EMT BASIC Flashcards
1
Q
Afterload
A
The force or resistance against which the heart pumps
2
Q
Anaphylactic Shock
A
Severe shock caused by an allergic reaction
3
Q
Anaphylaxis
A
An extreme, life threatening in systemic allergic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure
4
Q
Aneurysm
A
A swelling or enlargement of a part of an artery resulting, from weakening of the arterial wall
5
Q
Autonomic nervous system
A
The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary activities of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion of food
6
Q
Cardiac tamponade
A
Compression of the heart as the the result of buildup of blood, or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output
7
Q
Cardiogenic shock
A
A state in which not enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body caused by low output of blood from the heart. It can be a severe complication of a large acute myocardial infarction as well as other conditions.
8
Q
Compensated shock:
A
The early stages of shock in which the body can still compensate for blood loss
9
Q
Cyanosis
A
A blue skin discoloration that is caused by a reduced level of oxygen in the blood
10
Q
Decompensated shock
A
The late stage of which when blood pressure is failing
11
Q
Dehydration
A
Loss of water from the tissues of the body
12
Q
Distributive shock
A
A condition that occurs when there is widespread dilation of the small arterioles small venules, or both
13
Q
Edema
A
The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid between cells in body tissues, causing swelling of the affected area
14
Q
Homeostasis
A
A balance of all systems of the body
15
Q
Hypothermia
A
A condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95F
16
Q
Hypovolemic shock
A
Shock caused by fluid or blood loss
17
Q
Myocardial contractility
A
The ability of the heart muscle to contract
18
Q
Neurogenic shock
A
Circulatory failure caused by paralysis of the nerves that control the size of the blood vessels, leading to widespread dilation, seen in patients with spinal cord injuries
19
Q
Obstructive shock
A
Shock that occurs when there is a block to blood flow in the heart or great vessels causing an insufficient blood supply to the body’s tissues
20
Q
Perfusion
A
The flow of blood through body tissues and vessels
21
Q
Pericardial effusion
A
A collection of fluid between the pericardial sac and myocardium
22
Q
Preload
A
The precontraction pressure in the heart as the volume of blood builds up
23
Q
Psychogenic shock
A
Shock that is caused by a sudden temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain that causes fainting (syncope)
24
Q
Pulse pressure
A
The difference between the systolic and the diastolic pressures
25
Sensitization
Developing a sensitivity to a substance that initially caused no allergic reaction
26
Septic shock
Shock caused by severe infection usually a bacterial infection
27
Shock
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to enable everybody to perform its function also called hypoperfusion
28
Spincheters
Circular muscles that encircle and contracting constrict a duct tube or opening
29
Syncope
a fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness
30
Abdominal Thrust Maneuver
Preferred method to dislodge a severe airway obstruction in adults and children
31
active compression-decompression CPR
A technique that involves compressing the chest and then actively pulling it back up to its neutral position or beyond (decompression); may increase the amount of blood that returns to the heart and thus, the amount of blood ejected from the heart during the compression stage
32
advanced life support (ALS)
Advanced lifesaving procedures used to treat medical conditions, such as cardiac monitoring, administration of intravenous fluids and medications, and the use of advanced airway adjuncts. EMTs may be trained in some of these areas.
