emergent conditions Flashcards
1
Q
allergic reaction
A
- itchy skin, redness, rash, hives, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose - pollen, dust, eggs, shellfish, wheat, soy, nuts, insect stings, meds
- response: remove allergen, EpiPen, 911
2
Q
autonomic dysreflexia
A
- in pts w/ T6 or above SCI, response to noxious stimuli (clothing, bladder distention)
- s/s: HTN, bradycardia, sweating, HA, nausea, red and blotchy skin, piloerection
- response: sit pt upright, ID and remove noxious stimulus
3
Q
burns
A
- can be d/t heat, chemicals, electricity
- ID source, location, extent
- remove source of burn (use water to dilute chemical substances or brush off skin)
- remove clothing or jewelry near burn if easily removable
- clean towel or dressing over wound
- 911
4
Q
concussion
A
- mild TBI s/t blow to head
- s/s: loss of memory, confusion, drowsiness, behavior or personality changes, light or noise sensitivity, HA, N/V, dizziness, LOC - can be immediate or hours or days later
- LOC, slurred speech, weakness, pupil changes, seizures - call 911
5
Q
fractures
A
- swelling, bruising, pain, tenderness, limited ROM
- assess peripheral pulses and sensation distal to injury
- avoid movement of extremity
6
Q
heat illness
A
- heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- s/s: profuse sweating, moist and pale skin, nausea, HA, dizziness, muscle cramps, weakness, rapid shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse; dry skin, flushed, nausea, HA, AMS, LOC, elevated temp
- response: shade or covered area, VS, remove outer layers and use ice bag on forehead, neck, groin; electrolytes, 911
7
Q
heart attack/cardiac arrest
A
- sudden or gradual - pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain in arms, back, neck, jaw, stomach; SOB, abnormal HR and BP, sweating, nausea, anxiety
- if HA progresses to CA, LOC
- response: if unresponsive, call 911 and use AED and CPR
8
Q
hypothermia/frostbite
A
- s/s: shivering, exhaustion, decreased motor function, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, decr VS
- response: assess temp via palpation; move to warmth and remove wet clothing, use dry towels or blankets or skin to skin contact
- call 911 if LOC or temp < 95 degrees
- frostbite: immerse in warm water or use body heat
9
Q
insulin related illnesses
A
- hypoglycemia: rapid onset, pale and moist skin, rapid HR, shallow breathing, dizziness, HA, altered vision, agitation, confusion, LOC
- hyperglycemia: slower onset, can lead to DKA and coma; frequent urination, glucose in urine, N/V
- response to hypo: orange juice, rest until levels normal
- response to hyper: insulin injection
10
Q
laceration (external bleeding)
A
- red if arterial, purpleish if venous
- response: gloves if able, apply pressure to wound with sterile towel
- pressure just proximal if arterial bleed
- elevate above level of heart
11
Q
obstructed airway
A
- if they can speak, cough, or breathe, do not intervene but be close by
- if they cannot speak, cough, or breath, intervene
- check mouth for objects, heimlich
- if unconscious, CPR and rescue breathing
12
Q
orthostatic hypotension
A
- dizziness, syncope, N/V, confusion
- position in supine with legs elevated so blood can better perfuse brain
13
Q
pulmonary embolism
A
- s/s: SOB, cough, chest pain, tachypnea, rapid and irregular HR, fever
- call 911
14
Q
seizures
A
- myoclonic, tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic, absence, atonic
- put pt in safe location
- do not constrain movements
- monitor RR and quality
- no object in mouth
- when convulsions subside, place pt head to one side in case of emesis
15
Q
shock
A
- d/t loss of perfusion to organs - excessive bleeding, heat, movement too quickly
- s/s: pale, moist, cool skin, diaphoresis, shallow or irregular breathing, N/V, AMS, dilated pupils, hypotension
- remove source of shock, monitor vitals
- CPR if necessary
- supine with legs elevated
- coldpress or blanket
