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PHAR 153 > First Aid > Flashcards

First Aid Flashcards

1
Q

How to care for minor cuts?

A

Gently wash around the wound with soap and a wash cloth. DO NOT USE IODINE, ALCOHOL, OR HYDROGEN PEROXIDE.

Cover with band-aid

Check daily for infection. Change dressings daily for first days

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2
Q

Should cuts be left open to the air or kept moist for the least amount of scarring?

A

First aid specialists suggest moist wound healing inhibits the formation of a solid, impenetrable scab. This hard scab prevents epithelial cells from spreading horizontally through the thin layer of wound exudate

Gently apply Vaseline after a few minutes; this allows the scab to form.

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3
Q

What are some options to create a moist environment for wound healing?

A

Vaseline: Use in most cases

OpSite: This agent is overkill in most situations (nursing world product)

Polysporin: Antibiotics aren’t main players, but the ointment does wonders for reduction of scab formation (concerns about antibiotic resistance)

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4
Q

When should a cut be refered to a physician?

A

Heavy bleeding and does not stop after 5-10 minutes of direct pressure

Located close to the eye or on face

Caused by puncture wound, dirty or rusty object (concern about Tetanus spores)

Jagged edges

Caused by an animal or human bite (Rabies, STIs)

Showing signs of infection (increased warmth, redness, swelling, or drainage)

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5
Q

Is hydrogen peroxide a more effective agent for cuts vs. water or saline washes?

A

No,

Hydrogen peroxide isn’t any more effective compared to water or saline solution. Running a fresh wound under cold running water and mild soap is the best option for most cuts

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6
Q

Is Polysporin overkill in minor cuts?

A

Yes, there is no need for antibiotics in most cases. The ointment does much of the heavy lifting as an occlusive.

Vaseline is a better option in minor cut therapy

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7
Q

Is Betadine an effective agent for wound treatment?

A

No, Betadine (10% povidone-iodine) topical solution is used in surgical situations to eliminate pathogens on the skin’s surface.

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8
Q

How to decide between Polysporin products?

A
  1. Is one in fact needed (Vaseline>Polysporin)
  2. Cream vs. Ointment (Doesn’t matter)
  3. Lidocaine needed or not (this is the main deciding factor)
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9
Q

What percentage of cuts become infected?

A

If wound is dirty (gardenwork injuries): 20-30% chance of infection

If wound is clean (papercut): 1-5% chance of infection

Think about antibiotic stewardship before recommending antibiotics to patients

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10
Q

Is honey an effective agent for wound repair?

A

Honey is antiseptic and promotes healing. Honey-derived products are sometimes used in hospitals when antibiotics seem not to work. Honey can be used to treat leg ulcers, burns, infected wounds

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11
Q

What is the best advice for people taking care of fresh tattoos or piercings?

A

Follow the instructions given by the tattoo/piercing shop. The artists have more experience with taking care of these specific situations.

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12
Q

What is the process for stitches?

A

Clean wound

Assess the need for stitches (you don’t need stitches if the following apply)
a. Superficial (do not involve fat or muscle tissue)
b. are not bleeding heavily
c. less than 1/2 inch long
d. do not involve the face

Bandage and change dressings every day

Monitor for infection

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13
Q

What is the difference between bandages?

A

There is no therapeutic difference between these products. Choose the bandages that have the kid’s favourite character.

Some of the generic/cheaper products have weaker adhesive

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14
Q

What is the utility of liquid bandages?

A

Liquid bandages help in areas that see lots of action or are on awkward corners.

This agent can be sprayed on larger scrapes and abrasions that are difficult to cover with traditional bandages

Use Skin Crack Care to seal cracked skin (used extensively on hands and feet)

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15
Q

What is the utility of OPSITE?

A

OPSITE is a transparent, adhesive film that is moisture-vapour permeable (allows excess exudate to evaporated, prevents skin maceration)

Provides a moist wound environment, but remains waterproof when taking showers (allows patient to take baths without changing dressings)

Dressing can be left in place for up to 7 days

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16
Q

What is the utility of non-adherent gauze pads?

A

Outside layer: covers the wound and won’t stick to scab (easier removal during dressing changes) and helps keep water and dirt out.

Inside layer: absorbent gauze. This can absorb any exudate or blood

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17
Q

What is the utility of tapes in wound repair?

A

Plastic tapes offer a transparent, occlusive strong adhesive, and waterproof barrier

Cloth tapes on the other hand are more comfortable, porous, and breathable. They also come off easier vs. plastic tapes

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18
Q

When is too late for stitches?

A

Some surgeons will not stitch wounds within six hours to 1 day. There is a risk of packing pathogens into the body. These patients will have to deal with a big scar

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19
Q

Are topical skin adhesives like Krazy glue or Dermabond as effective as stitches?

A

The wound has to be very straight and not hairy. If cut has jagged edges, you need stitches

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20
Q

Is rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) an effective agent for washing off fresh wounds?

A

No, it will cause more irritation and potential damage. Use cold water and mild soap

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21
Q

What are keloids?

