2 - Chest and Back Flashcards
What is chest pain a potential indicator of?
A heart attack
Chest pain can indicate that part of the heart muscle is no longer receiving adequate blood flow.
How quickly must patients with chest pain be seen in emergency rooms?
Within ten minutes
This urgency is due to the potential for catastrophic complications from a heart attack.
What are common non-serious causes of chest pain?
Gas or a pulled muscle
These causes are more common than serious conditions like heart attacks.
What symptoms suggest chest pain from a muscle strain?
Pain when twisting or raising arms
This indicates a possible sore muscle or rib fracture.
What should you do if chest pain improves with rest?
See your doctor
This may indicate severe blockages in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
What condition is indicated by sharp pain that worsens with deep breathing?
Pulled rib muscle
It can also indicate pneumonia if accompanied by fever, chills, and cough.
What does chest pain that goes away after a few seconds usually indicate?
Gas or a brief muscle spasm
Serious causes of chest pain are usually not short-lived.
What should you do if you have sharp chest pain along with cough and fever?
Get a same-day appointment with your doctor
This could indicate pneumonia.
What is a warning sign of a heart attack?
Severe, constant, pressure-like chest pain
This pain may also radiate down one or both arms.
What might sudden-onset, severe chest pain indicate in tall individuals or those with high blood pressure?
Aortic dissection
This condition is characterized by intense, knifelike pain.
What is the medical term for the sensation of a fast or irregular heartbeat?
Palpitations
Palpitations can be a sign of potential heart problems.
What can cause an increased heart rate during pregnancy?
Increased blood volume required for the placenta
The heart works harder to supply both the mother and developing child.
What should you do if you feel frequent skipped or extra beats?
See your doctor for tests
Tests may include an ECG, echocardiogram, and blood tests.
What is the normal resting heart rate range for adults?
60 to 100 beats per minute
Athletes may have resting rates in the 40s or 30s.
What should you do if you have a low heart rate and feel lightheaded?
Lie down and call an ambulance
A low heart rate could be dropping your blood pressure.
Fill in the blank: A heart rate below ______ is considered slow.
50
A slow heart rate can be dangerous if accompanied by lightheadedness.
What is a potential effect of taking cold or flu medicine?
Increased heart rate and palpitations
Many over-the-counter medications contain stimulants.
What should you do if your palpitations continue to occur frequently?
Get a Holter monitor
This device tracks heart activity over an extended period.
What should you do if you have a slow pulse (less than 50) and feel lightheaded?
Lie down and call an ambulance.
What are common fixable causes of a slow heart rate?
- Medication side effects
- Lyme disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Abnormal blood potassium levels
- Brain disease
Which medications are known to cause low heart rate?
- Beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem)
What is a pacemaker?
A device that monitors heart rate and sends electrical jolts to maintain a minimum heart rate.
What lifestyle changes can help with bothersome palpitations?
- Sleep more
- Cut out caffeine
- Reduce stress
What tests are typically done for frequent episodes of rapid heartbeat?
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests
- Holter monitor
What is ‘holiday heart’?
Palpitations caused by heavy drinking, often seen during festive seasons.
What symptoms indicate a potential overactive thyroid?
- Constant heat
- Weight loss
- Shakiness
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
What heart rhythm is associated with an increased risk of stroke?
Atrial fibrillation.
What medications are often prescribed for patients with atrial fibrillation?
- Blood thinners
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
What are the symptoms of panic attacks?
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Sense of doom
If you have a pacemaker, what should you do if you experience frequent extra beats?
Consult your cardiologist.
What is the primary concern if you experience chest pain during exertion?
Blockages in the coronary arteries.
What should you do if you feel lightheaded and have palpitations?
Call an ambulance.
What can cause chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms?
Blockages in coronary arteries leading to insufficient blood supply.
What does shortness of breath indicate?
A potential breakdown in the process of oxygen transfer to the blood.
What is anemia?
A condition where there is a low red blood cell count.
What are common causes of anemia in women?
Heavy menstrual periods.
What lung condition can cause shortness of breath and a cough?
Pneumonia.
What does it mean if your legs are swollen and easily indented?
Fluid overload in the body, possibly due to heart failure or kidney disease.
What symptom might indicate heart failure when lying down?
Shortness of breath.
What is wheezing a sign of?
Conditions like asthma or COPD.
What should you do if you are wheezing and can’t catch your breath?
Go to the emergency room.
What can cause chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath?
A heart attack or lung collapse.
What is a rapid, pounding heartbeat an indication of?
It may indicate a heart attack or an abnormally rapid heart rhythm.
What can cause fluid to back up into the lungs?
When the heart struggles to get enough blood.
What is a possible cause of lung collapse?
A disruption of the vacuum around the lungs.
Who is at risk for spontaneous lung collapse?
Tall, thin, young people, smokers, and those with lung disease.
What is anaphylaxis?
A severe allergic reaction that causes airway swelling and breathing problems.
What should you do if experiencing anaphylaxis?
