ch 15 Flashcards
What is the main focus in a medical patient
Nature of Illness (NOI)
What is the primary goal of the medical assessment
Identify life threats and provide appropriate care
What are common types of medical emergencies
Respiratory cardiovascular neurological gastrointestinal urological endocrine hematologic immunologic toxicologic psychiatric infectious gynecologic
What should guide your initial assessment of a medical patient
Scene size-up and the NOI
What is a common challenge in medical patients compared to trauma
Less visible signs of life threats
What should you assess for in medical scene size-up
Scene safety standard precautions NOI number of patients additional resources
What should be determined in the primary assessment
General impression responsiveness ABCs transport priority
What does SAMPLE history help identify
Signs/symptoms allergies meds past history last oral intake events leading up
What is OPQRST used for
Pain assessment (Onset Provocation Quality Region/Radiation Severity Time)
What is a focused assessment
Detailed exam targeting the system affected by the NOI
When should you perform a full-body scan on a medical patient
When the patient is unresponsive or has altered mental status
What is a major difference in assessing medical vs. trauma patients
Medical focuses more on history and symptoms and trauma more on physical injuries
What determines the need for ALS backup
Severity of the patient’s condition and need for interventions beyond BLS
Why is transport decision important early
Some conditions require rapid transport to a specialty center
What is the goal of secondary assessment in medical patients
To identify specific conditions and gather info to guide care
What should be done during reassessment
Recheck vitals interventions and reevaluate for changes
What’s the EMT’s role in diagnosis
EMTs do not diagnose; they rule out life threats and treat based on assessment findings
What is the significance of NOI
It helps guide your assessment and treatment approach
What kind of approach is typically used for responsive medical patients
Focused history and physical exam
What kind of approach is typically used for unresponsive medical patients
Rapid assessment and full-body scan
Why is documentation important in medical calls
It supports continuity of care and legal accountability
What is the definition of a medical emergency
An illness or condition not caused by external force that requires EMS
What is nature of illness (NOI)
The general type of illness a patient is experiencing
How does NOI differ from MOI (mechanism of injury)
NOI refers to illness; MOI refers to physical trauma
What are signs of respiratory medical emergencies
Wheezing stridor cough dyspnea abnormal breath sounds
What are signs of cardiovascular medical emergencies
Chest pain palpitations shortness of breath diaphoresis
What are examples of neurologic emergencies
Seizure stroke altered mental status syncope
What are common gastrointestinal emergencies
Nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain GI bleeding
What are signs of urologic emergencies
Flank pain difficulty urinating blood in urine
What are signs of endocrine emergencies
Hyperglycemia hypoglycemia changes in LOC fruity breath odor
What are hematologic emergencies
Issues related to blood disorders such as sickle cell or hemophilia
What are immunologic emergencies
Allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
What are examples of toxicologic emergencies
Overdose poisoning exposure to harmful substances
What are signs of psychiatric emergencies
Panic suicidal thoughts hallucinations abnormal behavior
What should you always consider when assessing a medical patient
Potential underlying conditions or medications
Why is medication history important in medical patients
It may reveal causes of symptoms or potential complications
What are examples of medical conditions requiring rapid transport
Stroke chest pain with hypotension altered mental status
What tools can help identify stroke
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) or FAST exam
What are some standard precautions needed for medical calls
Gloves mask eye protection gown depending on risk
When is it appropriate to call for ALS
Altered mental status respiratory distress severe hypotension seizures
What is important to ask during SAMPLE history in medical calls
Events leading up to symptoms and medication compliance
What are some critical interventions in medical emergencies
Oxygen airway positioning suction glucose epinephrine
Why is reassessment key in medical calls
Conditions can evolve rapidly especially in unstable patients
How often should you reassess unstable patients
Every 5 minutes
How often should you reassess stable patients
Every 15 minutes