A

Keloids are an unfortunate reaction to cuts and scars. It is a large growth of red-brown hypertrophic tissue

Steroid injections can be used to reduce the keloid

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22
Q

How to minimize scarring following wound repair?

A

Use petrolatum (Vaseline) to keep the tissue moist during the healing process

Apply sunscreen after the wound has healed

Silicone sheets can be used for up to 18 months, and this can help minimize scars and keloids

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23
Q

Are treatments that reduce the duration of bruises?

A

No, nothing on the market is effective for this indication

Bruises can last up to 2 weeks, and you have to let bruises run their course. Applying cold to the bruise for 15-20 minutes (4-5 times/day) for 2 days can help clear the bruise faster

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24
Q

Describe the three different types of burns

A

First-degree burn: Red and painful, first-degree burns tend to swell slightly and turn white when you apply pressure to the skin.

Second-degree burns: Typically producing blisters, second-degree burns are thicker, very painful, and may cause the skin to turn red, splotchy, and swollen.

Third-degree burns: A type of burn that damages all layers of the skin. Third-degree burns leave the skin white or charred. Due to damage to nerves, pain is not felt. These types of burns require immediate medical attention

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25
Q

What is the first thing you should do following a burn?

A

Cool the burned area with cold running water for a few minutes. This reduces skin temperature, which can cause residual damage even if the skin is no longer in contact with a hot surface.

Once the tissue is cooled, apply Vaseline to the wound. This helps with the healing process and reduces scarring.

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26
Q

Should blisters from burns be popped?

A

No, the blisters keep the area protected. The blisters go away in a few days. BY opening the skin, you make your wound more susceptible to infection

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27
Q

What is the best treatment for sunburn?

A

Cool compresses are key followed by a dry skin lotion

Solarcaine can be used for its anesthetic properties, it does not help the burn directly. If the pain/itch is severe, corticosteroid creams are valid agents.

Aloe vera treatment shows no difference between treatment vs. placebo

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28
Q

Are topical antihistamines effective in reducing pain from sunburns?

A

No, despite indicated for sunburns, go for a product with lidocaine if the pain is an issue.

Topical antihistamines are not the best agent for this indication.

29
Q

Why does the ADA recommend against lidocaine for sunburns?

A

5% of people are sensitive to lidocaine, but the other 95% can still benefit. The rare cases trump the common

30
Q

Are counterirritants effective in treating sunburns?

A

Yes, camphor, menthol, and phenols are great counter-irritants if used at lower doses (lower than RUB-A535)

31
Q

Is voltaren an effective agent for treating sunburns?

A

Yes, but commercially available doses are too high. (0.1-0.25% is indicated for sunburns)

32
Q

What is the pathophysiology of heat rash?

A

On hot days or warm blankets, Na from sweat irritates the pores and causes a tingling, and prickly feeling on the skin

33
Q

What is heat stroke?

A

Heatstroke is caused by the failure in the thermostat in the brain which regulates the body temperature.

What to look out for?
Body temperature above 40*C
Headache, dizziness, and discomfort
A fast deterioration in the level of response
A full bounding pulse

34
Q

What is swimmer’s itch?

A

It is caused by a parasite carried by ducks. The parasite can burrow into the skin if you swim in infected waters.

Shower and towel dry after swimming (can prevent parasites from actually getting into skin)

Drug therapies:
Hydrocortisone 0.5% cream
Calamine (anti-itch)
Baking soda paste
2nd gen oral antihistamine

35
Q

What can cause fainting in most cases?

A

A sudden drop in blood pressure
Low blood sugar
Standing in one position for too long

36
Q

How to control fainting if you can expect it?

A

Sit with your head between your knees or lie down
Drink plenty of fluids
Stand up slowly

37
Q

What pathogen causes tetanus?

A

Clostridium tetani (found in dirt, and rusty nails)

The chance of infection rises if deep/narrow wounds (puncture wounds especially)

The chance of infection goes down if received the DTP vaccine within the last 10 years. If DTP vaccine coverage is not present, might need to use tetanus immunoglobulins

38
Q

What is the main symptom of tetanus?

A

The bacterial infection affects the nervous system causing severe muscle spasms. Locking of the jaw is characteristic of a tetanus infection.

39
Q

How to deal with animal bites?

A

Bite wounds are irrigated to wash away any potential pathogens.

Antibiotic prophylaxis can be considered, especially if the bite presents a high risk of infection (cat bites, puncture wounds, wounds on hands, and immunosuppressed patients)

Rabies prophylaxis should be considered even if the animal bite is from a tame animal, they might not have all of their rabies shots.

40
Q

How to handle a nosebleed?

A

Lean forward slowly (don’t want blood running into the throat as it causes gag reflex)

Pinch the soft parts of nose together and hold for at least 5 minutes

If nose bleed continues past 10 minutes, see doctor. If blood is gushing, go to emergency immediately

Do not stuff cotton or tissue into your nose

41
Q

How to differentiate between bee and wasp stings?

A

A bee sting will leave its stinger and venom sac embedded into the skin

Wasps are more aggressive and can sting you multiple times

42
Q

How to remove stingers from skin?

A

Can use a flat plate (credit card) to scrape across sting site

or

Use tweezers to pull out stinger

43
Q

What are the 3 types of reactions to bee/wasp stings?

