Prolonged Field care Podcast 210: Logistics of Labs

In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dennis and Doug delve into the practical aspects of lab values in trauma care. They discuss when to draw labs, the significance of pH, the role of bicarbonate and calcium in resuscitation, and the interpretation of blood gas values. The conversation also covers the limitations of hemoglobin measurements, the management of potassium levels in crush injuries, and the use of hypertonic saline in head injury cases. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding lab values in the context of patient care and the need for timely interventions. Takeaways The pH level is crucial for assessing trauma patients. Resuscitation strategies should be based on lab values. Calcium and bicarbonate play significant roles in trauma care. Blood gas values are essential for ventilator management. Hemoglobin levels may not accurately reflect bleeding severity. Lactate levels can be misleading in trauma situations. Frequent lab draws are not always necessary in stable patients. Hypertonic saline can be beneficial in head injuries. Potassium management is critical in crush injuries. Understanding lab values helps in making informed clinical decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trauma Labs 03:02 Understanding pH and Its Importance 06:06 Resuscitation Strategies in Trauma 08:58 The Role of Calcium and Bicarbonate 11:53 Interpreting Blood Gas Values 15:04 The Limitations of Hemoglobin Measurements 18:00 Ventilator Management and Blood Gases 20:47 Frequency of Lab Draws in Trauma 23:55 Managing Potassium Levels in Crush Injuries 26:48 Head Injury Management and Hypertonic Saline 30:08 Lactate Levels and Their Significance 33:13 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deltadevteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care