When performing basic life support?

Question

Dilated pupils always indicate that the prognosis is poor and that the management should be adjusted accordingly Is this True or False

Answer 1

peedie,

If this is a question from a test, the answer will of course depend on what the textbook wanted you to know most. True/false questions sometimes commit the logical fallacy of the Excluded Middle. I hope this one doesn't.

However, I would answer "False," since there are several reasons for dilated pupils, drug use among them.

Why would pupils be dilated?

Usually it's because something is wrong intracranially: a tumor, swelling following trauma, a neurologically-involving disease such as meningitis or encephalitis, however, this is not always the case.

A traumatically-injured victim (auto collision, building collapse) who goes into shock will often have dilated (but not fixed) pupils.

One reason for dilated pupils that we often forget is glaucoma. In the medical section of Comunity Emergency Response Team training we do remind our medical-treatment area personnel about this. Usually dilated pupils are a sign of Nothing Good, but don't jump to conclusions.

Central nervous system stimulants such as methamphetamines and cocaine will dilate the pupils, too.

So dilated pupils are not a trustworthy sign for care-mangement decisions. In life support, rely on other signs.

Answer 2

Dilated fixed pupils suggests brain death amongst other things. Fixed dilated pupils may also be a sinister sign indicating irreversible brain damage. yes you are right, indicate poor prognosis.