ER studyguide

Question 1

triage

Answer 1

prioritizing cases and needs when confronted with multiple emergencies simultaneously, or one patient with multiple problems

Question 2

3 key questions to consider during triage

Answer 2

1. Is the condition life-threatening?
2. Is it likely to change in a short time frame?
3. Is there a critical window of opportunity for treatment?

Question 3

4 levels of consciousness

Answer 3

alert
depressed
stuporous
comatose

Question 4

what could pale mm and >2 CRT indicate?

Answer 4

shock or anemia

Question 5

what would brick red mm and <1 CRT indicate?

Answer 5

hypothermia or sepsis

Question 6

tachypnea

Answer 6

fast breathing

Question 7

dyspnea

Answer 7

difficulty breathing

Question 8

orthopnea

Answer 8

discomfort when breathing while laying flat

Question 9

what additional parameters should be taken for a hit by car

Answer 9

unstable fracture, head trauma, major wounds, ruptured bladder, pulmonary contusions, bleeding

Question 10

what additional parameters should be taken for possible blocked cat

Answer 10

watch for bradycardia and mental dullness

Question 11

what additional parameters should be taken for ingesting a toxin

Answer 11

How long ago? and what toxin?

Question 12

what additional parameters should be taken for seizures

Answer 12

How often? How long do they last? If no recent ones, wait under observation if possible.

Question 13

why would shock need immediate attention?

Answer 13

multiple organ failure (MOF)
death

Question 14

why would dyspnea need immediate attention?

Answer 14

no oxygen can lead to heart stopping or MOF

Question 15

why would active bleeding need immediate attention?

Answer 15

bleeding out can lead to MOF

Question 16

why would seizures need immediate attention?

Answer 16

more severe brain damage

Question 17

why would an open fracture need immediate attention?

Answer 17

infection
nerve damage

Question 18

why would urethral obstructions need immediate attention?

Answer 18

high potassium levels
hyperkalemia

Question 19

why would toxin exposure need immediate attention?

Answer 19

if it was in a quick time frame the animal can vomit to get the toxin out before it gets to the bloodstream

Question 20

why would heatstroke/hypothermia need immediate attention?

Answer 20

loss of blood flow and overheating (MOF); need to normalize body temps

Question 21

why would head trauma need immediate attention?

Answer 21

brain damage can affect bodily functions and change fast

Question 22

why would allergic reactions need immediate attention?

Answer 22

symptoms can be severe and are different with every animal

Question 23

why would dystocia need immediate attention?

Answer 23

have a critical window to try and save baby and mom

Question 24

why would pain need immediate attention?

Answer 24

address type of pain to know what immediate analgesia can be given

Question 25

available fluid routes

Answer 25

SQ, IV, IO

Question 26

available fluid types

Answer 26

LRS, NaCl

Question 27

available administration set choices for fluids

Answer 27

macro drip and micro drip