Chapter 22 Part 6 Flashcards
Abnormal breath odors
Unusual smells indicating possible poisoning or exposure.
Inhalation
Breathing in harmful substances or gases.
Nausea
Feeling of sickness with an urge to vomit.
Vomiting
Expelling stomach contents through the mouth.
Diarrhea
Frequent, watery bowel movements.
Altered mental status
Changes in consciousness or cognitive function.
Abnormal skin color
Changes in skin hue indicating health issues.
Dyspnea
Difficulty or labored breathing.
Seizures
Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.
Burns to the respiratory tract
Injury to airways from inhaled hot gases.
Stridor
High-pitched wheezing indicating airway obstruction.
Sooty sputum
Dark, black mucus indicating smoke inhalation.
Known exposure to toxic gas
Previous contact with harmful airborne substances.
Respiratory depression
Decreased breathing rate and effort.
Sweating
Excessive perspiration often due to stress or toxins.
Tearing
Excessive production of tears, often from irritation.
Constricted pupils
Narrowed pupils often linked to opioid use.
Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
Injection site reactions
Local pain, redness, and swelling from injections.
Metallic taste
Unpleasant flavor often associated with poisoning.
Anticholinergic toxidrome
Symptoms include flushed skin, dry mouth, and tachycardia.
Cholinergic toxidrome (DUMBELS)
Signs include diarrhea, urination, and muscle weakness.
Opioid toxidrome
Characterized by respiratory depression and pinpoint pupils.
Sedative hypnotic toxidrome
CNS depression with ataxia and slurred speech.
Stimulant toxidrome
Symptoms include tachycardia, hypertension, and hyperthermia.
Serotonin Syndrome
Presentation with agitation, hyperreflexia, and tremors.
Patient management assessment
Steps to ensure safety and evaluate patient condition.
Carboxyhemoglobin assessment
Measurement of carbon monoxide levels in blood.
Ingestion History
Details of substance intake before ED arrival.
Route of Exposure
Method by which a toxin enters the body.
Quantity of Medication
Amount of substance ingested or exposed.
Alcohol Intoxication
Consumption of alcoholic beverages affecting consciousness.
Cardiovascular History
Patient’s past heart-related medical conditions.
Needle Marks
Signs of intravenous drug use or injections.
Paraphernalia
Items associated with drug use or abuse.
Physical Examination
Comprehensive assessment of patient’s physical condition.
Patent Airway
Open airway ensuring unobstructed breathing.
Oxygen Saturation Target
Goal to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Fluid Bolus
Rapid infusion of fluids to improve circulation.
Activated Charcoal
Substance used to absorb toxins in overdose cases.
Acetaminophen Overdose
Excessive intake of pain reliever causing toxicity.
Benzodiazepine Overdose
Excessive intake of anxiety medications requiring support.
Caustic Substances
Harmful chemicals causing burns or injury upon contact.
Opiate Overdose
Excessive intake of opioids requiring specific treatment.
SSRIs
Medications affecting serotonin levels, potential overdose risks.
TCA Overdose
Excessive intake of tricyclic antidepressants affecting heart.
Environmental Safety
Ensuring safe surroundings for patient and clinician.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Regular checks of heart rate, blood pressure, etc.
Regional Poison Center
Resource for managing toxic exposures and outcomes.
Seizures Guideline
Protocol for managing seizure activity in patients.
Poison Control Centers
National toll-free resource for poison advice.
Activated Charcoal
Adjunct treatment for certain poisonings.
Ipecac
Not recommended for poisoning; production stopped.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Highlighted EMS role in public health.
Hepatitis B
Liver virus transmitted through blood and fluids.
Chronic Carrier
Asymptomatic individual spreading hepatitis B.
Signs of Hepatitis B
Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine.
Protective Gloves
Worn to prevent blood exposure in EMS.
Vaccination Requirement
OSHA mandates hepatitis B vaccination for EMS.
Soiled Refuse Disposal
Double-bag and seal according to protocol.