A

A normal reaction: pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site

A large local reaction: swelling that extends beyond the sting site. It may look alarming, but as long as the reaction is localized and does not involve other systems

Allergic reaction: hyperventilation, hives, bronchodilation

44
Q

What are some common presentations of hives?

A

Welts (classic)

flat urticaria (2nd most common presentation, diagnosis is more tricky)

lesions last 1-24 hours in one spot, their location shifts, very itchy

45
Q

Has EpiPen use ever cause death?

A

No, you should use the EpiPen even if you aren’t sure whether or not the reaction is anaphylactic. Just take patient to the hospital whenever EpiPens are used

46
Q

Are EpiPens sensitive to environmental conditions?

A

Yes, they are heat, light, and cold-sensitive. You cannot just leave it in your car, not only is it inaccessible but it also spoils the drug

47
Q

What is the active ingredient in EpiPens?

A

Epinephrine

48
Q

What is the utility of using antihistamines after EpiPen use?

A

Epipen has already done much of the heavy lifting, don’t really need the added effects of antihistamines

49
Q

Why should someone who used an Epipen go to the hospital?

A

Some anaphylactic reactions are biphasic. This means that there is an initial reaction and one that occurs 4-6 hours after

50
Q

What agents can be used for insect bites?

A

Oral antihistamines
Calamine
Epipen (if experiencing anaphylactic reaction)

51
Q

Are topical antihistamines like Benadryl effective for insect bites?

A

NO, the antihistamine effect is too weak.

52
Q

How to distinguish spider bites from other insect bites?

A

Two sites of inflammation that are congruent with the stingers.

Treatment for mosquito bites is appropriate in spider bites

53
Q

What is the active ingredient in mosquito repellants?

A

DEET, increased concentrations increase duration of effect

Icaridin 20% is the recommended choice in children 6months-12 years

citronella and soybeans are some non-drug options

54
Q

What does lyme disease look like?

A

80% of cases have a general rash, this can make diagnosis hard

20% of cases are bulls-eye rashes (obvious lyme disease)

55
Q

What is the presentation of the West Nile virus?

A

Flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, vomitting and body aches. Some people also develop a rash

56
Q

What does superficial frostbite look like?

A

The skin is numb, white or greyish-yellow with red blotches, aching or throbbing, and slightly hardened or swollen skin

Blisters with clear fluid may also develop within 24 hours of exposure to cold (located near the ends or tips of areas affected)

57
Q

What does severe frostbite look like?

A

The skin looks pale and will feel waxy and unusually firm, and there is a loss of feeling/numbness of the affected areas.

The most severe form of frostbite extends into the muscle and bone and can lead to the death of skin and tissues

58
Q

Should you rewarm areas affected by frostbite intermittently?

A

No, the freeze-thaw-freeze cycle causes more damage to your tissue than allowing it to simply remain frozen

59
Q

How to properly rewarm your frostbite?

A

Submerge the hand into lukewarm the affected area for 30 minutes

Do not massage your hands
Do not apply direct heat
run the course of 30 minutes of rewarming, anything shorter could cause further damage

60
Q

How to differentiate between ankle sprains and broken feet?

A

Alignment deviation: broken foot
Numbness: broken foot
Pain: can be both
Can’t stand on it: broken foot

Get MD to check it out if the patient is not sure if their injury is a sprained ankle or broken bone

61
Q

What is the MICE approach to injury rehabilitation?

A

Movement
Ice
Compression
Elevation

This acronym describes the different activities employed to speed the process of healing

The benefits of ice in injury rehab is questionable according to experts

62
Q

What is the purpose of joint supports?

A

They support muscles and bones

Wrist supports: Place the bulb inside the support slightly ahead of the injury. This can give irritation some relief

Knee supports: open and closed patella fit. Open fit is the best for preventing patellar grinding

63
Q

What three factors about knee support can pharmacists give advice on?

A

1) Sizing (use a measuring tape)

2) What material does the patient refer

3) Open patellar fit are preferred as they make walking easier

64
Q

What do physiotherapists recommend when it comes to back braces?

A

They recommend patients to keep braces relaxed until they actually lift heavy objects

65
Q

What is a frozen shoulder?

A

Pharmacists should not give advice on shoulder braces, because an improper fit can cause frozen shoulders. It begins with pain during motions and then will become stiff. The shoulder is unfrozen by doing range-of-motion exercises.

66
Q

What can pharmacists do when recommending ankle braces?

A

Similar scope as knee supports, need to refer to physiotherapist for everything else

67
Q

What is carpal tunnel?

A

A nerve becomes impinged between bones and endothelial tissue, causing tingling and numbness in fingers. This condition reduces grip strength

68
Q

How is carpal tunnel managed?

A

Use a wrist brace, as it keeps the wrist in the neutral position. Can use them 24/7 or just at night (more common). People will use a wrist brace for 6-8 weeks.

69
Q

What should be in an effective first aid kit?

A

Gloves
tweezer with pointy ends
Scissors
Antiseptic wipes
Saline solution
…

PHAR 153 (20 decks)

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