Ch.19 Medical Emergencies

Question 1

What constitutes an emergency?

Answer 1

any situation in which the condition of the pt or a sudden change in medical status requires immediate action

Question 2

What is the role of the medical imaging staff?

Answer 2

• preserve life
• avoid farther harm
• obtain appropriate medical assistance asap
• recognize emergency situations

Question 3

What are priorities in a medical emergency?

Answer 3

• ensure open airway
• control bleeding
• prevent or treat shock
• attend to wounds
• provide emotional support
• reevaluate and followup appropriately

Question 4

What equipment can be found on a crash cart?

Answer 4

stethescope, bp cuff, ambu bag, tourniquet, suction bottle, alcohol wipes etc

Question 5

What are some drugs often found on a crash cart?

Answer 5

Atropine-bradycardia
Benadryl- allergic reaction
Epinephrine- cardiac arrest
Dilantin- seizures

Question 6

What should you do in the event of a head injury?

Answer 6

assess level of consciousness

Question 7

What are the 4 levels of consciousness?

Answer 7

1. alert and conscious
2. drowsy
3. unconscious
4. comatose

Question 8

What are some deteriorating signs in a patient?

Answer 8

• sudden irritability
• lethargy
• slow pulse
• slow respiration
• change in LOC

Question 9

What are your responses to deteriorating patients?

Answer 9

• maintain open airway
• move pt minimally
• stop procedure
• get medical assistance asap
• monitor pt’s vitals

Question 10

How should you check a pt’s LOC?

Answer 10

• ask name,DOB, address etc
• note ability to follow commands
• do not ignore any changes

Question 11

What is Shock?

Answer 11

failure of the circulatory system to support vital body function

Question 12

What are the three stages of shock and symptoms of each?

Answer 12

1. compensatory- cold clammy increased anxiety
2. progressive- low BP tachycardia confusion
3. irreversible- renal failure, liver failure, tissue toxins, lactic acidosis

Question 13

What are the 4 classes of shock?

Answer 13

1. Neurogenic
2. Hypovolemic
3. Cardiogenic
4. Vasogenic

Question 14

What is neurogenic shock?

Answer 14

spinal anesthesia or upper spinal cord damage

Question 15

What is hypovolemic shock?

Answer 15

loss of blood or tissue

Question 16

What is cardiogenic shock?

Answer 16

cardiac disorders including myocardial infarction

Question 17

What is vasogenic shock?

Answer 17

caused by sepsis, deep anesthesia, or anaphalaxis

Question 18

What are the 4 classes of hypovolemic shock?

Answer 18

class 1- blood loss of 15%
class 2- blood loss of 15-30%
class 3- blood loss of 30-40%
class 4- blood loss of 40%

Question 19

What are general symptoms of shock?

Answer 19

restless, clammy, sweaty, irregular breathing, thirst, vommitting, shaking

Question 20

What is anaphylactic shock?

Answer 20

• allergic reaction
• vasogenic shock
• common in rad dept due to use of contrast
• laryngeal edema is a common moderate reaction

Question 21

What is Type I diabetes?

Answer 21

• pt under 30
• abrupt onset
• insulin injections

Question 22

What is TypeII diabetes?

Answer 22

• pt over 40
• gradual onset
• controlled with diet and exercise

Question 23

What is TypeIII diabetes?

Answer 23

• associated with other medical conditions or symptoms

Question 24

What is TypeIV diabetes?

Answer 24

• aka gestational diabetes
• occurs in later months of pregnancy
• controlled with diet and sometimes insulin injections

Question 25

Describe Hypoglycemia.

Answer 25

• excessive insulin
• occurs when pt takes normal dose without eating
• can cause insulin shock
• give carb to help

Question 26

Describe Hyperglycemia.

Answer 26

• too much sugar and not enough insulin
• develops over a period of time-hrs to days
• excessive thirst

Question 27

What are examples of Respiratory distress?

Answer 27

• chocking

- asthma

Question 28

What are the basics of CPR?

Answer 28

C-Compressions 100/min
A- Airway
B-Breathing

Question 29

What is a F.A.S.T?

Answer 29

a stroke recognition technique
F-Face-ask to smile
A-Arms-raise both arms
S- Speech-repeat phrase
T- Time- call 911

Question 30

What is a seizure?

Answer 30

unsystemic discharge of neurons of the cerebrum that results in an abrupt alteration in brain function

Question 31

What changes occur in a pt having a seizure?

Answer 31

• change in LOC

- begins with little to no warning

Question 32

What can you do for a pt having a seizure?

Answer 32

• call for help
• secure pt from farther injury
• don’t put anything in their mouth

Question 33

What should you do with a pt that is hemorrhaging?

Answer 33

-place gauze over wound to stop the bleeding

Question 34

What technique should be used with burn patients?

Answer 34

Sterile technique

Question 35

What is wound deniscene?

Answer 35

pts sutures seperate