33
basic life support (BLS)
Noninvasive emergency lifesaving care that is used to treat medical conditions, including airway obstruction respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest
34
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
the combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing used to establish adequate ventilation and circulation in a patient who is not breathing and has no pulse
35
chest compression fraction
The total percentage of time during a resuscitation attempt in which active chest compressions are being perfomed
36
dependent lividity
Blood settling to the lowest point of the body, causing discoloration of the skin; a definitive sign of death
37
gastric distention
A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation
38
head tilt-chin lift maneuver
A combination of two moveoments to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin, not used fr trauma patients
39
hyperventilation
Rapid or deep breathing that lowers the blood carbon dioxide level below normal; may lead to increased intrathoracic pressure decreased venous return and hypotension when associated with BVM use
40
impedance threshold device (ITD)
A valve device placed between the endotracheal tube and BVM that limits the amount of air entering the lungs during the recoil phase between chest compressions
41
ischemia
A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow; potentially reversible because permanent injury has not yet occurred
42
jaw-thrust maneuver
Technique to open the airway by placing the fingers behind the angle of the jaw and bringing the jaw forward; used for patients who may have a cervical spine injury
43
load-distributing band (LBD)
A circumferential chest compression device composed a constrciting band and backboard that is either electrically or pneumatically driven to compress the heart by putting inward pressure on the thorax
44
mechanical piston device
A device that depresses the sternum via a compressed gas-powered or electric-powered plunger mounted on a backboard
45
recovery position
A side-lying position used to maintain a clear airway in unresponsive patients who are breathing adequately and do not have suspected injuries to the spine, hips, or pelvis
46
return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
The return of a pulse and effective blood flow to the body in a patient who previously was in cardiac arrest
47
rigor mortis
Stiffening of the body muscles, a definitive sign of death
48
stridor
A harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound, generally heard during inspiration, that is caused by partial blockage or narrowing of the upper airway; may be audible without a stethoscope
49
ventilation
Exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, spontaneously by the patient or with assistance from another person, such as an EMT
50
BLS focuses on the _ _ _
ABCs: Airway(obstruction), breathing(respiratory arrest),, and circulation (cardiac arrest or severe bleeding).
51
If the patient is in cardiac arrest, what sequence should be used?
CAB: Compressions, Airway, and Breathing
52
____ Involves advanced lifesaving procedures such as cardiac monitoring, administration of IV fluids/meds, etc
Advanced Life Support
53
5 Links in Chain of Survival
1) Recognition and activation of the emergency response system
2) Immediate, high-quality CPR
3) Rapid defibrillation
4) Basic and advanced emergency medical services
5) ALS and post arrest care
54
When using an AED on a chid....
Use pediatric pads and a dose attenuating system(energy reducer). If these are not available use adult sized AED pads.
55
In infants what kind of defibrillation is preferred?
Manual
56
Common causes of an airway obstruction are:
Relaxation of the throat muscles in an unresponsive patients, vomited or regurgitated stomach contents, blood, damaged tissue after an injury, dentures, or foreign bodies such as food or small objects
57
The manual maneuver is recommended for removing severe airway obstructions in the responsive adult and child is the
abdominal thrust maneuever
58
A trauma assessment focuses on__________ and a medical assessment focuses on_________
Physical injuries (most of which are visible through a physical examination) Symptoms and depends more on establishing an accurate medical history
59
For conscious medical patients obtaining a________can be one of the most beneficial aspects of the PT assessment
Patient history
60
Conscious medical PTs seldom need a ________ but all should get a detailed physical examination based on their chief complaint.
secondary assessment.
61
If the patient is not critical condition, you should gather as much important information as possible about....
The scene so that can you can transmit the information to the physician at the emergency dept
62
Modes of transport ultimately come in two categories:
Ground or air
63
communicable disease
A disease that can be spread from one person or species to another
64
epidemic
Occurs when new cases of a disease in a human population substantially exceed the number expected based on recent experience
65
herpes simplex
A common virus that is asymptomatic in 80% of people carrying it, but characterized by small blisters on the lips or genitals in symptomatic infections
66
index of suspicion
Awareness that unseen life threatening injuries or illnesses may exist
67
infectious disease
a medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small, harmful organisims within the body
68
influenza
A virus that has crossed the animal/human barrier and infected humans that kills thousands of people every year
69
medical emergencies
Emergencies that are not caused by an outside force illnesses or condtions
70
meningitis
an inflammation of the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord it is usually caused by a virus or bacterium
71
meningococcal meningitis
an inflammation of the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord can be highly contagious
72
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
