Chapter 18 Flashcards
Altered Mental Status
Altered Mental Status
Significant change in consciousness or awareness.
Reticular Activating System
Network of nerve cells regulating wakefulness.
Cerebral Hemisphere
One of two halves of the brain.
Coma
Unresponsive state with no reaction to stimuli.
Structural Causes
Altered mental status from brain lesions or damage.
Toxic-Metabolic Causes
Altered mental status from toxins or metabolic issues.
Brain Tumor
Abnormal growth affecting brain function.
Hemorrhage
Bleeding in or around the brain.
Degenerative Disease
Progressive loss of brain function over time.
Severe Hypoxia
Critical lack of oxygen to the brain.
Abnormal Blood Glucose
High or low blood sugar affecting consciousness.
Liver Failure
Inability of the liver to function properly.
Kidney Failure
Inadequate kidney function affecting body balance.
Poisoning
Toxic substances causing altered mental status.
Shock
Critical condition from inadequate blood flow.
CNS Depressants
Drugs that reduce brain activity, e.g., narcotics.
Post Seizure
Altered state following a seizure episode.
Cardiac Rhythm Disturbance
Irregular heartbeat affecting blood flow to brain.
Stroke
Interruption of blood supply to the brain.
Scene Size-Up
Initial assessment to identify potential causes.
Mechanism of Injury
Circumstances leading to physical harm.
Airway Management
Ensuring patient can breathe adequately.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Assisted breathing for patients with inadequate ventilation.
Tidal Volume
Amount of air moved in one breath.
Secondary Assessment
Detailed evaluation after initial stabilization.
Patient History
Information about patient’s past medical conditions.
Vital Signs
Measurements of essential body functions.
Emergency Medical Responder
Individual trained to provide emergency care.
Oxygen Therapy
Administration of oxygen to improve oxygenation.
Physical Exam
Comprehensive assessment of a patient’s condition.
Pupils
Indicators of head injury or drug effects.
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration indicating hypoxia.
Hypoxia
Insufficient oxygen supply to tissues.
Breath Sounds
Indicators of respiratory or cardiac conditions.
Pneumothorax
Air in the pleural space causing lung collapse.
Peripheral Edema
Swelling indicating congestive heart failure.
Sacral Edema
Swelling indicating congestive heart failure.
Narcotics
Drugs causing pinpoint pupils and altered consciousness.
Blood Pressure
Pressure of blood in arteries; vital sign.
Pulse Oximeter
Device measuring oxygen saturation in blood.
Glucometer
Device for measuring blood glucose levels.
AEIOU-TIPPSS
Mnemonic for causes of altered mental status.
Emergency Medical Care
Immediate treatment based on assessment findings.
Spine Motion Restriction
Precaution to prevent spinal injury during transport.
Patent Airway
Open airway essential for effective ventilation.
Suctioning
Clearing airway of secretions or obstructions.
Supplemental Oxygen
Additional oxygen provided to maintain saturation.
Lateral Recumbent Position
Recovery position to prevent aspiration.
Reassessment
Continuous monitoring of patient’s condition.
Pediatric Considerations
Special assessment needs for children.
Appearance
Visual assessment of a patient’s condition.
Work of Breathing
Effort required for effective respiration.
Circulation to Skin
Blood flow assessment via skin condition.
Decorticate Posturing
Flexed arms, extended legs; indicates severe brain injury.
Decerebrate Posturing
Extended arms and legs; indicates brain dysfunction.
Battle’s Sign
Bruising behind the ears; sign of head trauma.
Raccoon Eyes
Bruising around the eyes; indicator of trauma.
AVPU
A scale assessing alertness: Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive.
Glasgow Coma Scale
Standard scale for assessing consciousness levels.
Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale (PGCS)
Modified GCS for evaluating children’s mental status.
Lethargic
State of sluggishness or drowsiness in children.
Inconsolable
Child cannot be comforted or calmed.
Agitated
State of restlessness or extreme emotional disturbance.
Open Airway
Clear passage for breathing; essential in emergencies.
Suction
Removal of secretions to maintain airway patency.
BRUE
Brief Resolved Unexplained Event in infants.
Transient Symptoms
Temporary symptoms affecting infants during BRUE.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar levels requiring immediate attention.
Cognitive Impairment
Decline in thinking, memory, and judgment abilities.
Six-Item Screener
Tool for identifying cognitive impairment in patients.
Delirium
Acute confusion often reversible with treatment.
Dementia
Chronic decline in cognitive function, often progressive.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Common form of dementia characterized by memory loss.
Transport Protocol
Guidelines for moving patients to medical facilities.