Hepatitis B Exposure Protocol
Report incidents and follow exposure policies.
HBIG Injection
Post-exposure treatment for hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C
Most common bloodborne infection in the U.S.
Occupational Exposure Risk
Low for hepatitis C via needlestick.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Includes jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain.
Standard Precautions
Essential for handling body fluids in EMS.
Tuberculosis
Resurgent infectious disease requiring caution.
Infectious Disease Awareness
Critical for EMTs during patient care.
Emergency Personnel Testing
Recommended after potential hepatitis C exposure.
Bloodborne Infection
Pathogen transmitted through blood contact.
Entrohepatic Poisoning
Involves toxins recirculating through the liver.
Aspiration Risk
Potential danger during activated charcoal administration.
Public Health Role of EMS
Involvement in vaccination and patient transport.
Tuberculosis
Bacterial infection primarily affecting lungs.
Drug-resistant strains
Bacteria that resist standard antibiotic treatments.
Transmission
Spread through droplets from cough or sputum.
Vulnerable populations
Groups at higher risk for infection.
Signs of tuberculosis
Fever, cough, night sweats, weight loss.
HEPA respirators
High-efficiency masks for airborne pathogen protection.
Protective gloves
Disposable gloves to prevent contact with fluids.
Artificial ventilation
Emergency breathing support using approved equipment.
Tuberculocidal agent
Disinfectant effective against tuberculosis bacteria.
HIV
Virus causing Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
AIDS
Syndrome from HIV leading to immune system failure.
Modes of HIV transmission
Sexual contact, needles, blood products, mother-child.
Opportunistic infections
Infections exploiting weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of AIDS
Fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue.
Standard Precautions
Infection control practices to reduce transmission risk.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Respiratory virus outbreak identified in 2003.
SARS-COV-2
Variant of SARS virus causing recent outbreaks.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Mosquito-borne virus primarily from infected birds.
Symptoms of WNV
Most infected individuals show no symptoms.
Occupational exposure
Risk of infection through work-related activities.
Infected sputum
Mucus containing pathogens from an infected individual.
Lymph glands
Swollen glands indicating infection or immune response.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Virus causing mild to severe neurological symptoms.
Severe Symptoms of WNV
Include high fever, seizures, paralysis, and confusion.
Mild Symptoms of WNV
Include fever, headache, nausea, and skin rash.
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Viral hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates.
Symptoms of EVD
Include high fever, severe headache, and hemorrhage.
Transmission of EVD
Through blood and body fluids of infected individuals.
Zika Virus Disease (ZVD)
Mosquito-borne virus causing mild symptoms and birth defects.
Symptoms of ZVD
Include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis.
Zika Transmission
Can occur through mosquito bites and sexual contact.
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms
Pathogens resistant to standard antimicrobial treatments.
Standard Precautions
Infection control practices to prevent disease transmission.
EVD Outbreaks
Occur primarily in Africa with high mortality risks.
Zika Virus Spread
Expanded to Americas since 2015, affecting pregnant women.
Duration of WNV Symptoms
Severe symptoms may last weeks; mild symptoms days.
EVD Symptom Onset
Symptoms appear days after exposure to the virus.
ZVD Symptom Resolution
Symptoms generally resolve within days in healthy individuals.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Specialized gear for protection against infectious diseases.
Mosquito Bite Risk
Primary transmission route for WNV and Zika.
Fatalities from EVD
2014 outbreak had estimated thousands of deaths.
Zika Prevention
Avoid mosquito bites and sexual contact with infected.
EVD in North America
No reported cases as of current writing.
Chronic Wound Patients
At risk for multidrug-resistant organisms exposure.
Healthcare Facility Risks
Higher likelihood of encountering resistant pathogens.
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 first-line drugs.
XDR TB
Extensively drug-resistant Tuberculosis, resistant to second-line drugs.
Colistin-resistant E. coli
Escherichia coli resistant to colistin antibiotic.