A bacterium that can cause infections in different parts of the body and is often resistant to commonly used antibiotics; it is transmitted by different routes including the respiratory route, and can be found on the skin, in surgical wounds, in the bloodstream, lungs, and urinary tract
73
Virulence
The strength or ability of a pathogen to produce disease
74
atelectasis
Collapse of the alveolar air spaces of the lungs
75
Bronchial breath sounds
Normal breath sounds made by air moving through the bronchi
76
Bronchitis
An acute or chronic inflammation of the lung that may damage lung tissue; usually associated with cough and production of sputum and depending on the cause sometimes fever
77
Carbon dioxide retention
A condition characterized by a chronically high blood level of carbon dioxide in which the respiratory center no longer responds to high blood levels of carbon dioxide
78
carbon monoxide
An odorless, colorless, tasteless, and highly posionous gas that results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion
79
chronic bronchitis
Irritation of the major lung passageways from infectious disease or irritants such as smoke
80
acidosis
The buildup of excess acid in the blood or body tissues that results from a primary illness
81
adventitious breath sounds
abnormal breath sounds such as wheezing, stridor, rhonci, and crackles
82
alkalosis
the buildup of excess base (lack of acids) in the body fluid
83
allergen
A substance that causes an allergic reaction
84
anaphylaxsis
An extreme life threatening systemic allergic reaction that may include shock or respiratory failure
85
Asthma
An acute spasm of the smaller air particles called bronchioles associated wtih excessive mucous production and with the swelling of the mucous lining of the respiratory passages
86
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A slow process of dialation and disruption of the airways and alveoli caused by chronic bronchial obstruction
87
continuous positive airway pressure
A method of ventilation used primarily in the treatment of critically ill patients with respiratory distress can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation
88
crackles
Crackling, rattling breath sounds signalling fluid in the air spaces of the lungs formerly called rales
89
croup
An inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory system that may cause a partial airway obstruction and is characterized by a barking cough, usually seen in children
90
diphtheria
An infectious disease in which a membrane forms, lining the pharynx this lining can severely obstruct the passage of air into the larynx
91
dyspnea
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
92
embolus
A blood clot or other substance in the circulatory system that travels to a blood vessel where it causes a blockage
93
emphysema
A disease of the lungs in which there is extreme dialation and eventual destruction of the pulmonary alveoli with poor exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide it is one form of COPD
94
epiglottitis
a disease in whcih the epiglottis becomes inflamed and enlarged and may cause an upper airway obstruction
95
hyperventilation
Rapid or deep breathing that lowers the blood carbon dioxide level below normal
96
hyperventilation syndrome
This syndrome occurs in the absence of other physical problems. The respirations of a person who is experiencing hyperventilation may be as high as 40 shallow breaths/min or as low as only 20 very deep breaths/min
97
hypoxia
A condition in which the bodys cells and tissues do not have enough oxygen
98
hypoxic drive
A condition in which chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood stimulate the respiratory drive seen in patients with chronic lung diseases
99
influenza type A
Virus that has crossed the animal/human barrier and has infected humans, recently reaching a pandemic level with the H1N1 strain
100
metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
A miniture spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs
101
orthopnea
Severe dyspnea (shortness of breath) experienced when lying down and relieved by sitting up
102
oxygenation
the process of delivering oxygen to the blood
103
pandemic
an outbreak that occurs on a global scale
104
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Severe shortness of breath especially at night after several hours of reclining the person is forced to sit up to breathe
105
pertussis
An airborne bacterial infection that affects mostly children younger than 6 years. Patients will be feverish and exhibit a "whoop" sound on inspiration after a coughing attack; highly contagious through droplet infection
106
pleural effusion
a collection of fluid between the lung and chest wall that may compress the lung
107
pleuritic chest pain
Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that is worsened by a deep breath or other chest wall movement; often caused by inflammation or irritation of the pleura
108
pluera
The serous membranes covering the lungs and lining the throrax, completely enclosing a potential space known as the pleural space
109
pneumonia
An infectious disease of the lung that damages lung tissue
110
pneumothorax
A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space
111
pulmonary edema
A buildup of fluid in the lungs, usually as a result of congestive heart failure
112
pulmonary embolism
A blood clot that breaks off from a large vein and travels to the blood vessels of the lung causing obstruction of blood flow
113
respiration
the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
114
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
A virus that causes an infection the lungs and breathing passages can lead to other serious illnesses that affect the lungs or heart such as bronchiolitis and pneumona. RSV is highly contagious and spread through droplets
115
rhonchi
Coarse breath sounds heard in patients with chronic mucous in the airways
116
small-volume nebulizer
A respiratory device that holds liquid medicine that is turned into a fine mist. The patient inhales the medication into the airways and lungs a s a treatment for conditions such as asthma.
