Chapter 22 Part 5 Flashcards
Abnormal breath odors
Unusual smells indicating potential poisoning.
Inhalation
Breathing in harmful substances or gases.
Nausea
Feeling of sickness with an urge to vomit.
Vomiting
Expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Diarrhea
Frequent, watery bowel movements.
Altered mental status
Changes in consciousness or cognitive function.
Abnormal skin color
Unusual skin tones indicating possible distress.
Dyspnea
Difficulty or labored breathing.
Seizures
Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.
Burns to the respiratory tract
Injury to airways from inhaled hot substances.
Stridor
High-pitched wheezing indicating airway obstruction.
Sooty sputum
Dark mucus indicating inhalation of smoke.
Known exposure to toxic gas
History of contact with harmful airborne substances.
Respiratory depression
Decreased rate or depth of breathing.
Sweating
Excessive perspiration often due to stress or toxins.
Tearing
Excessive production of tears, often from irritation.
Constricted pupils
Narrowed pupils, often indicating opioid use.
Dilated pupils
Enlarged pupils, often indicating stimulant use.
Dizziness
Lightheadedness or loss of balance.
Local pain
Discomfort at the site of injection or injury.
Puncture wounds
Holes in the skin from sharp objects.
Reddening skin
Inflamed or irritated skin appearance.
Local edema
Swelling in a specific area of the body.
Numbness
Loss of sensation in a body part.
Tingling
Prickling sensation often associated with nerve issues.
Abdominal pain
Discomfort in the stomach area.
Muscle twitching
Involuntary muscle contractions.
Hypoperfusion
Inadequate blood flow to tissues.
Metallic taste
Unusual taste often associated with certain toxins.
Anticholinergic toxidrome
Signs include flushed skin and urinary retention.
Cholinergic toxidrome
DUMBELS symptoms indicate acetylcholinesterase inhibitor poisoning.
Serotonin Syndrome
Condition with agitation, hyperreflexia, and tremors.
Patient Management
Steps to assess and treat toxic exposure.
Assessment
Evaluation of patient condition and vital signs.
Body substance isolation (BSI)
Precautions to prevent contamination during treatment.
Vital signs
Measurements of pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
Cardiac monitor
Device to assess heart rhythm and function.
Blood glucose level
Measurement of sugar in the blood.
Pulse oximetry
Monitoring oxygen saturation in the blood.
Carboxyhemoglobin device
Tool for assessing carbon monoxide levels in blood.
Ingestion History
Details of substance intake before ED arrival.
Route of Exposure
Pathway through which toxin enters the body.
Quantity of Medication
Amount of substance ingested or exposed.
Alcohol Intoxication
Presence of alcohol affecting patient condition.
Cardiovascular History
Patient’s past heart-related medical issues.
Needle Marks
Signs of intravenous drug use or exposure.
Physical Examination
Comprehensive assessment of patient’s physical state.
Patent Airway
Clear airway necessary for effective breathing.
Oxygen Administration
Providing oxygen to maintain adequate saturation.
Fluid Bolus
Rapid infusion of fluids to address hypoperfusion.
Activated Charcoal
Substance used to absorb toxins in overdose cases.
Acetaminophen Overdose
Toxicity from excessive acetaminophen intake.
Aspirin Overdose
Toxicity due to high doses of aspirin.
Benzodiazepine Overdose
Toxicity from excessive benzodiazepine consumption.
Caustic Substances
Harmful agents causing burns or injury upon contact.
Opiate Overdose
Toxicity resulting from excessive opioid use.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affecting serotonin levels.
TCA Overdose
Toxicity from tricyclic antidepressant medications.
Environmental Safety
Ensuring safe surroundings for patient and clinician.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Regular checks of patient’s heart rate and rhythm.
Regional Poison Center
Resource for managing toxic exposures and outcomes.
Temperature Normalization
Maintaining or restoring normal body temperature.
Poison Control Centers
National toll-free resource for poison advice.
