Emergency Flashcards
What constitutes a medical emergency?
Any situation requiring immediate action due to a sudden change in a patient’s medical status.
List the objectives of first aid.
- Preserve life
- Avoid further harm to the patient
- Obtain appropriate medical assistance as quickly as possible
What are the general priorities when working with patients in acute situations?
- Ensure open airway
- Control bleeding
- Prevent or treat shock
- Attend to wounds or fractures
- Provide emotional support
- Continually reassess
What is the purpose of an emergency cart?
To provide immediate availability of emergency equipment and drugs to reduce response time during a medical crisis.
What are the four levels of consciousness?
- Alert and conscious
- Drowsy but responsive to stimulus
- Unconscious and reacts to painful stimulus
- Comatose: unresponsive to all stimuli
What is shock?
A failure of the circulatory system to support vital body functions.
What are the four classifications of shock?
- Neurogenic
- Hypovolemic
- Cardiogenic
- Vasogenic
List common signs and symptoms of shock.
- Restlessness
- Apprehension
- Tachycardia
- Decreasing blood pressure
- Cold and clammy skin
- Pallor
What is anaphylactic shock?
The most common type of shock encountered in medical imaging, often associated with contrast media administration.
What are the signs of hypoglycemia?
- Excessive insulin present
- Can occur if patient takes normal insulin dose without eating
- Early signs often recognized by patients
What is hyperglycemia?
Excessive sugar in the blood, characteristic of diabetes, requiring immediate attention.
What is the Heimlich maneuver?
A technique used to dislodge an obstruction in the airway by performing abdominal thrusts.
What are the CAB’s of CPR?
- Compressions
- Airway
- Breathing (ventilations)
What is a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)?
Commonly known as a stroke, it can develop gradually or suddenly and may necessitate CPR.
What does syncope mean?
Fainting; a temporary state of shock due to lack of blood flow to the brain.
What should be done for a patient experiencing seizures?
- Prevent injury
- Call for assistance
- Ensure airway is clear
- Observe seizure duration and characteristics
What is the recommended position for a patient experiencing nausea and vomiting?
Lateral recumbent position to prevent aspiration.
What is the significance of assessing the patient’s level of consciousness?
To monitor changes and potential deterioration in the patient’s condition.
True or False: Changes in a patient’s neurologic status or level of consciousness should never be ignored.
True
Fill in the blank: An emergency crash cart typically contains _______.
[emergency equipment and drugs]
What factors can contribute to the development of hypoglycemia?
- Excessive insulin
- Not eating after taking insulin
- Certain medication interactions
What are the common signs of respiratory distress?
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased respiratory rate
What should be done if a patient is choking?
Administer the Heimlich maneuver and call for medical assistance if necessary.
What is the first step when a patient experiences cardiac arrest?
Initiate CPR and locate an AED.
What are the two types of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)?
- Fully automatic
- Semi-automatic
What is the appropriate action for a patient exhibiting vertigo?
Assist them to a seated or recumbent position.
What is the protocol for managing a patient with a wound?
- Apply pressure to control bleeding
- Monitor for signs of infection
- Seek medical attention if necessary
