Chapter 22 Part 2 Flashcards
Ciguatera
Seafood poisoning from toxins in fish tissues.
Salmonella
Bacterial infection from contaminated food or water.
Campylobacter
Common poisoning from contaminated poultry and milk.
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Severe gastrointestinal poisoning from contaminated foods.
Staphylococcus aureus
Food poisoning from unhygienic food preparation practices.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Include cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Severe Allergic Reaction
Life-threatening response requiring immediate medical attention.
Reassessment Frequency
Regular checks on patient condition during transport.
Flush Contaminated Skin
Use large amounts of water for decontamination.
Vomiting Precaution
Be alert for airway compromise due to vomiting.
Advanced Life Support
Higher level of medical care for deteriorating patients.
Transport Protocol
Follow guidelines for safe patient transport.
Signs of Poisoning
Varied symptoms, often delayed after toxin exposure.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Colorless, odorless gas from incomplete combustion.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
Increased temperature, blood disorders, muscle issues.
Emergency Medical Care
Do not give anything by mouth; transport immediately.
Leading Cause of Death
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major cause.
Sources of CO
Includes furnaces, vehicle exhaust, and tobacco smoke.
Initial Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms without fever or body aches.
Tachypnea
Rapid respiratory rate indicating potential distress.
Altered Mental Status
Confusion early, unresponsiveness late in poisoning.
Pulse Oximeter Reading
High readings can be misleading in CO poisoning.
Hypoxia
Condition where cells lack adequate oxygen.
Signs of Severe Poisoning
Temporary blindness, hearing loss, convulsions, coma.
False Recovery Signs
Awakening does not indicate resolution of poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide Displacement
CO replaces oxygen on hemoglobin in blood.
Emergency Care Steps
Maintain airway and assess breathing status.
Enclosed Space Danger
Increased risk of CO poisoning in confined areas.
Common CO Sources
Includes grills, stoves, and faulty heaters.
Symptoms Shared by Others
Consider CO poisoning if multiple people affected.
Time to Death
Can occur within minutes from CO exposure.
Chronic Exposure Risks
Long-term exposure can lead to severe complications.
Medical Care Requirement
All CO poisoning cases need immediate medical attention.
Carbon Monoxide Color Change
Turns hemoglobin bright red, affecting oximeter readings.
Suicide Method
Automobile exhaust is a common method due to CO.
Transport Guidelines
Move patients to open air, away from CO sources.
Nonrebreather mask
Delivers high oxygen concentration regardless of readings.
Carboxyhemoglobin half-life
Decreases significantly with high oxygen therapy.
Pulse oximeter
Not reliable for guiding oxygen therapy.
CO-oximeter
Measures carbon monoxide levels in blood.
Positive pressure ventilation
Used when respiratory rate or tidal volume is inadequate.
Cyanide
A poison that interferes with cellular oxygen use.
Cyanide exposure routes
Inhalation, absorption, injection, and ingestion.
Common cyanide sources
Household products, rodent poisons, and cherry pits.
Incomplete combustion
Produces cyanide from burning plastics and carpets.
Cyanide poisoning hypoxia
Oxygen delivery occurs, but usage is impaired.
Early signs of cyanide poisoning
Headache, confusion, agitation, and dyspnea.
Bitter almond smell
Characteristic odor of cyanide, not detectable by all.
Late signs of cyanide poisoning
Seizures, coma, hypotension, and cardiac arrest.
Emergency care for cyanide poisoning
Scene safety and personal protection are essential.
Self-contained breathing apparatus
Used to protect rescuers from toxic environments.
Patient care goals
Ensure ventilation, oxygenation, and correct hypoperfusion.
Cyanide as a blood agent
Also known as hydrogen cyanide.
Cyanide poisoning treatment
Includes removal from toxic environment and oxygen therapy.
Cyanide’s effect on cells
Blocks cytochrome oxidase, preventing oxygen use.
Cyanide poisoning progression
Can lead to death within minutes.
