Ch.19 Medical Emergencies Flashcards
What constitutes an emergency?
any situation in which the condition of the pt or a sudden change in medical status requires immediate action
What is the role of the medical imaging staff?
- preserve life
- avoid farther harm
- obtain appropriate medical assistance asap
- recognize emergency situations
What are priorities in a medical emergency?
- ensure open airway
- control bleeding
- prevent or treat shock
- attend to wounds
- provide emotional support
- reevaluate and followup appropriately
What equipment can be found on a crash cart?
stethescope, bp cuff, ambu bag, tourniquet, suction bottle, alcohol wipes etc
What are some drugs often found on a crash cart?
Atropine-bradycardia
Benadryl- allergic reaction
Epinephrine- cardiac arrest
Dilantin- seizures
What should you do in the event of a head injury?
assess level of consciousness
What are the 4 levels of consciousness?
- alert and conscious
- drowsy
- unconscious
- comatose
What are some deteriorating signs in a patient?
- sudden irritability
- lethargy
- slow pulse
- slow respiration
- change in LOC
What are your responses to deteriorating patients?
- maintain open airway
- move pt minimally
- stop procedure
- get medical assistance asap
- monitor pt’s vitals
How should you check a pt’s LOC?
- ask name,DOB, address etc
- note ability to follow commands
- do not ignore any changes
What is Shock?
failure of the circulatory system to support vital body function
What are the three stages of shock and symptoms of each?
- compensatory- cold clammy increased anxiety
- progressive- low BP tachycardia confusion
- irreversible- renal failure, liver failure, tissue toxins, lactic acidosis
What are the 4 classes of shock?
- Neurogenic
- Hypovolemic
- Cardiogenic
- Vasogenic
What is neurogenic shock?
spinal anesthesia or upper spinal cord damage
What is hypovolemic shock?
loss of blood or tissue
What is cardiogenic shock?
cardiac disorders including myocardial infarction
What is vasogenic shock?
caused by sepsis, deep anesthesia, or anaphalaxis
What are the 4 classes of hypovolemic shock?
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%
What are general symptoms of shock?
restless, clammy, sweaty, irregular breathing, thirst, vommitting, shaking
What is anaphylactic shock?
- allergic reaction
- vasogenic shock
- common in rad dept due to use of contrast
- laryngeal edema is a common moderate reaction
What is Type I diabetes?
- pt under 30
- abrupt onset
- insulin injections
What is TypeII diabetes?
- pt over 40
- gradual onset
- controlled with diet and exercise
What is TypeIII diabetes?
- associated with other medical conditions or symptoms
What is TypeIV diabetes?
- aka gestational diabetes
- occurs in later months of pregnancy
- controlled with diet and sometimes insulin injections
Describe Hypoglycemia.
- excessive insulin
- occurs when pt takes normal dose without eating
- can cause insulin shock
- give carb to help
Describe Hyperglycemia.
- too much sugar and not enough insulin
- develops over a period of time-hrs to days
- excessive thirst
What are examples of Respiratory distress?
- chocking
- asthma
What are the basics of CPR?
C-Compressions 100/min
A- Airway
B-Breathing
What is a F.A.S.T?
a stroke recognition technique F-Face-ask to smile A-Arms-raise both arms S- Speech-repeat phrase T- Time- call 911
What is a seizure?
unsystemic discharge of neurons of the cerebrum that results in an abrupt alteration in brain function
What changes occur in a pt having a seizure?
- change in LOC
- begins with little to no warning
What can you do for a pt having a seizure?
- call for help
- secure pt from farther injury
- don’t put anything in their mouth
What should you do with a pt that is hemorrhaging?
-place gauze over wound to stop the bleeding
What technique should be used with burn patients?
Sterile technique
What is wound deniscene?
pts sutures seperate
