EMT 9 Flashcards
Sickle Cell Anemia
Hereditary blood disorder, most common in blacks
Some blood cells have abnormal hemoglobin, forms a crescent shape & build up clotting blood flow
Sickle cell Crisis: Bone Crisis, acute chest syndrome, abdominal crisis, joint crisis
Kidneys
Paired Organs located behind abdominal wall lining (retroperitoneal)
One on each side of Spine
Excrete urine & regulate water, electrolytes & acid-base balance
Most Common Potential Hazard
Blood products
Blood Infectious Disease
Body fluids
Pulmonary Edema
Excessive amount of fluid collects in spaces between alveoli & capillaries- rescues ability for O2 & Co2 to diffuse across surface
Cardiogenic PE related to inadequate pumping of heart
Noncardiogenic results from destruction of Capillary beds, allow fluid to leak
S/S: Dyspnea, difficulty breathing when lying flat, tachycardia, anxiety/confusion, Crackles possibly wheezing on auscultation, Cyanosis, pale skin, cough
Cardiogenic Cause S/S:
JVD Symptoms of cardiac compromise
Swollen lower extremities
Pneumonia
Infectious disease (bacterial/virus) that affects lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation & fluid/pus filled alveoli
S/S: fever Severe chills Cough Tachycardia
Chest pain (sharp & localized-usually worse when deep breathing or coughing)
Decreased chest movement/
shallow respirations Crackles/
localized wheezing Rhonci upon auscultation
Treatment: adequate airway, ventilation, oxygen-rapid transport
Pulmonary Embolism
Sudden blockage of blood flow through pulmonary artery or one of its branches
Prevents blood flow to the lungs- adequate ventilation but reduced perfusion
S/S: sudden onset of dyspnea & chest pain (typically sharp & well localized) tachypnea signs of hypoxia with normal breath sounds & adequate volume, tachycardia, Cough (may cough up blood) Crackles
Late S/S: hypotension Cyanosis JVD
Pleural Cavity
Space that lies between the pleura
Pleura are two thin membranes that line lungs
Pleural fluid provides lubrication as lungs expand
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Sudden rupture of lining of the lung, causes lung to partially collapse
Tall, thin, lanky males between 20-40 at high risk
Suspect spontaneous pneumothorax if patient has sudden onset of shortness of breath with decreased breath sounds to one side & no trauma
S/S: sudden dyspnea, sudden chest or shoulder pain, decreased breath sounds to one side, subcutaneous emphysema, tachypnea, diaphoresis, Pallor, cyanosis (late Sign)
CPAP is contraindicated
Hyperventilation Syndrome
Patient is anxious, can’t catch his breath
Blow off excessive amounts of CO2
S/S: fatigue Nervousness & anxiety dizziness
Dyspnea Chest tightness paresthesia around mouth, hands & feet, tachypnea & Tachycardia Spasms of fingers & feet due to reduced calcium
Treatment: slow breathing, lower anxiety
Epiglottis
Epiglottis & area around it & tongue become infected & inflamed
S/S: upper respiratory tract infection (usually 1-2 days prior to onset) high fever Sore throat inability to swallow with drooling (late Sign of impending failure) anxiety, tripod position, high pitched inspiratory stridor (indication of almost complete airway obstruction)
Treatment: high flow O2, keep calm, DO NOT put in adjunct, BVM slowly
Pertussis
Also know as “whooping cough”
HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS
Respiratory disease characterized by uncontrollable coughing
More common in children
Starts out very similar to Cole then worsens
Thick mucus obstructs airway
S/S: history of upper tract infection, sneezing & runny nose, coughing, Vomiting, inspiratory “whoop” heard at the end of coughing burst
Cystic Fibrosis
Abnormal gene alters the functioning of the mucous glands, there is an over abundant production of mucus in lungs
Progressive diminishment in the efficiency of respiratory function
S/S: commonly known history of disease
Recurrent coughing, expulsion of thick mucus during coughing, gastrointestinal complaints abdominal pain from intestinal gas, dehydration
Treatment: oxygen, humidification of oxygen may help expel mucus
Cartilage
Extension of the bone end & is composed of connective tissue
Strong, smooth, flexible, slippery substance
Allows for bones to ride over each other during movement
Crepitus
Sound or feeling of a broken bone end rubbing on another broken bone end
Subdural Hematoma
Collection of blood between Dura matter & arachnoid layer of brain
Bleeding occurs above brain
Two Types: acute (immediate)
Occult or Chronic
Most Common head injury
S/S: weakness to one side of body, poor level of responsiveness, Vomiting, unequal pupils, bradycardia, Headache, Seizures, confusion