Activated Charcoal
Useful for certain poisonings, not all agents.
Ipecac
Not recommended for poisoning; production ceased.
COVID-19 Pandemic
EMS role in public health and vaccination.
Hepatitis B
Liver virus transmitted through blood and fluids.
Chronic Carrier
Asymptomatic individual transmitting hepatitis B.
Signs of Hepatitis B
Includes fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain.
Protective Gloves
Worn to prevent blood contact during patient care.
Vaccination for Hepatitis B
OSHA requires vaccination for EMS workers.
Soiled Refuse Disposal
Double-bag and seal according to local protocol.
Hepatitis B Exposure Protocol
Report exposure; may require HBIG injection.
Hepatitis C
Most common bloodborne infection in the US.
Transmission of Hepatitis C
Requires needlestick; rare via mucous membranes.
Signs of Hepatitis C
Includes jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine.
Standard Precautions
Essential when dealing with body fluids exposure.
Emergency Personnel Testing
Recommended after exposure to hepatitis C.
Entrohepatic Poisoning
Involves toxins recirculating through the liver.
Extended-Release Agents
Medications released slowly in the body.
Aspiration Risk
Potential danger of inhaling substances into lungs.
Confidential Expert Advice
Provided by poison control centers nationwide.
Vaccination Teams
EMS involvement in administering vaccines during crises.
Infectious Disease Awareness
Critical for EMTs during patient care.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Viruses transmitted through blood exposure.
HCV Transmission
Primary route for EMS personnel infection.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Pathogen primarily infects lungs and tissues.
Drug-resistant TB
New strains of tuberculosis resistant to treatment.
Transmission via droplets
Infection occurs through patient cough droplets.
Vulnerable populations
Groups at high risk for tuberculosis infection.
Signs of Tuberculosis
Includes fever, cough, night sweats, weight loss.
OSHA Standards
Protective procedures for rescuers against infections.
HEPA Respirators
Special masks to filter airborne pathogens.
Protective gloves
Used to avoid contact with infected fluids.
Artificial ventilation equipment
OSHA-approved tools for patient breathing support.
Disinfecting equipment
Use hospital-grade disinfectant for contaminated tools.
HIV Transmission
Spread through blood, sexual contact, and mother-child.
Fragile HIV virus
Sensitive to temperature and external conditions.
Opportunistic infections
Infections exploiting weakened immune systems.
Common AIDS symptoms
Includes fever, weight loss, fatigue, and rash.
Standard Precautions
Practices to reduce risk of HIV infection.
SARS
Respiratory virus identified in Asia, 2003.
Infected sputum
Contaminated mucus from tuberculosis patients.
Coughing up blood
Sign of severe tuberculosis infection.
Mother-child transmission
HIV passes from infected mother to child.
Night sweats
Common symptom in both TB and AIDS.
Weight loss
Frequent symptom in tuberculosis and AIDS patients.
Swollen lymph glands
Common indicator of HIV infection.
Mental status changes
Possible symptom of advanced HIV infection.
SARS
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; reemerged as SARS-COV.
West Nile Virus
Transmitted via infected mosquito bites.
Transmission of WNV
Mosquitoes feed on infected birds.
Asymptomatic Infection
Most WNV infections show no symptoms.
Severe Symptoms of WNV
Includes high fever, confusion, and paralysis.
Mild Symptoms of WNV
Includes fever, headache, and body aches.
Duration of Severe WNV Symptoms
May last several weeks, some permanent.
Duration of Mild WNV Symptoms
Lasts few days to several weeks.
Standard Precautions
Protective measures against virus transmission.
Ebola Virus Disease
A viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to Africa.
Ebola Outbreak 2014
Largest outbreak with significant fatalities.
Signs of Ebola
Includes high fever and severe hemorrhage.
EVD Symptom Onset
Symptoms appear days after exposure.
Transmission of Ebola
Through blood and body fluids.
Zika Virus Disease
Spread by infected mosquito bites.
