36: Environmental Emergencies

Question 0

The natural tendency of the body to maintain a steady and normal internal environment.

Answer 0

Homeostasis

Question 1

A medical condition caused or exacerbated by the weather, terrain, atmospheric pressure, or other local factors.

Answer 1

Environmental Emergency

Question 2

Rate at which the body consumes energy just to maintain stavility; the basic metabolic rate of an awake, resting person 12 - 14 hours after eating and at a comfortable temprature.

Answer 2

Basal Metabolic Rate

Question 3

Rate at which the body consumes energy during activity. It is faster during activity. It is faster than the basal metabolic rate.

Answer 3

Exertional Metabolic Rate

Question 4

Increased core body temperature due to inadequate thermolysis.

Answer 4

Heat illness

Question 5

Unusually high core body temperature.

Answer 5

Hyperthermia

Question 6

Condition that damages the autonomic nervous system, which usually senses changes in core temperature and controls vasodilation and perspiration to dissipate heat.

Answer 6

Autonomic Neuropathy

Question 7

The reversible changes in body structure and function by which the body becomes adjusted to a change in environment.

Answer 7

Acclimatization

Question 8

Acute painful spasms of the voluntary muscles following strenuous activity in a hot environment without adequate fluid or salt intake

Answer 8

Heat Cramps

Question 9

A mild heat illness; an acute reaction to heat exposure.

Answer 9

Heat Exhaustion

Question 10

Fever, or above normal body temperature.

Answer 10

Pyrexia

Question 11

Any substance causing a fever, such as viruses and bacteria or substances produced within the body in response infection or inflammation.

Answer 11

Pyrogen

Question 12

State of low body temperature, particularly low core body temperature.

Answer 12

Hypothermia

Question 13

ECG deflection found at the junction of the QRS complex and the ST segment. It is associated with hypothermia and seen at core temperatures below 32 degrees C. most commonly in leads II and V6; also called an Osborn Wave.

Answer 13

J Wave

Question 14

Environmentally induced freezing of body tissues causing destruction of cells.

Answer 14

Frostbite

Question 15

Freezing involving only epidermal tissues resulting in redness followed by blanching and diminished sensation; also called frostnip.

Answer 15

Superficial Frostbite

Question 16

Freezing involving epidermal and subcutaneous tissues resulting in a white appearance, hard feeling on palpation, loss of sensation.

Answer 16

Deep Frostbite

Question 17

A painful foot disorder resembling frostbite adn resulting from exposure to cold and wet, which can eventually result in tissue sloughing or gangrene; also called immersion foot.

Answer 17

Trench Foot

Question 18

Asphyxia resulting from submersion in liquid with death occurring within 24 hours of submersion.

Answer 18

Drowning

Question 19

An incident of potentially fatal submersion in liquid which did not result in death or in which death occurred mor than 24 hours after submersion.

Answer 19

Near Drowning

Question 20

A compound secreted by cells in the lungs that regulates the surface tension of the fluid that lines the alveoli, which is important in keeping the alveoli open for gas exchange.

Answer 20

Surfactant

Question 21

A complex cardiovascular reflex resulting from submersion of the face and nose in water, that constricts blood flow everywhere except to the brain.

Answer 21

Mammalian Diving Reflex

Question 22

Injuries caused by changes in pressure. This occurs from increasing pressure during a diving descent is commonly called “the squeeze”.

Answer 22

Barotruama

Question 23

A state of stupor that develops during deep dives due to nitrogens effect on cerebral function; also called “raptures of the deep”.

Answer 23

Nitrogen Narcosis

Question 24

Development of nitrogen bubbles within the tissues due to reduction of air pressure when a diver returns to the surface; also called “the bends”.

Answer 24

Decompression Illness

Question 25

Expansion of air held in the lungs during ascent. IF not exhaled, the expanded air may cause injury to the lungs and surrounding structures.

Answer 25

Pulmonary Overpressure

Question 26

An air bubble, or air embolism, that enters the circulatory system from a damaged lung.

Answer 26

Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE)

Question 27

The presence of air in the mediastinum.

Answer 27

Pneumomediastinum

Question 28

A collection of air in the pleural space. Air may enter the pleural space through an injury to the lungs.

Answer 28

Pneumothorax

Question 29

Resubmission of a person to a greater pressure so that gradual decompression cam be achieved; often used in the treatment of diving emergencies.

Answer 29

Recompression

Question 30

Re-compression chamber used to treat patients suffering from barotrauma.

Answer 30

Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber