Ch. 20 Medical Emergencies Flashcards
Aura
a subjective sensation or motor phenomenon that precedes and marks the onset of a paroxysmal attack, such as an epileptic attack
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)
device used for the application of external electrical shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm and rate
Cardiac Arrest
sudden stoppage of cardiac output and effective circulation
cerebrovascular accident (stroke or brain attack)
condition with sudden onset caused by acute vascular lesions of the brain; often followed by permanent neurologic damage
Epistaxis
nosebleed; hemorrhage from the nose
FAST Scan
Acronym for Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma; a bedside sonography exam used to assess trauma patients for internal bleeding
hyperglycemia
abnormally increased concentration of glucose in the blood
hypoglycemia
abnormally low level of sugar in the blood
lethargy
abnormal drowsiness or stupor; a condition of indifference
shock
condition of profound hemodynamic and metabolic disturbance characterized by failure of the circulatory system to maintain adequate perfusion of vital organs
syncope
temporary suspension of consciousness as a result of generalized cerebral ischemia; faint or swoon
urticaria
vascular reaction, usually transient, involving the upper dermis, representing localized edema caused by dilatation and increased permeability of the capillaries and marked by the development of wheals; also called hives
ventricular fibrillation
disorganized cardiac rhythm
vertigo
illusion of movement; sensation as if the external world were revolving around the patient or as if the patient were revolving in space
wound dehiscence
separation of the layers of a surgical wound; may be partial, or superficial only, or complete, with disruption of all layers
What is a sign or symptom typically associated with a deteriorating head injury?
Lethargy
Which of the following actions would help prevent a patient from going into shock?
a. minimizing pain
b. providing emotional support
c. maintaining a normal body temperature
d. all of the above
ALL
A patient suffering from hypoglycemia needs:
Rest and Carbohydrates
Which of the following is typically associated with shock?
a. decreasing pulse rate
b. decreasing blood pressure
c. fever
d. flushed face
Decreasing blood pressure
How long can the brain be deprived of oxygen before cerebral function impairment is likely?
4-6 minutes
Which of the following actions is appropriate in handling a patient who begins a violent seizure?
a. Restrain the patient in any way possible
b. Ensure an open airway, putting your hands into the victim’s mouth if necessary
c.Attempt to prevent the patient from injuring himself or herself
d. All of the above are true
C. Attempt to prevent the patient from injuring himself or herself
Emergency actions on the part of the radiologic technologist generally have the objectives of…
- Preserving life
- Avoiding further harm to the patient
- Obtaining appropriate medical assistance as quickly as possible
In a emergency situation, a radiologic technologist should keep in mind which priorities?
Name a few.
- Ensure open airway
- Control Bleeding
- Take measures to prevent or treat shock
- Attend to wounds or fractures
- Provide emotional support
- Continually reevaluate and follow up appropriately
What does AED stand for, and what two primary types do they come in?
Give details about both types.
Automated External Defibrillation
- Fully automatic defibrillators; which analyze the patient’s cardiac rhythm, determine whether defibrillation is necessary, If necessary, deliver a shock
- Semiautomatic Defibrillator: Analyzes patient’s cardiac rhythm, Determines whether defibrillation is necessary, If necessary, advises the operator to deliver a shock by pushing a button.
What are the four levels of consciousness?
1) Alert and Conscious
2) Drowsy
3) Unconscious
4) Comatose
Findings in a patient that can signify a deteriorating head injury may include:
irritability, lethargy, slowing pulse rate, and slowing respiratory rate
What are the four classes of shock?
Hypovolemic
Cardiogenic
Neurogenic
Vasogenic
Which type of shock results in a blood loss of 15%?
Class 1
Which type of shock results in a blood loss of 15-30%?
Class 2
Which type of shock results in a blood loss of 30-40%?
Class 3
Which type of shock results in a blood loss of more than 40%?
Class 4
Name a few signs and symptoms of shock:
- Restlessness
- General anxiety
- Tachycardia
- Decreasing blood pressure
- Cold and clammy
- Pallor
How can shock be prevented?
Maintain normal body temperature
Avoid overheating
Manage or reduce pain, stress, or anxiety
What is the most commonly encountered shock within the radiology department?
Anaphylactic Shock
Healthcare professionals should spend no more than ____ checking for a pulse if no pulse is located within this timeframe, what should you begin?
- 10 seconds
- Begin CPR
ABC’s of CPR: CAB
Airway
Breathing
Chest Compressions
The initial process of chest compressions should begin with ______
30 compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions/minute and a depth of 2 inches followed by the establishment of an airway and rescue breathing
One of the most important elements of defibrillation is time; performing it in less than ___ is considered critical to survival.
Can you interrupt CPR for the use of AED’s?
- Less than 5 minutes
- Yes!
Cerebrovascular Accident is commonly called:
Stroke or Brain Attack
Stokes are more likely to occur in older patients over ____ but can occur in any adult.
Over 75 years of age
Warning signs of a stoke:
Paralysis on one or both sides
Slurred Speech or complete loss of speech
Extreme Dizziness
Loss of Vision
Complete loss of consciousness
These symptoms are sometimes only temporary
If you observe any signs or symptoms of a stroke, what should do you as a radiologic technologist?
Report to a nurse or physician, and because the potential for paralysis or loss of consciousness is present, the patient should not stand or be moved before further medical assessment can be made
In the event of a seizure, healthcare workers should follow three basic steps to maintain patient safety.
What are they?
1) Stay with the patient through the duration of the seizure
2) Keep patient safe by laying them down and supporting their head with a pillow to prevent the patient from hitting their head on the floor
3) Turn the patient on their side to prevent chocking or blocking of the airway
Symptoms of claustrophobia:
- Fast, heavy breathing
- inability to remain still
- Nausea or lightheadedness
- A racing heartbeat
With wounds always apply ______ pressure to the site
Direct
A person who experiences vertigo should be assisted to a __ or __position.
Seated or Recumbent position
Mild seizures called focal aware or focal impaired may experience ____
A brief loss of consciousness or may stare into space for a brief time
Severe seizures called tonic clonic seizures are characterized by ___
Loss of consciousness, stiffened extermines, and involuntary contraction of muscles on either one or both sides of the body. They may drool and loose control of their bowel and bladder because of loss of muscle control
When doing the Heimlich maneuver, the procedure may be repeated quickly ____ times, or until the obstructed objected is expelled.
6 to 10 times
How do you perform the Heimlich Maneuver on an infant?
Younger than 1back blows and chest thrusts are recommended.
With the arm holding the infant resting on the rescuers thigh, the rescuer used the heel of the hand to deliver four back blows between the infants scapulae.
The infant is turned over and four chest thrust are given with two or three fingers.
What is the most common medication in a crash cart?
Epinephrine