117
stridor
A harsh, high-pitched, barking inspiratory sound often heard in acute laryngeal (upper airway) obstruction
118
tuberculosis (TB)
a disease that can lay dormant in a persons lungs for decades, then reactivate, many strains are resistant to antibiotics. TB is spread through cough
119
ventilation
exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, spontaneously by the patient or with assistance from another person, such as an EMT
120
vesicular breath sounds
Normal breath sounds made by air moving in and out of the alevoli
121
wheezing
A high pitched whistling breath sounds characteristically heard on expiration in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
122
A common complaint that may be caused by numerous medical problems including infections of teh upper or lower airways acute pulmonary edema, COPD, spontaneous pneumothorax, asthma, allergic reactions, pleural effusion, mechanical obstruction of the airway, pulmonary embolism, and hyperventilation
Dyspnea (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing)
123
Each of the lung disorders has the ability to interfere with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide that takes place during respiration. This interference may be in the form of:
Damage to the alevoli
Seperation of the alevoli from the pulmonary vessels by fluid or infection
Obstruction of the air passages
Air or excess fluid in the pleural space
124
Patients often develop difficulty breathing and or hypoxia with the following medical conditions
```
Upper or lower airway infection
Acute pulmonary edema
COPD
hay fever
asthma
anaphylaxis
spontaneous pneumothorax
pleural effusion
```
125
Signs and symptoms of breathing difficulty include:
```
Adventitious breath sounds(wheezing, stridor, crackles, and rhonchi)
Nasal flaring
Pursed lip breathing
Cyanosis
Inability to speak
Use of accessory muscles to breathe
Sitting in the tripod position
```
126
tripod position
Upright position where the patient leans foward onto outstretched arms(usually hands on knees) with the head and chin thrust slightly forward
127
high Fowlers position
Raising the bed up really high, sitting up in a chair position
128
The heart is divided down the middle into two sides, right and left each with an upper chamber called (-------) and a lower chamber called (--------)
Atrium, Ventricle
129
Heart valve that lies between the left ventricle and the aorta and keeps blood moving through the circulatory system
Aortic valve
130
Controls heart rate and helps the atria and ventricles work together to pump blood
Heart electrical system
131
During periods of exertion the ------ needs more oxygen. The oxygen is supplied by dialation of the coronary arteries which increases blood flow
Myocardium
132
Low blood flow to the heart is usually caused by
coronary artery atherosclerosis
133
A disease in which cholesterol plaques build up inside blood vessels eventually obstructing them
coronary artery atherosclerosis
134
A brittle plaque in an artery that cracks causing a blood clot to form. Heart tissue downstream suffers from a lack of oxygen and within 3 minutes will begin to die.
Acute myocardial infraction (heart attack)
135
Angina
chest pain
136
Signs of AMI
```
Angina(chest pain)
Sudden weakness
Nausea
Sweating
Sudden dysrhythmia (abnormal heart rhytmn)
Pulmonary edema (swelling of the lungs)
Sudden death
```
137
Heart attacks can have three serious consequences:
Sudden deaths (usually caused by cardiac arrest or heart dysrhythmias)
Cardiogenic shock
Congestive heart failure
138
Signs/Symptoms of Cardiogenic shock
Anxiety
Pale, clammy skin
Higher than normal pulse rate
Low blood pressure
139
When a damaged heart muscle can no longer contract effectively enough to pump blood through the body. Lungs fill with fluid, breathing becomes difficult, heart rate increases, left ventricle enlarges
Congestive heart failure
140
In--------- the left ventricle enlarges
CHF
141
Dependent edema
Swelling in the part of the body closest to the ground, caused by a collection of fluid in the tissues, possible sign of congestive heart failure
142
dilation
Widening of a tubular structure such as a coronary artery
143
dissecting aneurysm
a condition in which the inner layers of an artery, such as the aorta, become seperated, allowing blood (at high pressure) to flow between the layers
144
dysrhythmia
An irregular or abnormal heart rhythm
145
hypertensive emergency
An emergency situation created by excessively high blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke or aneurysm
146
infarction
death of a body tissue usually caused by interruption of its blood supply
147
inferior
the part of the body or any body part nearer to the feet
148
ischemia
a lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow, potentially reversible because permanent injury has not yet occured
149
lumen
The inside diameter of an artery or other hollow structure
150
myocardium
the heart muscle
151
occlusion
a blockage usually of a tubular structure such as blood vessel
152
parasympathetic nervous system
the part of the autonomic nervous system that controls vegetative functions such as digestion of food and relaxation
153
perfusion
the flow of blood through body tissues and vessels
154
posterior
the back surface of the body the side away from youin the standard anatomic position
155
return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
the return of a pulse and effective blood flow to the body in a patient who previously was in cardiac arrest
156
stroke volume
the volume of blood ejected with each ventricular contraction
157
superior
the part of the body or any body part nearer to the head
158
sympathetic nervous system
the part of the autonomic nervous system that controls active functions such as responding to fear (also known as the fight or flight system)
159
syncope
A fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness
160
tachycardia
a rapid heart rate more than 100 beats/min
161
thromboembolism
a blood clot that has formed within a blood vessel and is floating within the bloodstream
162
ventricle
One of the two (right and left)lower chambers of the heart. The left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium (upper chamber) and delivers blood to the aorta. The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it into the pulmonary artery.