Cyanide poisoning in firefighters
May receive antidotes as a precaution.
Inclusion criteria for cyanide suspicion
Consider in smoke exposure and industrial accidents.
Cyanide antidotes
Administered alongside basic inhalation treatment.
Cyanide Exposure Symptoms
Anxiety, vertigo, weakness, headache, tachypnea, nausea.
High Concentration Effects
Altered consciousness, seizures, respiratory depression, cardiac dysrhythmias.
Rapid Onset Severity
Severity relates to exposure type and may cause collapse.
Patient Management Steps
Remove from toxic environment, assess ABCDs, vital signs.
Pulse Oximetry Limitations
May not correlate with tissue oxygenation in cyanide exposure.
Cardiac Monitoring
Attach monitor to examine rhythm for arrhythmias.
Blood Glucose Check
Essential for assessing patient condition during cyanide exposure.
Cyanide Treatment Initiation
Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask or CPAP.
Hydroxocobalamin Use
Administered for cyanide poisoning, safe in pregnancy.
Seizure Management
Treat seizures per established guidelines.
PPE for Rescuers
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment during rescue.
Hydrogen Cyanide Generation
Cyanide reacts with stomach acids, produces gas.
Air Circulation Importance
Maximize in closed spaces to prevent gas accumulation.
Nitrites Contraindication
Do not use with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
Post-Hydroxocobalamin Effects
Flushing occurs, not an allergic reaction.
Decontamination Steps
Remove contaminated clothing, decontaminate patient rapidly.
Patent Airway Maintenance
Establish and maintain airway for patient safety.
Breathing Status Assessment
Evaluate breathing status for respiratory distress.
Cyanide Blood Test Availability
No rapid confirmatory test widely available.
Patient History Importance
Obtain history including cardiovascular and medication details.
Physical Exam Necessity
Perform to assess overall patient condition.
Monitoring for Hypoxia
Observe for signs despite pulse oximetry readings.
Lactate and Cyanide Levels
Collect pre-treatment blood sample for analysis.
Nonrebreather mask
Delivers high oxygen concentration in emergencies.
Cyanide poisoning
Requires immediate oxygen administration regardless of readings.
ALS
Advanced Life Support for severe medical emergencies.
Caustic substances
Strong acids or alkalis causing chemical burns.
Strong acids
Have extremely low pH, causing immediate burns.
Strong alkalis
Have extremely high pH, causing deeper burns.
Chemical burn
Tissue damage from caustic substance exposure.
Acid ingestion
Burns primarily occur in the stomach.
Alkali ingestion
Burns deeper due to prolonged contact.
Burn duration
Acids burn for approximately seconds; alkalis for minutes to hours.
Signs of caustic poisoning
Includes burns, dysphagia, abdominal pain, and stridor.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing, often seen in caustic poisoning.
Stridor
High-pitched sound indicating airway obstruction.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath, a symptom of caustic poisoning.
Shock signs
Pale skin, tachycardia, low blood pressure.
Activated charcoal
Ineffective for caustic substance ingestion.
Personal protective equipment
Essential for rescuers during caustic substance management.
Decontamination
Flush contaminated areas with large amounts of water.
Open airway
Critical to manage swelling from burns.
Oropharyngeal airway
Inserted if swelling obstructs airway access.
Maintain oxygen saturation
Aim for 94% or greater during treatment.
Hypoxia
Low oxygen levels in the body.
Hypoxemia
Low oxygen levels in the blood.
Respiratory distress
Signs indicating inadequate breathing or oxygenation.
Hypoxia
Insufficient oxygen in the tissues.
Poor perfusion
Inadequate blood flow to tissues.
Nasal cannula
Device delivering supplemental oxygen through nostrils.
Positive pressure ventilation
Assisted breathing using a mechanical device.
Hydrocarbons
Organic compounds derived from crude oil or plants.
Common hydrocarbon sources
Kerosene, naphtha, turpentine, mineral oil, toluene, benzene.