Infection types
Includes pneumonia, blood, ear, sinus, skin infections.
Transmission methods
Direct contact or respiratory droplets spread infections.
Standard Precautions
Basic infection control practices for healthcare providers.
Hand-washing procedures
Essential hygiene practice to prevent infection spread.
Novel pathogens
Newly identified pathogens causing emerging infectious diseases.
Travel history importance
Recent travel can indicate potential novel infections.
COVID-19 impact
Significantly affected EMS providers during the pandemic.
SARS-CoV-2
Virus responsible for COVID-19 infection.
Asymptomatic patients
Patients showing no symptoms but may carry virus.
Long-term care facilities
Higher rates of COVID-19 infections observed here.
Vaccination recommendations
Comirnaty and Spikevax vaccines are FDA approved.
Vaccine effectiveness
Reduces hospitalization and mortality from COVID-19.
Emerging variants
New virus variants may limit vaccine protection.
Pathophysiology of COVID-19
Ongoing research into disease mechanisms and effects.
Differential diagnosis
Process of distinguishing between different diseases.
Personal protective equipment
Gear used to protect EMS providers from infection.
Hypoxia
Deficiency of oxygen in the body tissues.
Pulmonary System
Body system responsible for gas exchange.
EMS Provider
Emergency Medical Services professional assisting patients.
Oxygenation
Process of providing oxygen to the body.
Hypoxemia
Low oxygen levels in the blood.
Virus Particle
Non-living entity that requires a host cell.
Virion
Infectious virus particle with nucleic acid and protein.
RNA Virus
Virus containing ribonucleic acid as genetic material.
DNA Virus
Virus containing deoxyribonucleic acid as genetic material.
Capsid
Protein shell enclosing viral genetic material.
Envelope
Lipid layer derived from host cell membranes.
Budding
Process where virus exits cell without lysing it.
Lysis
Destruction of a cell to release viruses.
Respiratory Droplets
Tiny liquid particles expelled during breathing.
Mucous Membrane
Tissue lining body cavities, entry point for viruses.
SARS-CoV-2
Novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.
COVID-19
Disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Pandemic
Global outbreak of a disease.
Social Distancing
Maintaining physical space to prevent virus spread.
Hand Washing
Critical hygiene practice to remove viruses.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gear worn to protect against infection.
Infection Process
Virus invades, replicates, and spreads to new cells.
Viral Genome
Genetic material directing virus replication.
Infectious Disease
Illness caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
Pandemic
Illness affecting large populations globally.
COVID-19
Viral infection causing severe respiratory complications.
Hypoxia
Deficiency of oxygen in tissues.
Pathophysiologic Mechanisms
Processes leading to disease symptoms.
Viral Invasion
Initial entry of virus into host cells.
Glycoproteins
Proteins on virus surface aiding infection.
Spike Protein
Viral protein binding to ACE receptors.
ACE Receptor
Entry point for COVID-19 virus.
Respiratory Droplets
Virus-laden droplets entering respiratory tract.
Cell Membrane Fusion
Process allowing virus entry into host cell.
Nucleocapsid
Viral RNA and proteins inside the virus.
RNA Replication
Process of duplicating viral genetic material.
Vesicles
Transporters for newly formed viral particles.
Pyroptosis
Programmed cell death after viral infection.
Proinflammatory Cytokines
Proteins signaling inflammation during immune response.
Chemokines
Cytokines that attract immune cells to infection.
Dendritic Cells
Immune cells engulfing and presenting virus.
Cytokine Storm
Excessive cytokine release causing severe inflammation.
Hypercytokinemia
Uncontrolled cytokine release during immune response.
Pulmonary Capillary Permeability
Increased fluid leakage from lung capillaries.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Severe lung condition from fluid accumulation.
Thrombosis
Clot formation linked to inflammation.
Multisystem Organ Failure
Failure of multiple organ systems due to infection.