163
ventricular fibrilllation
disorganized, ineffective quivering of the ventricles, resulting in no blood flow and a state of cardiac arrest
164
ventricular tachycardia
a rapid heart rhythm in which the electrical impulse begins in the ventricle (instead of the atrium) which may result in adequate blood flow and eventually deteriorate into cardiac arrest
165
accessory muscles
the secondary muscles of respiration. they include neck muscles (sternocleidomastoids), the chest perctoralis major muslces, and the abdominal muscles
166
AVPU scale
A method of assessing the level of consciousness by determining whether the patient is awake and alert, responsive to verbal stimuli or pain, or unresponsive used principally early in the assessment process
167
capnography
A noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patients ventilatory status, circulation and metabolism effectively measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in expired air over time
168
conjunctiva
the delicate membrane that lines the eyelid and covers theexposed surface of the eye
169
crepitus
a grating or grinding sensation caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together also air bubbles under the skin that produce a crackling sound or crinky feeling
170
DCAP-BTLS
```
Deformaties
Contusions
Abrasions
Punctures/penetrations
Burns
Tenderness
Lacerations
Swelling
```
171
guarding
involuntary muscle contractions of the abdominal wall to minimize the pain of abdominal movement a sign of peritonitis
172
peritonitis
inflammation of the abdomen
173
incident command system
a system implemented to manage disasters and mass and multiple casualty incidents in which section chiefs including fiance logistics operations and planning report to the incident commander. Also reffered to as the incident management system,
174
OPQRST
```
Onset
Provocation
Quality
Region/Radiation
Severity
Timing
```
175
paradoxical motion
the motion of the portion of the chest wall that is detached in a flail chest, the motion in during inhalation, out during exhalation, is exactly the opposite of normal chest wall motion during breathing
176
Rhonchi
Coarse, low pitched breath sounds heard in patients with chronic mucus in the upper airways
177
SAMPLE history
A brief history of a patients condition to determine signs and symptoms allergies medications pertinent past history, last oral intake and events leading to the injury or illness
178
sclera
The tough fibrous white portion of the eye that protects the more delicate inner structures
179
subcutaneous emphysema
A characteristic crackling sensation felt on palpation of the skin, caused by the presence of air in soft tissues
180
vasoconstrction
narrowing of a blood vessel
181
adsorption
the process of binding or sticking to a surface
182
parenteral medications
medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, mucous membranes
183
aerobic metabolism
metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen
184
agonal gasps
ocassional gasping breaths that occur after the heart as stopped
185
alveolar minute volume
the volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute minus the dead space calculated by multiplying tidal volume minus dead space air from the tidal volume
186
dead space
the portion of the tidal volume that does not reach the alvevoli and thus does not participate in gas exchange in some contexts any portion of the airway that does not contain air and cannot participate in gas exchange such as the trachea and bronchi
187
axtaic respirations
Irregular, ineffective, respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern
188
automatic transport ventilator
a ventilation device attached to a control box that allows variables of ventilation to be set. it frees the emt to perform other tasks while the patient is being ventilated.
189
hypercarbia
increased carbon dioxide level in the bloodstream