Zika’s Geographic Spread
Expanded to Latin America and Caribbean.
Zika Symptoms
Includes fever, rash, and conjunctivitis.
Zika Symptom Duration
Symptoms resolve within days in healthy individuals.
Zika and Pregnancy
Can cause birth defects if transmitted.
Zika Prevention
Avoid mosquito bites and sexual transmission.
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms
Pathogens resistant to standard antimicrobial drugs.
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
VRE
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci, resistant to vancomycin antibiotic.
PRSP
Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, resistant to penicillin.
DRSP
Drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, resistant to multiple drugs.
MDR TB
Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis, resistant to standard treatments.
XDR TB
Extensively drug-resistant Tuberculosis, resistant to most drugs.
Colistin-resistant E. coli
Escherichia coli resistant to colistin antibiotic.
Infection transmission
Spread through direct contact or respiratory droplets.
Standard Precautions
Basic infection control practices for healthcare workers.
Hand-washing procedures
Critical hygiene practice to prevent infection spread.
Novel pathogens
Newly identified pathogens causing emerging infectious diseases.
Travel history
Patient’s recent travel details, important for diagnosis.
COVID-19 pandemic
Global outbreak of coronavirus affecting healthcare systems.
SARS-CoV-2
Virus responsible for COVID-19 infection.
Asymptomatic patients
Individuals showing no symptoms of infection.
Subclinical infection
Infection without noticeable symptoms in the patient.
Personal protective equipment
Gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards.
Comirnaty
COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech, FDA approved.
Spikevax
COVID-19 vaccine by Moderna, FDA approved.
Infectious disease risk
Potential exposure to pathogens during patient care.
Long-term care facilities
Healthcare settings for patients needing extended care.
Chronic wounds
Long-lasting injuries susceptible to infections.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Healthcare service providing emergency medical response.
COVID-19 vaccines
Provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 virus.
SARS-CoV-2
Virus responsible for COVID-19 disease.
Emerging variants
New virus strains with potential vaccine resistance.
Vaccine efficacy
Reduces hospitalization and mortality rates.
Pathophysiology
Study of disease mechanisms in COVID-19.
Hypoxia
Low oxygen levels in the body.
Hypoxemia
Deficient oxygen in the blood.
Virion
Infectious virus particle with nucleic acid.
Capsid
Protein shell surrounding viral genetic material.
Envelope
Greasy coat from infected cell membranes.
Viral genome
Contains instructions for virus replication.
RNA viruses
Most viruses infecting mammals have RNA genomes.
Lysis
Process of cell membrane breaking to release virus.
Budding
Virus exits cell through membrane without lysis.
Respiratory droplets
Primary transmission method of viruses.
Mucous membranes
Entry point for viruses in the body.
Infection process
Virus tricks cells to allow entry.
Soap effectiveness
Disrupts viral greasy coat, preventing infection.
Viral replication
Virus produces copies within host cells.
Viral proteins
Necessary for virus assembly and infection.
Cell membrane
Barrier that viruses must breach to infect.
Infected surfaces
Viruses can survive on surfaces for transmission.
Oxygenation management
Focus for EMS providers in COVID-19 patients.
Viral transmission
Spread through droplets or surface contact.
COVID-19
Disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus.
SARS-CoV-2
Novel coronavirus identified in 2019 outbreak.
Pandemic
Widespread disease affecting multiple countries or continents.
Pyroptosis
Programmed cell death following viral infection.
Cytokine Storm
Severe inflammatory response with elevated cytokine levels.
ACE Receptor
Entry point for SARS-CoV-2 into host cells.
Spike Protein
Viral protein that binds to ACE receptors.
Nucleocapsid
Viral component deposited in host cell cytoplasm.
Cytokines
Small proteins important for cell signaling during immunity.
Chemokines
Type of cytokine that directs immune cell movement.
Dendritic Cells
Immune cells that phagocytose viruses and activate T cells.