Abnormal clot formation
Clots forming inappropriately during COVID-19 infection.
Microvascular injury
Damage to small blood vessels in severe cases.
Pulmonary system
Primary respiratory system affected by COVID-19.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Severe lung condition causing poor gas exchange.
Capillary permeability
Increased leakage in pulmonary capillaries during inflammation.
Hypercapnia
Elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
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.
Lactic acid
Byproduct of anaerobic metabolism causing cellular damage.
Cardiovascular effects
Impact of COVID-19 on heart and blood vessels.
Microemboli
Small clots obstructing blood flow in circulation.
Myocardial infarction
Heart attack due to insufficient blood supply.
Cardiac cell ischemia
Reduced blood flow causing heart muscle damage.
Organ failure
Loss of function in vital organs due to clotting.
Kidney injury
Damage to kidneys observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Inflammatory response
Body’s reaction causing tissue damage in severe cases.
Pneumonia
Lung infection that may develop from COVID-19.
Gas exchange
Process of oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer in lungs.
Fluid buildup
Accumulation of fluid in alveoli affecting gas exchange.
Critical ATP production
Essential energy generation for cell survival.
Acid-base balance
Homeostasis of pH levels disrupted by carbonic acid.
Kidney Damage Causes
Linked to blood clots and hypoxemia.
Clinical Stages of COVID-19
Divided into three phases for severity assessment.
Stage 1
Asymptomatic; virus replicates in nasal cavity.
Stage 2
Virus spreads to respiratory tract; immune response triggered.
Stage 3
Severe symptoms; alveolar damage and ARDS develop.
ARDS
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome; severe lung condition.
Viral Replication
Virus invades cells and multiplies.
Nasal Swabs
Preferred testing method; more sensitive than throat swabs.
Infection Spread
Occurs through droplets from infected individuals.
Droplet Transmission
Virus-laden droplets inhaled or contact mucous membranes.
Close Contact Risk
Increased infection likelihood within 6 feet.
Direct Contact Transmission
Touching contaminated surfaces then face.
Delta Variant
More contagious than original COVID-19 strain.
Incubation Period
Time from exposure to symptom onset; 2-14 days.
Upper Respiratory Symptoms
Signs related to inflammation in upper airways.
Lower Airway Infection
Virus infects lower respiratory tract and alveoli.
Immune Response
Body’s defense mechanism against infections.
Alveolar Damage
Injury to lung tissue affecting gas exchange.
Scarring of Lung Tissue
Occurs during repair of damaged alveolar cells.
Respiratory Droplets
Small particles expelled during breathing or coughing.
Mucous Membranes
Tissues in eyes, nose, and mouth allowing virus entry.
CDC Variants Analogy
Describes virus changes using a tree analogy.
Variants of COVID-19
Different strains evolving from the original virus.
Alpha variant
First identified in the UK, spreads faster.
Beta variant
First identified in South Africa, less severe illness.
Gamma variant
First identified in Japan and Brazil, spreads faster.
Delta variant
First identified in India, causes severe illness.
Mu variant
First identified in Colombia, vaccine resistance concerns.
Omicron variant
First identified in November 2021, bypasses vaccine immunity.
PCR testing
Current method to identify COVID-19 variants.
Vaccine effectiveness
Current vaccines reduce severity and spread of variants.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
Serious condition linked to COVID-19 infection.
MIS-C
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children under 21.
MIS-A
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in adults over 21.
Signs and symptoms
Evolving indicators associated with COVID-19 variants.
Therapeutics
Treatments used to combat COVID-19 variants.
Variants of concern
Variants monitored for spread and severity.
Infectiousness
How easily a variant spreads among populations.
Severity of illness
Impact of a variant on health outcomes.
Monoclonal antibodies
Targeted treatments, less effective against some variants.
Hospitalization rates
Frequency of patients requiring hospital care due to variants.
Global monitoring
Ongoing observation of emerging COVID-19 variants.
Sub-variants
New strains derived from predominant variants.
