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February 9, 2012
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Drowning (cont.)

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Exams and Tests

A drowning victim may be without symptoms, with no vital signs (no breathing or heartbeat), or somewhere in between these extremes.

  • Medical history and physical exam

  • Observation of symptoms and complications

  • Laboratory tests

    • Blood gas to determine blood acid-base balance and oxygenation

    • Blood chemistry tests to evaluate electrolytes, blood sugar, and kidney function

    • Toxicology to determine alcohol or illicit drug use

Imaging

  • Chest x-ray to look for fluid in the lungs

  • Neck x-ray to look for fractures

  • Head CT to look for structural damage to the brain

Monitors

  • ECG to look for irregular heart activity

  • Monitor for oxygenation
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