Proinflammatory Cytokines
Cytokines that promote inflammation in response to infection.
Pulmonary Macrophages
Immune cells that engulf pathogens in the lungs.
Viral Propagation
Process of virus spreading to other cells.
Respiratory Droplets
Large droplets that transmit the virus during close contact.
Severe Hypoxia
Critical lack of oxygen in the body.
Common Cold
Mild viral infection caused by coronaviruses.
SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronaviruses.
MERS
Middle East respiratory syndrome caused by coronaviruses.
Vesicles
Membrane-bound sacs transporting viral particles.
Infection Process
Sequence of events from virus entry to cell death.
Immune Response
Body’s defense mechanism against pathogens.
Antigen-specific T Cells
T cells that target specific antigens in infections.
Injury to Airway Cells
Damage caused by viral infection leading to cell death.
Cytokine Storm
Excessive cytokine release causing immune response damage.
Hypercytokinemia
Another term for cytokine storm.
Pulmonary Capillary Permeability
Increased permeability leading to fluid leakage in lungs.
Alveolar-Capillary Interface
Area for gas exchange between alveoli and capillaries.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Severe condition causing gas exchange difficulties.
Hypoxemia
Low oxygen levels in the blood.
Hypercapnia
Elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Thrombosis
Clot formation linked to inflammation and cytokines.
Microvascular Injury
Damage to small blood vessels during severe infections.
Cellular Ischemia
Insufficient blood supply leading to cell dysfunction.
Anaerobic Metabolism
Energy production without oxygen, yielding lactic acid.
Sodium-Potassium Pump
Cellular mechanism maintaining ion balance using ATP.
Fluid Accumulation
Excess fluid in alveoli impeding gas exchange.
Pneumonia
Lung infection often resulting from COVID-19.
Infection Progression
Advancement from respiratory to multisystem organ failure.
Inflammatory Response
Body’s reaction causing tissue damage during infection.
Gas Exchange Disturbances
Impaired oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer in lungs.
ATP Production
Energy generation essential for cell function.
Carbonic Acid Formation
Result of elevated carbon dioxide and water reaction.
Acid-Base Balance
Homeostasis of pH levels in the body.
Capillary Leakage
Fluid escape from capillaries into surrounding tissues.
Respiratory Droplets
Main transmission method of COVID-19 infection.
Severe COVID-19 Patients
Individuals experiencing critical symptoms and complications.
Acid Effects
Depresses enzyme function, damages cell structures.
Cell Membrane Breach
Leads to cell death after membrane damage.
COVID-19 Inflammatory Process
Causes blood clotting and micro emboli formation.
Pulmonary Circulation Clots
Obstructs blood flow, decreases oxygen exchange.
Hypoxemia
Severe oxygen deficiency in the blood.
Organ Failure
Result of arterial blood occlusion from clots.
Cardiac Ischemia
Insufficient blood supply to cardiac tissue.
Myocardial Infarction
Heart attack due to blocked blood flow.
Kidney Injury
Common in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Renal Arteries Clots
Speculated cause of kidney damage in COVID-19.
COVID-19 Clinical Stages
Divided into three phases based on symptoms.
Stage 1: Asymptomatic
Initial infection phase with limited immune response.
Stage 2: Upper Respiratory Symptoms
Virus spreads down respiratory tract, immune triggered.
Stage 3: Severe Infection
Infection extends to alveoli, causing pneumonia-like symptoms.
Alveolar Damage
Diffuse damage leading to ARDS and hypoxemia.
Older Adults Risk
Higher risk due to weaker immune response.
COVID-19 Transmission
Spreads through droplets from infected individuals.
Infection Proximity
Closer individuals more likely to contract virus.
Nasal Swabs Testing
Preferred method for detecting COVID-19 virus.
Inflammatory Response
Body’s reaction to infection causing symptoms.
Scarring of Lung Tissue
Occurs during repair attempts post-infection.
Virus Entry Points
Eyes, nose, and mouth allow virus access.