Hydrocarbon poisoning
Toxic effects from ingestion, inhalation, or absorption.
Viscosity
Resistance of a substance to flow, affecting toxicity.
Signs of hydrocarbon poisoning
Coughing, burns, dyspnea, cyanosis, seizures.
Scene safety
Ensuring a safe environment for patient treatment.
Personal protective equipment
Gear to protect responders from hazardous exposure.
Decontamination
Removing contaminants from the patient’s body.
Open airway
Maintaining an unobstructed passage for breathing.
Nonrebreather mask
Device providing high-concentration oxygen to patients.
Transport patient rapidly
Quickly moving the patient to medical facility.
Methanol
Toxic alcohol found in various household products.
Ingestion of methanol
Can lead to severe metabolic acidosis.
Blindness from methanol
Can occur from ingesting as little as 30-240 mL.
Central nervous system symptoms
Signs affecting brain function, e.g., headache, coma.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain related to poisoning.
Altered mental status
Confusion or unresponsiveness in patients.
Seizures
Uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling sick and expelling stomach contents.
Abdominal pain
Discomfort or pain in the stomach area.
Blurred vision
Reduced clarity of sight.
Dilated pupils
Enlarged pupils that respond slowly to light.
Visual changes
Seeing spots or distortions in vision.
Blindness
Loss of vision, either temporary or permanent.
Dyspnea
Difficulty or labored breathing.
Tachypnea
Abnormally rapid breathing rate.
Emergency medical care
Supportive treatment for methanol poisoning.
Ethyl alcohol
Drinking alcohol that prevents methanol conversion.
Fomepizole
Antidote for methanol poisoning.
Open airway
Ensuring unobstructed breathing passage.
Positive pressure ventilation
Assisted breathing to improve oxygen delivery.
Oxygen administration
Providing supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula.
Isopropanol
Common rubbing alcohol, toxic when ingested.
Acetone
Metabolite of isopropyl alcohol affecting the CNS.
Respiratory depression
Decreased respiratory rate and effort.
Hematemeis
Vomiting blood due to gastrointestinal issues.
Ethylene glycol
Toxic substance found in antifreeze and detergents.
Signs of shock
Symptoms indicating inadequate blood flow.
Three stages of poisoning
Progressive symptoms of ethylene glycol toxicity.
First Stage
Neurological effects after ingestion of ethylene glycol.
Second Stage
Cardiopulmonary effects following ethylene glycol ingestion.
Third Stage
Renal effects occurring after ethylene glycol ingestion.
Neurological Symptoms
Signs include uncoordinated movements and slurred speech.
Altered Mental Status
Confusion or disorientation after ethylene glycol ingestion.
Nausea and Vomiting
Common symptoms in the first stage of poisoning.
Seizures
Possible neurological symptom of ethylene glycol toxicity.
Hallucinations
Altered perceptions occurring in the first stage.
Tachypnea
Increased respiratory rate in second stage poisoning.
Pulmonary Edema
Crackles upon auscultation indicating fluid in lungs.
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration due to lack of oxygen.
Dyspnea
Difficulty breathing associated with cardiopulmonary effects.
Respiratory Distress
Inadequate breathing requiring immediate medical intervention.
Heart Failure
Potential outcome in the second stage of poisoning.
Oliguria
Production of little urine following renal stage.
Anuria
Absence of urine production in severe cases.
Hematuria
Presence of blood in urine during renal stage.
Emergency Medical Care
Supportive treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning.
Open Airway
First step in emergency care for poisoning.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Technique for inadequate breathing support.
Urushiol
Toxic element causing reactions from poison ivy.
Poison Ivy
Common plant causing allergic skin reactions.
Suicide Bags
Plastic bags used for euthanasia via gas inhalation.
Helium
Inert gas used in suffocation method.
Nitrogen
Inert gas causing asphyxiation when inhaled.
Hypoxia
Condition of insufficient oxygen in the body.
