CH. 22 Flashcards
Answers to Assessment in Action Questions
Answers to Assessment in Action Questions
• Answer: C. His wife said he has had constant angry outbursts.
• Answer: D. He believes it was an IED rather than fireworks.
• Answer: C. Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Answer: C. Come with me, and let’s go to a place where they can help you.
• Answer: C. Glucose, if ALS confirms that the level is low.
• Answer: D. No, it may simply aggravate the situation.
• Answer: A. A person’s altered consciousness can allow him or her to continue functioning under negative conditions.
• Answer: You should never enter a scene where there is a potential for violence; in such a case, you should always request a response from police, if they are not already there. You should know where there is a safe egress if you need it, and park the ambulance in a place and direction that will allow for a hasty retreat if necessary. Before approaching the patient, be certain police have checked for and relieved the patient of any weapons or potential weapons.
• Answer: Charlie’s medical issues could result from diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia, head injury, hypertensive crisis, or dehydration, or a combination of these conditions. One of the biggest concerns is that his blood glucose level may be too high or too low. It could be too high if he is insulin dependent and has not taken insulin, or too low because he has not eaten. This could also be a significant factor driving his behavior. His behavior could also be due to his head injury; his head is bleeding and he is complaining of a headache. It is also possible for returning combat veterans to have experienced a concussion during the initial IED explosion. If Charlie’s blood pressure is controlled by medication, it could be out of normal range and could cause problems. Finally, considering the way Charlie is dressed, he could be dehydrated.
• Answer: You always want to appear relaxed and in control when facing a patient who is anxious and agitated or fearful. Using a relaxed and friendly tone will help him understand that you are honestly interested in helping him. Introducing yourself helps him relate to you as a person, and using his name helps him to bond with you. Even though he does not appear to be dangerous, the behavior of any patient with psychological problems can change without warning.
