain the pathophysiology of each.
Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by myocardial infarction. It leads to multiple organ failure and eventual death as a result of cardiac dysfunction (Chioncel, et al., 2020). It is characterized by a reduction in cardiac output as a result of initial cardiac insult followed by vasoconstriction. As cardiac output and stroke volume decrease, the blood pressure decreases. This is attributed to vasoconstriction (Chioncel, et al., 2020). Also, a systemic inflammatory response occurs, causing vasodilation that leads to hypoperfusion. Microcirculatory dysfunction occurs, causing multiple organ failures. Patients with cardiogenic shock experience hypoperfusion, oliguria, dizziness, and mental confusion (Chioncel, et al., 2020).
Hypovolemic shock is also a life-threatening condition caused by a loss of blood/ extracellular fluid (Taghavi & Askari, 2020). Such a loss causes the volume of the blood in the body to reduce, limiting the supply of oxygen to other body organs. It can lead to multiple organ failures as well (Taghavi & Askari, 2020). It is characterized by a heightened heart rate and cardiac contractility. It is also characterized by peripheral vasoconstriction and as the intravascular volume reduces, the blood pressure reduces as well. Low oxygen supply to body organs causes a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism and as the body tries to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart, other organs are denied oxygen. Patients experience low urine output, clammy/cold skin, and muscle cramps (Taghavi & Askari, 2020). They also experience confusion, just like patients with cardiogenic shock.
Obstructive shock occurs when the heart or the great vessels have been obstructed (Standl et al., 2018). Like cardiogenic shock, obstructive shock is characterized by a reduction in cardiac output and subsequent drop in blood pressure. As Standl et al. (2018) reveal, extravascular or intravascular factors interfere with the flow of blood in the great vessels or out of the heart, causing the cardiac output to decrease. As the blood flow decreases, oxygen supply to vital organs is reduced, causing organ dysfunction. Patients may experience altered confusion in addition to low blood pressure and weak/rapid pulse.
Distributive shock is a condition caused by an abnormal distribution of blood flow. It is also referred to as vasodilatory shock because excessive vasodilation reduces blood flow to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys (Smith, Lopez, & Silberman, 2021). It is mostly caused by anaphylaxis, sepsis, capillary leak syndrome, and adrenal insufficiency. It is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response when histamines and cytokines are released in anaphylaxis and sepsis, respectively (Smith, Lopez, & Silberman, 2021). This causes systemic vasodilation, cardiomyopathy, and capillary leak. Patients may lose consciousness, experience low blood pressure, and warm skin.
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by a severe infection. As the body tries to respond to the infection, the blood pressure drops significantly, affecting vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys (Standl et al., 2018). It is characterized by vascular tone dysregulation which ultimately causes the impaired distribution of blood flow. In fact, a septic shock is a form of distributive shock for this very reason. Vasodilation also occurs and blood flow drops, reducing oxygen supply to vital organs (Standl et al., 2018). This can cause multiple organ dysfunction and in severe cases, organ failure. Patients often experience low blood pressure, confusion, and warm skin.
2 Discuss the risks of morbidity and mortality and the preparation and prevention measures for one type of natural disaster
Hurricanes are destructive natural disasters that not only destroy infrastructure but also negatively impact the health of affected individuals. According to Waddell et al. (2021), hurricanes have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality from drowning, water-related diseases, and unintentional injuries. For instance, after Hurricane Katrina, there was an overall increase in morbidity by 12.6%, and multiple comorbidities such as asthma attacks and post-traumatic stress disorders were recorded following the hurricane (Waddell et al., 2021). Additionally, hurricanes are associated with high mortality rates not only from drowning and other hurricane-associated injuries but also from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Hurricanes also increase the number of people leaving with chronic diseases. For instance, Waddell et al. (2021) reveal that 25-40% of those affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita developed a chronic illness.
Emergency plans are necessary when dealing with natural disasters. Preparation and prevention measures for hurricanes include stocking up with sufficient medical supplies, equipment, and water on higher floors (Wei, 2020). Additionally, well-established communication systems are put in place to facilitate first-responders communication. Evacuation plans are communicated in advance and high-risk patients should be evacuated first (Wei, 2020). It is worth noting that during hurricanes, flooding is common and road transport might be impossible. Thus, preparing for air transport is necessary.
3 Explain how to set up for disaster closet in the emergency department. What items should it contain? Who should have access? Should it be locked? What type of drills should be conducted?
Disaster closets should be located in proximity to the emergency department (ED) for easier accessibility by healthcare workers. They should contain personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers from ...