CMA - CH 8 Key Terms - Emergency Procedures and First Aid Flashcards
abrasion
superficial scraping of the epidermis
anaphylactic
hypersensitive state of the body to a foreign protein or drug
automated external defibrillator (AED)
portable, self contained, automatic device with voice instructions on how to use for individuals in cardiac arrest. It is used externally to electronically “shock” the myocardium into contracting again. Same as cardioversion.
avulsion
open wound in which the skin is torn off and bleeding is profuse.
bandages
nonsterile gauze or other material applied over a sterile dressing to protect and immobilize
cardiogenic
type of shock in which the cardiac muscle is unable to contract and adequately provide blood to the body
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions performed by a trained individual on a patient experiencing cardiac arrest
cardioversion
conversion of a pathological cardiac rhythm (arrhythmia), such as ventricular fibrillation, to normal sinus rhythm.
crash cart or tray
tray or portable cart that contains medications and supplies needed for emergency and first aid procedures
crepitation
grating sound heard on movement of ends of a broken bone
diplopia
AKA double vision. Subjective complaint of seeing two images instead of one.
disclocations
displacement of bone or joint from its normal position
dressings
sterile gauze or material applied directly to a wound to absorb secretions and to protect
electrocautery
control of bleeding using an instrument that is electrically heated
emergency medical services (EMS)
local network of police, fire, and medical personnel trained to respond to emergency situations; in many communities, the system is activated by calling 911.
explicit
fully revealed or expressed without ambiguity or vagueness, leaving no question as to the intent.
first aid
immediate, or first, care provided to persons who are suddenly ill or injured; first aid is typically followed by more comprehensive care and treatment.
fractures
break in bone. there are several types of fractures, but all are classified as either closed or open fractures.
Good Samaritan laws
Laws designed to protect individuals from legal action when rendering emergency medical aid, without compensation, within the areas of their training and expertise.
hyperglycemia
Increased levels of blood glucose. Does not necessarily mean patient is diabetic but may be an indication of prediabetes.
hypoglycemia
State of having lower than normal blood glucose levels.
hypothermia
Extremely dangerous cold-related condition that can result in death if the individual does not receive care and if the progression of hypothermia is not reversed.
hypovolemic
type of shock in which the body has lost blood or fluid volume to such an extent that there is not enough circulating volume to fill the ventricles. The heart attempts to compensate by increasing the heart rate.
hypoxia
oxygen deficiency
implicit
capable of being understood from something else though unexpressed; implied.
incision
surgical cut made into the skin or tissue.
ketoacidosis
accumulation of ketones in the body, occurring primarily as a complication of diabetes mellitus; if left untreated could cause coma.
laceration
tears or splits in the skin or tissues caused by trauma.
myocardial infarction (MI)
AKA heart attack. Usually caused by a blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries.
neurogenic
type of shock in which there is injury or trauma to the nervous system causing the loss of tone in the vessels resulting in massive dilation of arterioles and venuoles. This results in a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
normal saline
solution of sodium chloride (salt) and distilled water. Has the same osmotic pressure as blood serum. Also known as isotonic of physiologic saline.
occlusion
closure of a passage.
puncture wound
wound caused by an object piercing the skin and underlying soft tissues that creates a small hole.
rescue breathing
performed on individuals in respiratory arrest, rescue breathing is a mouth-to-mouth (using appropriate protective equipment) or mouth-to-nose procedure that provides oxygen to the patient until emergency personnel arrive.
risk management
techniques adhered to in the ambulatory care setting that keep the practice, its environment, and its procedures as safe for the patient as possible. Proper risk management also reduces the possibility of negligence that leads to torts and malpractice suits.
septic
Overwhelming infection that occurs most often in critically ill patients. Chemicals are released into the bloodstream that cause vasodilation and other organic products that are harmful to the organs and tissues. The vasodilation and decreased ability of the cells and tissues to utilize oxygen is the basis for this type of shock.
shock
Potentially serious condition in which the circulatory system is not providing enough blood to all parts of the body, causing the body’s organs to fail to function properly.
splints
Any device used to immobilize a body part. Often used by EMS personnel
sprain
Injury to a joint, often an ankle, knee, or wrist, that involves a tearing of the ligaments. Most sprains are minor and heal quickly; others are more severe, include swelling, and may not heal properly if the patient continues to put stress on the affected joint.
Standard Precautions
Precautions developed in 1996 by the DCD that augment Universal Precautions and body substance isolation practices. They provide a wider range of protection and are used any time there is contact with blood, moist body fluid (except perspiration), mucous membranes, or non-intact skin. They are designed to protect all health care providers, patients, and visitors.
status epilepticus
continued seizure that is prolonged, or two or more seizures without a recovery period between them. Status epilepticus is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
strain
injury to soft tissue between joints that involves the tearing of muscles or tendons. Strains often occur in the neck, back, and thigh muscles.
syncope
fainting.
triage
Screening to determine which patient is treated first when two or more patients present with emergencies simultaneously.
tonic-clonic phase
muscular stiffening followed by the rapid and rhythmic jerking of the extremities during a seizure.
tourniquet
Device used to facilitate vein prominence.
ulcers
gradual disturbance of the skin and underlying tissues due to an underlying process; for example, prolonged pressure that interrupts tissue oxygenation or the pressure that occurs from increased venous pressure in vascular disease.
universal emergency medical identification symbol
ID sometimes carried by individuals to identify health problems they have.
wounds
break in the continuity of soft parts of the body structures caused by violence or trauma to tissues. In an open wound, skin is broken, as in a laceration, abrasion, avulsion, or incision. In a closed wound, skin is not broken, as in contusion, ecchymosis, or hematoma.
