What is a Sternum Rub?

A Sternum Rub is a medical technique used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness. It involves rubbing the knuckles of a closed fist firmly and vigorously on the patient’s sternum. The stimulus is applied to the core of the body, which is why it’s referred to as a central painful stimulus. In this article, we’ll discuss what a Sternum Rub is, when it’s used, how it’s performed, the risks associated with it, and alternatives to it.

A Sternum Rub is a medical technique used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness. It involves rubbing the knuckles of a closed fist firmly and vigorously on the patient’s sternum. The purpose of a Sternum Rub is to elicit a response from an unresponsive patient. If the patient responds to the stimulus, it indicates that they’re conscious.

When is a Sternum Rub used?

A Sternum Rub is used when a patient is unresponsive and there’s a need to assess their level of consciousness. It’s often used in emergency situations such as cardiac arrest or drug overdose. A Sternum Rub can also be used to assess the level of consciousness in patients who are under anesthesia.

How is a Sternum Rub performed?

To perform a Sternum Rub, follow these steps:

• Place your knuckles on the patient’s sternum.
• Rub your knuckles firmly and vigorously on the sternum.
• Observe the patient’s response.

It’s important to note that a Sternum Rub should only be performed by trained medical professionals.

What are the risks of a Sternum Rub?

A Sternum Rub can cause pain and discomfort to the patient. In some cases, it can cause bruising or injury to the sternum. It’s important to use caution when performing a Sternum Rub and only do so when necessary.

Alternatives to a Sternum Rub

There are several alternatives to a Sternum Rub that can be used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness. These include:

• Shouting: Shouting loudly at the patient can sometimes elicit a response.
• Sternal Compression: Sternal Compression involves applying pressure to the sternum with both hands.
• Nail Bed Pressure: Nail Bed Pressure involves applying pressure to the nail bed with your finger.

It’s important to note that these alternatives may not be as effective as a Sternum Rub in certain situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Sternum Rub is a medical technique used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness. It involves rubbing the knuckles of a closed fist firmly and vigorously on the patient’s sternum. A Sternum Rub should only be performed by trained medical professionals and should be used with caution due to its associated risks. There are several alternatives to a Sternum Rub that can be used in certain situations.