Inflammation
Body’s response causing swelling in MIS.
Epidemiology
Study of how variants spread in populations.
MIS-A
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults.
MIS-C
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.
Fever
Elevated body temperature, often indicating infection.
Abdominal pain
Discomfort or pain in the stomach area.
Bloodshot eyes
Redness in the sclera of the eyes.
Chest pain
Discomfort or pain in the chest region.
Diarrhea
Frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements.
Severe fatigue
Extreme tiredness affecting daily activities.
Headache
Pain in the head or neck region.
Hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure.
Neck pain
Discomfort or pain in the neck area.
Rash
Skin eruption or irritation.
Vomiting
Expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Reinfection
Becoming infected again after recovery.
Post-COVID conditions
Ongoing symptoms after initial COVID-19 infection.
Long COVID
Chronic symptoms following COVID-19 recovery.
Brain fog
Cognitive impairment affecting memory and focus.
Palpitations
Irregular or rapid heartbeats.
Joint pain
Discomfort in the joints.
Chronic lung disease
Long-term respiratory conditions like COPD.
Diabetes
Chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation.
High-risk conditions
Medical factors increasing severe illness risk.
Severe obesity
BMI of 30 or above, affects pulmonary function.
ARDS
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, complicates gas exchange.
Older adults
Individuals aged 65 years or older, immune-compromised.
Chronic illnesses
Long-term health conditions complicating recovery.
Long-term care facility residents
Elderly or chronically ill, high disease transmission risk.
Liver disease
Chronic conditions like cirrhosis, increases infection risk.
Immunocompromised
Weakened immune system due to various conditions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gear to protect against infectious disease exposure.
CDC recommendations
Guidelines for PPE use in EMS settings.
N95 mask
High-level face mask, protects against airborne pathogens.
Eye protection
Goggles or face shields to prevent droplet exposure.
Disposable gloves
Single-use gloves to prevent contamination.
Gown
Protective clothing, especially during aerosolized treatments.
Infectious diseases
Diseases spread through pathogens like HIV, hepatitis.
Vaccination
Immunization against common infectious diseases.
Hypoxemia
Low oxygen levels in the blood, common in older adults.
Pulmonary function
Lung capacity and efficiency, declines with age.
Cardiac function
Heart efficiency, often decreases in older adults.
Morbidity
Incidence of disease or complications in patients.
Mortality
Rate of death in a specific population.
Sanitizer
Alcohol-based solution for hand hygiene.
Contamination
Unwanted presence of pathogens on surfaces or skin.
Respiratory droplets
Tiny droplets expelled during breathing or speaking.
PPE
Personal protective equipment to prevent infection spread.
Hand hygiene
Thorough washing with soap for minimum effectiveness.
Aerosol-generating procedures
Treatments that produce airborne particles.
Bag-valve mask (BVM)
Device used for ventilation during emergencies.
Oropharyngeal suctioning
Clearing airway by suctioning the throat.
Endotracheal suctioning
Suctioning within the trachea to clear secretions.
Small-volume nebulizer
Device delivering medication in aerosol form.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Machine providing constant airflow to keep airways open.
Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
Device offering two levels of pressure for breathing.
Endotracheal intubation
Inserting a tube into the trachea for ventilation.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Emergency procedure to restore breathing and circulation.
HEPA-equipped HVAC
High-efficiency particulate air system for air filtration.
N95 mask
Respirator providing a higher level of filtration.
Vaccination
Process of administering a vaccine to induce immunity.
FDA-approved vaccines
Vaccines authorized for public use by the FDA.
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
Temporary approval for vaccines during public health emergencies.
Comirnaty
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
Spikevax
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Janssen vaccine
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine under EUA.
mRNA vaccine
Vaccine using messenger RNA to instruct cells.
Protein subunit vaccine
Vaccine using harmless virus proteins for immunity.
Viral vector vaccine
Vaccine using modified virus to deliver COVID-19 material.
