CHAP 21

Question 1

Diabetes mellitus

Answer 1

Also called sugar diabetes

the condition brought about by decreased insulin production or the inability of the body cells to use insulin properly

Question 2

Epilepsy

Answer 2

a medical condition that causes seizures; with proper medication, many of these patients no longer have seizures

Question 3

Insulin

Answer 3

A hormone produced by the pancreas or taken by a diabetic patient

Question 4

Seizure

Answer 4

a sudden change in sensation, behavior, or movement; most severe form produces violent muscle contractions called convolutions

Question 5

Status epilepticus

Answer 5

A prolonged seizure, or when a person suffers two or more convulsive seizures without regaining full consciousness

Question 6

Stroke

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Syncope

Answer 7

fainting

Question 8

aura

Answer 8

a sensation experienced by a seizure patient right before the seizure, which might be smell, sound, or general feeling

Question 9

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Answer 9

a condition that occurs as the result of high blood sugar, characterized by dehydration, altered mental status, and shock

Question 10

partial seizure

Answer 10

a seizure that affects only on side of the brain

Question 11

postictal phase

Answer 11

the period of time immediately following a tonic-clonic seizure in which the patient goes from full loss of consciousness to full mental status.

Question 12

reticular activating system (RAS)

Answer 12

series of neurologic circuits in the brain that control the functions of staying awake, paying attention, and sleeping.

Question 13

tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 13

a generalized seizure in which the patient loses consciousness and has jerking movements of paired muscle groups.

Question 14

List the chief signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency

Answer 14

Altered mental status, seizures, pale skin, diaphoresis, tachycardia, rapid breathing, frequent urination, and increased thirst.

Question 15

Explain how to determine a medical history of diabetes.

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Explain what treatment may be given by an EMT for a diabetic emergency and the criteria for giving it.

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

Tell whether treatment for diabetic emergency should be given before or after baseline vitals signs are taken

Answer 17

Baseline vitals should be assessed prior to administration of any meds

Question 18

Explain the care of a patient who has had a seizure

Answer 18

protect him from trauma related injuries, airway and breathing support, supplemental oxygen, thorough assessment to identify the cause of the seizure

Question 19

Explain the care that should be given to a conscious and unconscious patient with suspected stroke.

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Explain the care that should be given to a patient who has experienced dizziness or syncope.

Answer 20

Supplemental oxyegn, a request for ALS, lay the patient flat, and loosen tight clothing.