Conditions that must be treated ASAP

[AGal110]

I had just stumbled upon a thread where necrotizing fasciitis was brought up. And I started researching and found out that it is caused by the bacteria Strep A that has invaded body tissue. The victim usually starts out with some type of cut or trauma to the skin, is then exposed to the virus, and within a day could be dead if not treated immediately.

This made me wonder what other types of conditions there are that, if not treated IMMEDIATELY, can lead to severe consequences or even death. I have read that NF is relatively rare, but I'm still glad to be aware of it. (If you think it's weird that I was previously unaware, I'm not in nursing school for another semester hence my lack of knowledge)

Anyway, please list some of these types of conditions that you think are important to be made aware of.

Necrotizing Fasciitis - http://www.nnff.org/

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4062215760649028744

Necrotizing Enterocolitis - Rotting of intestinal walls, usually in newborns. My best friend had this as a newborn and has a wicked surgical scar to prove it.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001148.htm

Please share.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Require intervention ASAP:

- Bacterial meningitis

- Ischemic conditions: stroke/AMI/limb ischemia

[hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN]

I had just stumbled upon a thread where necrotizing fasciitis was brought up. And I started researching and found out that it is caused by the bacteria Strep A that has invaded body tissue. The victim usually starts out with some type of cut or trauma to the skin, is then exposed to the virus, and within a day could be dead if not treated immediately.

I think you would benefit from a good microbiology class. Beta-hemolytic S. pyogenes (Strep group A) can not only cause necrotizing fasciitis, it is also the most common cause of streptococcal illness-- all over the body. I'm sure you're familiar with strep throat? That's also S. pyogenes. Despite what medical dramas portray, necrotizing fasciitis is exceedingly rare in reality: Maybe 500-1000 cases per year in the U.S. -- I say this because one should not rush to be started on IV antibiotics from a paper cut. Most common lacerations don't extend into the fascia anyways.

Also, take care not to confuse bacteria with viruses.

[AGal110]

hypo - I'm taking Micro this semester! :) Start in about two weeks.

Yeah, I read that it's the same strep that causes NF causes strep throat. One website said that's how a lot of people contract NF - from contact with someone who has strep throat.

[RN2B123]

hyperkalemia! if its high enough

[Melinurse]

Change in mental status.

Airway/breathing difficulties.

[rn-n- 2005]

Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia. :wink2:

[firstyearstudent]

Brain Attack

Heart Attack

Status Epilepticus

Status Asthmaticus

Sepsis

Placentia Abruption

Profuse Bleeding

Eclampsia

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Burst Aneurysm

[chare]

Two conditions to always remember:

Agitation/anxiety: Is always hypoxia until ruled out.

Somnolence/altered LOC: Is always hypercarbia until ruled out.

[s8ntollie]

Compartment Syndrome!!!!

[RochesterRN-BSN, BSN, RN]

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Serotonin Syndrome

Thyroid Storm

Pheochromocytoma

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

I have read that NF is relatively rare, but I'm still glad to be aware of it.

Yes it's rare, but not that rare that you won't encounter it. In 2.5 yrs I have cared for 3 people with it.