CHAP 21 Flashcards
Diabetes mellitus
Also called sugar diabetes
the condition brought about by decreased insulin production or the inability of the body cells to use insulin properly
Epilepsy
a medical condition that causes seizures; with proper medication, many of these patients no longer have seizures
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas or taken by a diabetic patient
Seizure
a sudden change in sensation, behavior, or movement; most severe form produces violent muscle contractions called convolutions
Status epilepticus
A prolonged seizure, or when a person suffers two or more convulsive seizures without regaining full consciousness
Stroke
A condition of altered function caused when an artery in the brain is ruptured, disrupting the supply of oxygenated blood or causing bleeding into the brain
Syncope
fainting
aura
a sensation experienced by a seizure patient right before the seizure, which might be smell, sound, or general feeling
Diabetic ketoacidosis
a condition that occurs as the result of high blood sugar, characterized by dehydration, altered mental status, and shock
partial seizure
a seizure that affects only on side of the brain
postictal phase
the period of time immediately following a tonic-clonic seizure in which the patient goes from full loss of consciousness to full mental status.
reticular activating system (RAS)
series of neurologic circuits in the brain that control the functions of staying awake, paying attention, and sleeping.
tonic-clonic seizure
a generalized seizure in which the patient loses consciousness and has jerking movements of paired muscle groups.
List the chief signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency
Altered mental status, seizures, pale skin, diaphoresis, tachycardia, rapid breathing, frequent urination, and increased thirst.
Explain how to determine a medical history of diabetes.
A history of diabetes can most easily be obtained by questioning the patient, family, or bystanders, Others include medic alert bracelets, meds such as insulin or oral anti diabetics, and presence of syringes, glucose meters, and insulin pump
Explain what treatment may be given by an EMT for a diabetic emergency and the criteria for giving it.
- Scene safety
- Diabetics include a thorough assessment.
- Treat immediate life threats ABC
- Determine hypo or hyperglycemic
- If you can’t determine or patient is hypoglycemic, administer oral glucose
Tell whether treatment for diabetic emergency should be given before or after baseline vitals signs are taken
Baseline vitals should be assessed prior to administration of any meds
Explain the care of a patient who has had a seizure
protect him from trauma related injuries, airway and breathing support, supplemental oxygen, thorough assessment to identify the cause of the seizure
Explain the care that should be given to a conscious and unconscious patient with suspected stroke.
For both, conduct a thorough assessment that includes identifies when stroke began,
Care for conscious stroke patient: transport semi sitting position
Care for Unconscious Stroke patient: maintain open airway high oxygen. Transport lying on affected side.
Explain the care that should be given to a patient who has experienced dizziness or syncope.
Supplemental oxyegn, a request for ALS, lay the patient flat, and loosen tight clothing.