Respiratory Tract Infection
Virus replicates and spreads through airways.
Droplet Transmission
Spread via small droplets from exhaling, sneezing, coughing.
Direct Contact Transmission
Virus introduced through touching contaminated surfaces.
Incubation Period
Time from exposure to symptom onset, 2-14 days.
Alpha Variant
First identified in UK, spreads faster, severe illness.
Beta Variant
First identified in South Africa, less severe illness.
Gamma Variant
First identified in Japan and Brazil, moderate spread.
Delta Variant
First identified in India, causes severe illness.
Mu Variant
First identified in Colombia, not a major concern.
Vaccine Effectiveness
Vaccines reduce severity and spread of variants.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Treatments less effective against certain variants.
Personal Protective Equipment
Gloves and eye protection for EMS personnel.
Hand Hygiene
Frequent handwashing to prevent virus transmission.
Mucous Membranes
Virus enters through eyes, nose, or mouth.
Patient Compartment Risks
Close proximity increases transmission risk in ambulances.
Variants of Concern
Variants monitored for spread and severity impact.
PCR Testing
Identifies current variants of COVID-19.
Coughing and Sneezing
Major sources of droplet transmission.
Bag-Valve-Mask Ventilation
Potential for virus spread during EMS procedures.
Symptoms Onset
Signs appear within days post-exposure.
Viral Evolution
Viruses constantly change, leading to new variants.
Infection Rates
Delta variant causes greater number of infections.
Vaccine Types
Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson effective against variants.
Mu variant
Variant with vaccine resistance concerns.
Omicron variant
Identified in November 2021, bypasses vaccine immunity.
MIS
Serious inflammatory condition linked to COVID-19.
MIS-C
MIS in patients under 21 years old.
MIS-A
MIS in patients 21 years and older.
MIS symptoms
Includes fever, abdominal pain, and rash.
Reinfection
Infection after recovery from a previous COVID-19 case.
Post-COVID conditions
Symptoms persisting four weeks post-infection.
Long COVID
Chronic symptoms following COVID-19 infection.
Common post-COVID symptoms
Includes fatigue, cough, and joint pain.
Dyspnea
Increased respiratory effort or difficulty breathing.
Brain fog
Cognitive impairment following COVID-19 infection.
High-risk groups
Older adults and those with chronic illnesses.
Asthma risk
COVID-19 can trigger asthma attacks.
Severe illness
Higher risk in older adults and chronic conditions.
Sub-variants
Numerous variants derived from the omicron variant.
Inflammation
Body’s response causing swelling and pain.
Therapeutics
Treatments aimed at managing COVID-19 effects.
Vaccine immunity
Protection provided by vaccination against infection.
Symptoms of MIS
Includes chest pain, vomiting, and hypotension.
Pneumonia
Lung infection often related to COVID-19.
ARDS
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome from COVID-19.
Support groups
Communities formed to assist post-COVID patients.
Asthma attack
Increased airway resistance worsens hypoxemia.
Chronic lung disease
Includes COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Diabetes
Chronic high blood glucose damages organs.
COVID-19 risk
Diabetes increases severe illness risk.
Heart failure
Heart’s inability to pump effectively.
Coronary artery disease
Narrowing of heart arteries affecting blood flow.
Pulmonary hypertension
Increased blood pressure in lung arteries.
Chronic kidney disease
Long-term kidney dysfunction requiring dialysis.
Severe obesity
BMI of 30 or above; affects pulmonary function.
ARDS
Acute respiratory distress syndrome; severe lung condition.
Older adults
Individuals aged 65 years or older.
Immune system decline
Aging leads to weakened immune response.
Long-term care residents
Elderly or chronically ill individuals in communal settings.
Liver disease
Chronic conditions like cirrhosis increase infection risk.
Immunocompromised
Weakened immune system due to various conditions.
Smoking effects
Decreases immune response and increases infection risk.
Chronic inflammatory response
Leads to hypoxemia and worsens existing conditions.
