Heat Illnesses

Question 1

Heat Cramps

Answer 1

Muscle pain and spasm following water and electrolyte loss

Question 2

Heat cramps signs and symptoms

Answer 2

Pain and cramping, rapid pulse, A and O times 4, normal/ slightly increased body temperature

Question 3

Heat cramps treatments

Answer 3

• monitor environment
• cool environment
• rest for 1-2 hours
• 1-2 liters of water with electrolytes and salty foods

Question 4

Heat Syncope

Answer 4

A sudden loss or near loss of consciousness when in upright position due to blood vessels dilating – easier to pump blood to brain when laying down

Question 5

Heat syncope signs and symptoms

Answer 5

Rapid pulse, pale and sweaty (once pass out should return to normal), normal/ slightly increased body temperature, A & O times 4 with supine position

Question 6

Heat syncope treatments

Answer 6

• lay patient supine
• cool environment
• rest for 1-2 hours
• 1-2 liters of water with electrolytes and salty foods
• monitor vitals for decreased LOR

Question 7

Heat Exhaustion

Answer 7

Loss of water and electrolytes through exercise, form of hypovolemic shock

Question 8

Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms

Answer 8

• rapid, weak pulse
• shallow, rapid breaths
  -* pale and clammy skin with profuse prespiration or slightly flushed
• HA, dizziness, fatigues, weakness, syncope, irritability, N/V, loss of appetite
• *Body temperature slightly elevated (<104 degrees)

Question 9

Heat exhaustion treatment

Answer 9

• Cool environment
• Rest for 12-24 hours
• Lay patient flat
• slowly rehydrate about 200 mL per hour
• Evaporate by cooling by sponging and fanning –> don’t dunk into water because will go into shock
• Monitor vitals for significant drop in LOR
• Take off anything that is restrictive, jewelry, jackets, shoes, etc. To allow room for swelling
• Suck on wet cloth to allow them to retain more water if they aren’t able to retain fluids

Question 10

Heat Stroke

Answer 10

A life-threatening emergency in which the body’s cooling mechanism fails
- can go into heat stroke quickly depending on the body’s ability to adapt to the environment

Question 11

Heat Stroke Signs and symptoms

Answer 11

• Rapid HR and RR
• **A & O times 0
• No warning before sudden collapse and unresponsiveness
• Seizures, HA, dizziness
• **Skin warm/ hot to the touch
• **Body temp over 104 degrees
• Hot, sweaty, salty, pale

Question 12

Heat stroke Treatments

Answer 12

• ABCDEs – maintain open airway and continuously monitor
• Immediately remove from heat and initiate rapid cooling
• Put them in cool body of water
• Pack ice/ cold water into armpits groin and head