1-D: Medical Emergencies Flashcards
What are drug allergies?
Allergic reactions are negative reactions to drugs. The body thinks of the drug as an antigen and creates antibodies for that drug.
What happens with increased exposure to an allergen?
The more the patient is exposed to the drug they are allergic to, the more sensitive they become, and reactions could become more severe.
What are minor reactions to contrast media?
Minor reactions include nausea, hives, mild vomiting, weakness, warmth, and pallor.
Patient doesn’t need to seek medical treatment but must be observed to ensure the reaction does not get worse.
What are moderate reactions to contrast media?
Moderate reactions include tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, hypertension, dyspnea, and laryngeal edema.
Patient doesn’t need to seek medical treatment but must be observed to ensure the reaction does not get worse.
What is a severe reaction to contrast media?
A severe reaction is anaphylactic shock, which can cause respiratory arrest and vascular shock.
What are common symptoms of anaphylactic shock?
Common symptoms include laryngeal edema, convulsions, unresponsiveness, extreme hypotension, and nausea.
Epinephrine can be used as a treatment and must occur rapidly.
Who should avoid using contrast media?
Contraindications include patients older than 50, patients with diabetes, limited kidney function, heart disease, or previous adverse reactions to contrast media.
What is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
CPR is needed when a patient goes into cardiac arrest.
When should you begin CPR?
Begin CPR if a patient’s pulse stops.
What are the proper steps to assess a patient before starting CPR?
The proper steps are C-A-B: circulation, airway, breathing.
What is the CPR compression to breath ratio for adults?
The ratio of compressions to breaths for an adult is 30:2.
What should you do immediately after an injury occurs?
Immediately call for the doctor and then continue to attend to the patient.
What should you do after an incident occurs?
An incident report may need to be filled out according to the facility’s rules.
What should you do when a patient has a seizure?
Stay with the patient, monitor them for injuries, and call for help.
Do not put your fingers into the patient’s mouth and do not restrain the patient.
What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is when there is too much insulin, often caused by the patient not eating or drinking.