Severe illness
Increased morbidity and mortality risk from conditions.
Vascular damage
Preexisting damage increases COVID-19 severity.
Cell and tissue damage
Hypoxemia can lead to organ failure.
COVID-19 immune response
Can exacerbate existing health conditions.
Personal protection
Precautions for EMS providers against hazards.
Infectious Diseases
Diseases caused by pathogens like viruses or bacteria.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards.
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health protection agency.
N95 Mask
Respirator mask filtering at least 95% airborne particles.
Eye Protection
Goggles or face shields to protect eyes from contamination.
Disposable Gloves
Single-use gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
Gown
Protective clothing worn to prevent contamination.
Hand Hygiene
Practice of cleaning hands to prevent infection.
Aerosol-generating Procedures
Medical procedures that produce airborne particles.
Bag-Valve Mask (BVM)
Device for providing positive pressure ventilation.
Oropharyngeal Suctioning
Clearing airway secretions using suctioning device.
Endotracheal Suctioning
Suctioning to clear the trachea of secretions.
Small-Volume Nebulizer
Device delivering medication in aerosol form.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Non-invasive ventilation providing continuous airway pressure.
Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
Non-invasive ventilation with two pressure settings.
Endotracheal Intubation
Placement of tube in trachea for ventilation.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Emergency procedure to restore breathing and circulation.
FDA Approved Vaccines
Vaccines authorized for public use by the FDA.
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
Temporary approval for medical products during emergencies.
Comirnaty
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19.
Spikevax
Moderna vaccine for COVID-19.
Janssen Vaccine
Johnson & Johnson vaccine, single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
mRNA Vaccine
Vaccine using messenger RNA to instruct cells.
Protein Subunit Vaccine
Vaccine using harmless virus proteins to elicit immunity.
T-lymphocytes
White blood cells that fight viral infections.
B-lymphocytes
Cells that produce antibodies against pathogens.
Viral Vector Vaccine
Contains modified virus with COVID-19 material.
mRNA Vaccine
Vaccines using messenger RNA to instruct cells.
Pfizer BioNTech
An mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.
Moderna
Another mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.
Johnson & Johnson
A viral vector vaccine for COVID-19.
Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs)
Call centers for emergency medical services.
Scene Size-up
Initial assessment of safety at an emergency scene.
Primary Assessment
Identifying and managing immediate life threats.
Airway Management
Techniques to maintain a patient’s airway.
Mechanical Airway Device
Tools like tubes for airway support.
Endotracheal Tube
Tube inserted into the trachea for ventilation.
Supraglottic Airway Device
Airway device placed above the vocal cords.
Tidal Volume
Amount of air per breath during ventilation.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Technique to assist breathing using pressure.
Hyperventilation
Increased respiratory rate and tidal volume.
Hypoventilation
Decreased respiratory rate and tidal volume.
Respiratory Rate
Number of breaths taken per minute.
Adequate Ventilation
Sufficient respiratory rate and tidal volume.
PPE
Personal protective equipment for safety.
Oxygenation Compromise
Insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues.
Hypoxemia
Low oxygen levels in the blood, causing fatigue.
Hypercarbia
Elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Happy Hypoxic
Patients with severe hypoxia but minimal distress.
Oxygen Therapy
Treatment to increase oxygen levels in patients.
Pulse Oximeter
Device measuring blood oxygen saturation levels.
Nonrebreather Mask
Mask providing high oxygen concentration to patients.
Nasal Cannula
Device delivering supplemental oxygen through the nose.
Signs of Hypoxemia
Indicators include cyanosis, tachycardia, and confusion.
OPQRST Mnemonic
Tool for assessing onset and duration of symptoms.
Comorbid Factors
Existing conditions increasing COVID-19 severity risk.
Asymptomatic COVID-19
Positive test with no clinical signs or symptoms.
Mild COVID-19
Upper respiratory or digestive symptoms present.
Moderate COVID-19
Pneumonia without hypoxemia, normal chest X-ray.