Get to the E.R. for an epinephrine injection.
What is a pulmonary embolus?
A blockage in the lungs caused by a blood clot that usually forms in a leg vein.
What increases the risk of developing leg clots?
Immobilization, smoking, birth control pills, and cancer.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A complication of diabetes when insulin levels become very low.
What symptoms are associated with diabetic ketoacidosis?
Fatigue, abdominal pain, and rapid breathing.
What are some reasons a person with cancer may experience shortness of breath?
Formation of clots, lung infections from chemotherapy, tumors blocking airways, and fluid accumulation.
What triggers the cough reflex?
Particles, chemicals, and strong smells.
What is the difference between acute and chronic cough?
Acute cough lasts a few weeks; chronic cough lasts longer.
What can cause post-nasal drip?
Common colds or seasonal allergies.
What is acid reflux disease?
A condition where stomach acid creeps up toward the mouth.
What can worsen acid reflux symptoms?
Lying down, spicy food, alcohol, and smoking.
What is a common cause of chronic cough in adults?
Asthma.
What can indicate a bacterial lung infection?
A fever lasting more than two or three days without typical cold symptoms.
What symptoms could suggest tuberculosis (TB)?
Fever, night sweats, and unintended weight loss.
What condition can cause a nagging cough due to fluid retention?
Heart, liver, or kidney disease.
What is sleep apnea?
A condition where the throat periodically closes down at night, causing loud snoring.
What should you do if you have a cough associated with blood?
Seek immediate medical attention.
What is the structure of the spine made up of?
A stack of bones called vertebrae, held together by ligaments and muscles.
What is spinal stenosis?
A condition where degeneration of the vertebral joints compresses nerves.
What can cause back pain aside from muscle strain?
Issues with internal organs, like the kidneys.
What should you do for back pain that isn’t interfering with your life?
Avoid heavy lifting and consider massage or over-the-counter pain medications.
What is the recommended action for long-standing lower back pain?
Remain active and consult a doctor for evaluation.
What can chronic cough indicate if it persists for more than four weeks?
It may require evaluation for serious conditions like infections or cancer.
What medications can cause chronic dry cough?
ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.
What should you do if your cough worsens after starting a new medication?
Consult your doctor before stopping the medication.
What should you do to keep your muscles strong and stabilize your lower back?
Remain as active as possible.
Staying active helps maintain muscle strength and stability.
What conditions may cause pain, numbness, and/or weakness in your arms or legs?
Compression of the nerves caused by:
* Herniated disc
* Vertebrae misalignment
* Spinal stenosis
These conditions can lead to symptoms like tingling and pain.
What is sciatica?
A condition where the nerves to the legs are affected, causing pain.
It typically results from nerve compression.
What imaging test is likely to be performed if nerve compression is suspected?
MRI of the back.
This helps identify issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
What initial treatments are recommended for nerve compression conditions?
Over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and time.
If symptoms worsen, steroid injections may be considered.
What is a common cause of back stiffness that worsens at night?
Autoimmune condition known as ankylosing spondylitis.
Symptoms improve with exercise and may include neck, hip, and eye pain.
What are the main symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?
- Lower back pain worsening at night
- Morning stiffness
- Improvement with exercise
Diagnosis is confirmed with X-rays.
What condition may cause burning pain on one side of your back?
Shingles (zoster).
It can occur after a chickenpox infection reactivates.
What treatments are available for shingles?
Over-the-counter pain relievers and antiviral medications.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for those over fifty.
What could recent unintended weight loss and a history of cancer indicate?
A tumor in the spine.
Tumors may compress the spinal cord, leading to serious complications.
What are the potential causes of sudden-onset back pain in someone with osteoporosis?
Fractured vertebrae due to trauma or seemingly minor events.
Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be needed for severe fractures.
What are common causes of severe lower back pain during menstruation?
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
Both conditions can cause significant pain and are diagnosed via ultrasound.
What symptoms indicate a potential spinal cord compression emergency?
Weak legs and inability to control urination.
Immediate assessment is necessary to prevent permanent damage.
What should you do if you cannot get out of bed due to pain?
Take a pain reliever and seek emergency care if no improvement occurs.
Severe pain could indicate spinal cord compression.
What is the pain management approach for nonsevere pain?
A pain ladder starting with gentler drugs and escalating as necessary.
This method minimizes side effects and risk of dependence.
What are the most common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for back pain?
- Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve/Naprosyn)
These are effective but may cause side effects in certain patients.
What is a significant risk of taking acetaminophen above recommended doses?
Life-threatening acute liver failure.
Safe doses should be confirmed with a doctor if liver disease is present.
What may indicate an infection in or around the spine?
Symptoms including fever or chills.
An urgent assessment is necessary to prevent nerve damage.
What condition could cause spasms of severe lower back and pelvic pain?
Passing a kidney stone.
Diagnosis is confirmed with a CT scan or ultrasound.
What should you do if you have experienced major physical trauma?
Seek emergency care to rule out fractures or internal organ damage.
Major injuries require thorough evaluation.