Hypercarbia
Excess carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
Chemical Suicide
Suicide method using toxic household chemicals.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Deadly gas produced from mixing acid and detergent.
Asphyxiation
Suffocation caused by lack of oxygen.
Toxic Environment
Area with harmful gas concentrations.
Emergency Responders
Personnel responding to hazardous situations.
Mass Casualty Incident
Event causing multiple victims needing urgent care.
Decontamination
Process of removing toxic substances from a patient.
Nonrebreather Mask
Device providing high concentration oxygen to patients.
Poison Control Centers
Facilities assisting in poison treatment and management.
Pre-arrival Notification
Alerting medical facility about incoming contaminated patient.
Airtight Seal
Sealing method to contain toxic gas within an area.
Toxic Fumes
Harmful gases that can cause health hazards.
Detergent Bottle
Container for cleaning agent used in chemical suicide.
Acid Bottle
Container for corrosive substance used in chemical suicide.
Mixing Device
Tool used to combine chemicals for toxic gas.
Patient Transport
Moving a patient to a medical facility.
Oxygenation
Process of providing oxygen to the body.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Technique to assist inadequate breathing.
Clothing Decontamination
Removing contaminated clothing to prevent exposure.
Poison Control Centers
Toll-free centers assisting with poison emergencies.
Toxicologists
Experts providing guidance on poison treatment.
Follow-up Calls
Monitoring patient progress post-poison exposure.
Drug Abuse
Self-administration of drugs outside approved patterns.
Overdose
Emergency caused by excessive drug or alcohol intake.
Withdrawal
Abstinence period from accustomed drugs or alcohol.
CNS Depressant
Substances that lower central nervous system activity.
Respiratory Depression
Decreased breathing rate or effort.
Altered Mental Status
Changes in awareness or cognitive function.
Hyperthermia
Abnormally high body temperature.
Hypothermia
Abnormally low body temperature.
Stimulants
Drugs that increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Depressants
Drugs that decrease heart rate and mental alertness.
Amphetamines
Stimulants causing increased alertness and mood elevation.
Cocaine
Stimulant causing euphoria and increased heart rate.
Methamphetamine
Powerful stimulant with severe cardiac risks.
Nicotine
Stimulant found in tobacco products.
Seizures
Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.
Cardiac Arrest
Sudden loss of heart function.
Drug Interaction
Effects from combining different drugs, potentially dangerous.
Emergency Goals
Identify and treat vital function impairments.
Treatment Options
Strategies for managing poison exposure and overdose.
Patient Assessment
Evaluating age, weight, and symptoms for treatment.
Cocaine Overdose
Causes excitement, euphoria, and rapid respiration.
Cocaine Withdrawal
Leads to apathy, sleep, irritability, and depression.
Cannabis Effects
Moderate dosages cause euphoria and increased appetite.
THC
Active compound in cannabis causing psychoactive effects.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Man-made chemicals mimicking THC effects.
Cannabis Overdose
Can cause fatigue, paranoia, and possible psychosis.
Depressants
Substances that reduce neural activity and bodily functions.
Opiates
Natural or synthetic drugs derived from opium.
Heroin Effects
Causes euphoria, drowsiness, and respiratory depression.
Fentanyl
Powerful synthetic opioid, high overdose risk.
Alcohol
CNS depressant causing altered mental status.
Barbiturates
Sedatives that can cause CNS depression.
Benzodiazepines
Medications for anxiety, can cause sedation.
Hallucinogens
Psychedelic drugs causing altered perceptions.
LSD Effects
Causes hallucinations and altered time perception.
PCP
Causes violent behavior and possible paralysis.
Inhalants
Substances causing euphoria and loss of inhibitions.
Sudden Sniffing Death
Fatal phenomenon from inhalant use.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Can include insomnia, irritability, and depression.
Needle Tracks
Visible signs of repeated intravenous drug use.
Overdose Symptoms
Include respiratory failure and possible death.
CNS Depression
Slowed brain activity leading to unresponsiveness.