Severe COVID-19
Pneumonia with hypoxemia requiring urgent care.
Critical COVID-19
Severe complications like ARDS and heart failure.
Chest Assessment
Evaluate breath sounds for pneumonia or ARDS.
Jugular Venous Distension
Sign of right-ventricular failure from pulmonary issues.
Rales
Abnormal lung sounds indicating fluid presence.
Tachypnea
Rapid breathing often associated with hypoxemia.
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration indicating severe oxygen deficiency.
Secondary Assessment
Collecting history to confirm COVID-19 infection.
Signs of COVID-19
Include fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste.
Cardiac Arrest
Condition requiring chest compressions and CPR.
CDC-recommended PPE
Personal protective equipment for healthcare safety.
Rhonchi
Abnormal lung sounds from increased mucus production.
Presacral edema
Swelling in lower back from heart failure.
Hypoxemia
Low blood oxygen levels causing systemic vasoconstriction.
Pulse oximeter
Device to monitor patient’s oxygenation status.
Continuous EKG monitor
Device to assess patient’s heart rhythm continuously.
End-tidal monitor
Measures effectiveness of ventilation, not oxygenation.
Patent airway
Open airway essential for patient survival.
Oxygen therapy
Administering oxygen to maintain adequate oxygenation.
Nonrebreather mask
High-flow oxygen device for severe respiratory distress.
Positive pressure ventilation (PPV)
Assisted breathing for patients in respiratory failure.
CDC COVID-19 precautions
Guidelines for safely managing suspected COVID-19 patients.
Transport isolation
Keeping COVID-19 patients separate during transport.
HEPA ventilation system
High-efficiency filter system for air exchange.
Negative pressure
Airflow that prevents contamination from patient compartment.
Air changes per hour
Rate of air replacement in a space.
Disposable gown
Single-use protective clothing for cleaning.
Cleaning guidelines
CDC recommendations for disinfecting EMS vehicles.
Suction secretions
Clearing airway by removing mucus or fluids.
Titrate oxygen
Adjusting oxygen flow to achieve target saturation.
Transport documentation
Record of care and contact during patient transport.
Ambulance ventilation
Setting to nonrecirculate to prevent contamination.
Patient compartment isolation
Separating driver from patient during transport.
Rear exhaust fan
Ventilation feature to expel contaminated air.
Eye Protection
Wear during cleaning to prevent splashes.
Face Shield
Protects face from sprays while cleaning.
Approved Disinfecting Solutions
Use EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectants.
Adequate Ventilation
Ensure airflow when cleaning to reduce exposure.
EPA-Registered Disinfectant
Disinfectant approved for effective pathogen elimination.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
Contaminated Surfaces
Clean surfaces that contact patients or contaminants.
Reusable Equipment
Clean and disinfect equipment used on patients.
Contaminated PPE
Dispose according to SOP to prevent spread.
Launder Linens
Avoid shaking; follow SOP for cleaning.
COVID-19 Exposure Risk
High risk for EMS providers during patient care.
Asymptomatic Infection
Infected individuals showing no symptoms.
Severe Hypoxemia
Low oxygen levels without typical breathing difficulty.
Vascular Disease
COVID-19 complications include clotting and strokes.
Primary EMS Treatment
Focus on supportive care and oxygenation.
Ambulance Cleaning
Thoroughly clean after transporting COVID-19 patients.
Routes of Exposure
Ways pathogens enter the body: ingestion, absorption.
Ingestion
Pathogen entry through swallowing contaminated substances.
Absorption
Pathogen entry through skin contact.
Inhalation
Pathogen entry via breathing contaminated air.
Injection
Pathogen entry through a puncture in the skin.
Activated Charcoal Administration
Used to treat certain poisonings; follow specific steps.
Medical Direction Order
Required before administering activated charcoal.
Patient Observation
Monitor patient while drinking activated charcoal.
Record Keeping
Document dose and time of charcoal administration.
