Precordial thump
Precordial Thump
The Precordial Thump (pronounced: pre-kor-dee-al thump) is a medical procedure often used in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest.
Etymology
The term "Precordial" is derived from the Latin words "pre" meaning "before" and "cordis" meaning "heart". "Thump" is an English word that describes a heavy blow with a hand or a hard object.
Definition
A Precordial Thump is a first aid procedure where a healthcare provider delivers a sharp blow with the fist to the patient's sternum. This is usually done in an attempt to convert a lethal heart rhythm back to a normal rhythm, especially in situations where a defibrillator is not immediately available.
Procedure
The Precordial Thump should be performed by a trained healthcare professional. The provider makes a fist and strikes the patient's sternum with a quick, forceful thump. The aim is to create enough mechanical stimulus to the heart to disrupt the abnormal electrical activity causing the cardiac arrest.
Related Terms
- Cardiac Arrest: A sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to pump effectively.
- Defibrillator: A device that delivers a dose of electric current to the heart to help restore its normal rhythm.
- Sternum: The breastbone, a long flat bone located in the center of the chest.
Risks and Considerations
The Precordial Thump is not without risks. It can potentially cause injury to the chest wall, ribs, or internal organs. It is also not always effective in restoring normal heart rhythm. Therefore, it is typically used as a last resort when no defibrillator is available.
See Also
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): A lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): A set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Precordial thump
- Wikipedia's article - Precordial thump
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