Flashbacks
Re-experiencing drug effects long after use.
Alcohol Absorption
Alcohol is quickly distributed to body tissues.
Alcohol Concentration
Alcohol is concentrated in blood and brain.
Alcohol Abuse Illnesses
Includes cirrhosis and peritonitis.
Alcohol Intoxication Risks
Major cause of automobile crashes.
Alcohol Ingestion Effects
Contributes to overdoses, homicides, and trauma.
Assessment-Based Approach
Evaluate and treat drug or alcohol emergencies.
Scene Size-Up
Ensure scene safety before approaching patient.
Police Backup
Call early for potential violence situations.
Meth Labs
Hazardous materials scene for EMTs.
Behavior Change Risks
Rapid changes can lead to violence.
Needle Precautions
Avoid contact with drug abuser’s needles.
Standard Precautions
Protect against bloodborne and airborne diseases.
Mechanism of Injury
Identify potential causes of patient injury.
Mimicking Conditions
Drug emergencies can resemble stroke or hypoglycemia.
Evidence of Use
Look for pills, syringes, or liquor bottles.
Medical ID Tags
Provide information on chronic conditions.
General Impression
Form initial assessment of the patient’s condition.
Life Threats
Check for gunshot wounds or major bleeding.
Altered Mental Status
Varies from excitability to unresponsiveness.
Airway Inspection
Check for blockages from secretions or vomitus.
CNS Depressants
Can cause inadequate breathing in patients.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Used if breathing is slow or absent.
Oxygen Administration
Based on patient signs and symptoms.
Nasal cannula
Device for delivering supplemental oxygen.
Radial pulse
Pulse felt at the wrist, indicates circulation.
CNS depressants
Substances that reduce central nervous system activity.
CNS stimulants
Substances that increase central nervous system activity.
Cool, clammy skin
Skin condition indicating poor perfusion and hypotension.
Alcohol odor
Scent indicating possible alcohol abuse.
Fruity odor
Scent indicating potential diabetic emergency.
Altered mental status
Change in awareness or cognitive function.
Vital signs variability
Changes in physiological measurements based on drug type.
Unresponsiveness
Inability to awaken from deep sleep or coma.
Respiratory difficulties
Weak or noisy breathing patterns.
Cyanosis
Bluish skin indicating low oxygen levels.
Fever
Temperature above 100°F or 38°C.
Tachycardia
Abnormally fast heart rate.
Bradycardia
Abnormally slow heart rate.
Vomiting with altered mental status
Risk of airway occlusion or aspiration.
Seizures
Muscle spasms indicating neurological distress.
Dilated pupils
Common sign of CNS stimulant use.
Pinpoint pupils
Common sign of narcotic use.
Huffers
Individuals inhaling substances for psychoactive effects.
Huffers
Patients inhaling substances to achieve euphoria.
Alveolar membrane
Site where gases exchange in lungs.
Hallucinogens
Substances causing altered perceptions and sensations.
Jugular venous distention
Swelling of neck veins indicating heart failure.
Auscultate
Listen to internal sounds using a stethoscope.
Euphoric feeling
Intense happiness from inhaled substances.
Hypoxia
Deficiency of oxygen in the body.
Narcotics
Drugs that relieve pain and induce relaxation.
Peripheral pulses
Blood flow indicators in limbs.
Cool, clammy skin
Sign of narcotic drug abuse.
Needle tracks
Marks indicating intravenous drug use.
Vital signs
Measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, etc.
CNS depressants
Substances that slow down brain activity.
CNS stimulants
Substances that increase brain activity.
Flushed skin
Redness indicating possible drug reaction.
Cyanotic skin
Bluish discoloration due to low oxygen.
Temperature variations
Can indicate type of substance abused.
Medical alert tags
Identification for patients with health conditions.
Unreliable history
Patient’s account may be distorted or false.
Multiple substance abuse
Using more than one drug simultaneously.
Physical exam
Assessment of patient’s physical condition.