Blood Glucose Level
Measurement of sugar levels in the blood.
Sepsis
Severe infection leading to systemic inflammatory response.
Respiratory Infection
Infection affecting the airways and lungs.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Chronic digestive condition affecting the esophagus.
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Group of conditions associated with sudden heart issues.
Hyperthermia
Abnormally high body temperature due to failed thermoregulation.
Hypothermia
Abnormally low body temperature, often life-threatening.
Neurogenic Disorders
Replaced term for dementia in DSM-5.
Morbidity
Incidence of disease or health complications.
Mortality
Incidence of death within a population.
Neurologic Deficit
Deficiency in brain or nervous system function.
Supportive Management
Care focused on maintaining patient stability.
Beta-Amyloid
Protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
Acute Onset
Sudden appearance of symptoms or conditions.
Chronic Condition
Long-lasting health issue, often progressive.
Cognitive Disturbances
Impairments in memory, judgment, and thought.
Environmental Emergencies
Situations causing acute health crises due to environment.
Medication Toxicity
Harmful effects from excessive medication levels.
Transport to Hospital
Emergency transfer for advanced medical care.
Adult Protective Services
Agency ensuring safety for vulnerable adults.
Incoherent Speech
Disjointed or nonsensical verbal communication.
Fluctuating Course
Symptoms that vary in intensity and duration.
Aggression in Dementia
Behavioral response due to cognitive impairment.
Signs of Stroke
Altered mental status, speech issues, paralysis.
Chronic Anger
Emotional response not directed at caregivers.
Reversible Causes of Delirium
Conditions that can be treated to resolve delirium.
Caregiver Assistance
Support from trusted individuals during treatment.
Oxygenation Levels
Measurement of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Patient Positioning
Arranging patients for optimal comfort and safety.
Neurological Assessment
Evaluation of brain function and mental status.
Central Nervous System
Composed of the brain and spinal cord.
Traumatic Condition
Injury caused by external force, like a bullet.
Medical Condition
Health issue not caused by physical injury.
Acute Stroke
Sudden onset of neurological deficits; critical emergency.
American Heart Association
Organization focusing on cardiovascular health and education.
Stroke Chain of Survival
Steps to improve outcomes for stroke patients.
F.A.S.T. Mnemonic
Helps recognize stroke symptoms quickly.
Facial Droop
One side of the face droops or is numb.
Arm Weakness
Inability to raise or control one arm.
Speech Difficulty
Slurred speech or inability to speak coherently.
Time to Call
Immediate action required upon stroke symptoms.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Temporary stroke symptoms; warning sign for stroke.
Fibrinolytic Drugs
Medications to dissolve blood clots in strokes.
Endovascular Therapy
Invasive procedure to remove clots from brain.
rtPA
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for stroke.
Time is Brain
Early treatment increases brain tissue survival.
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
Former term for stroke; implies sudden brain injury.
Atherosclerosis
Narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
Oxygen and Glucose
Essential for brain cell function and survival.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
First responders providing urgent medical care.
Stroke Symptoms
Signs indicating a possible stroke event.
Severe Headache
Sudden, intense headache without known cause.
Blurred Vision
Sudden visual disturbances in one or both eyes.
Dizziness
Loss of balance or coordination; possible stroke sign.
Cognitive Problems
Difficulty in thinking or understanding; stroke indicator.
Numbness
Loss of sensation, often on one side.
Emergency Department
Hospital area for urgent medical treatment.
Brain Cells
Require oxygen and glucose for normal function.
ATP
Energy currency needed for brain cell function.
Cerebral Arteries
Deliver oxygen and glucose to brain cells.
Collateral Circulation
Blood supply from smaller arteries during blockage.
Ischemic Penumbra
Area of brain cells that are electrically silent.
Electrically Silent Cells
Cells unable to produce electrical impulses.
Perfusion
Delivery of blood to brain tissue.
Sodium/Potassium Pump
Maintains cell membrane potential using ATP.
Cell Membrane Rupture
Occurs when cells swell from sodium accumulation.
Necrotic Cells
Dead brain cells due to irreversible damage.
Infarct Zone
Area of dead tissue from complete blood flow loss.
Ischemic Stroke
Stroke caused by artery blockage.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Stroke caused by ruptured artery and bleeding.
Circle of Willis
Arterial ring supplying blood to the brain.
Stroke Care
Interventions to restore blood flow to brain.
Right Arm Weakness
Result of impaired brain cell function.
Cognitive Deficit
Loss of cognitive function due to brain damage.
Sensory Deficit
Loss of sensory function from brain injury.
Motor Deficit
Loss of motor function due to brain impairment.