Emergencies Flashcards
Chapter 23
First Aid (purpose)
-to save a life
-reduce pain and suffering
-prevent further injury
-reduce the incidence of permanent disability
-increase the opportunity for an early recovery
First Aid (definition)
the immediate care administered before complete medical care can be obtained to an individual who is injured or suddenly becomes ill.
First Aid (ways of administering)
Crash Cart
a specially equipped cart for holding and transporting medications, equipment, and supplies needed to perform lifesaving procedures in an emergency.
Dislocation
an injury in which one end of a bone making up a joint is separated or displaced from its normal anatomic position.
Sprain
trauma to a joint that causes tearing of ligaments.
Strain
stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons caused by trauma.
Splint
any device that immobilizes a body part.
Burn
an injury to the tissue caused by exposure to thermal, chemical electrical, or radioactive agents.
Crepitus
a grating sensation caused by fractured bone fragments rubbing against each other.
Emergency Medical Services System (EMS)
a network of community resources, equipment, and personnel that provides care to victims of injury or sudden illness.
Fracture
any break in a bone.
Hypothermia
a life-threatening condition in which the temperature of the entire body falls to a dangerously low level.
Poison
any substance that causes illness, injury, or death if it enters the body.
Pressure point
a site on the body where an artery lies close to the surface of the skin and can be compressed against an underlying bone to control bleeding.
Seizure
a sudden episode of voluntary muscular contractions and relaxation, often accompanied by changes in sensation, behavior, and level of consciousness.
Shock
the failure of the cardiovascular system to deliver enough blood to all the vital organs of the body.
Wound
a break in the continuity of an external or internal surface, caused by physical means.
Respiratory emergencies
-asthma
-emphysema
-hyperventilation
-stroke
-heart attack
Asthma (definition)
a condition characterized by wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea. During an asthma attack the bronchioles constrict and become clogged with mucus.
Asthma (cause)
-associated with family history of allergies
-common allergens can trigger an attack (house dust, pollens, molds, animal dander
-nonspecific factors (air pollutants, tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, vigorous exercise, respiratory infections, exposure to cold, emotional stress
Status asthmaticus
a severe prolonged asthmatic attack that is life-threatening.
Asthma (symptoms)
-cyanosis
-labored breathing (dyspnea)
Emphysema (definition)
Insulin Shock (causes)
too much insulin in the body and not enough glucose.
-administration of too much insulin
-skipping meals
-unexpected / unplanned exercise
Diabetes (definition)
a disease in which the body is unable to use glucose for energy because of a lack of insulin in the body.
Type 1 Diabetes
-a severe form
-usually appears during childhood
Type 2 Diabetes
-a milder form
-usually appears in adulthood
-90% of individuals with diabetes have type 2
Frostbite