Lesson 2.3: General Medical Emergencies Flashcards
Caused by prolonged seating of the patient in the supine position during treatment and then suddenly placing them in the upright position
Postural Hypotension (Type of shock)
Signs and symptoms of a patient with Postural Hypotension
Light-headed and/or extreme dizziness; disorientation
How to prevent Postural Hypotension
By slowly returning the patient to the upright position
How to treat Postural Hypotension
By returning the patient to the supine position
How to treat Postural Hypotension in pregnant patients
By positioning the patient on their left side
Caused by the presence of an allergen; could be food, drug, venom or latex
Anaphylactic Shock
TRUE OR FALSE:
Patients are at an increased risk if they have a history of allergies or had an anaphylactic response before
True
Signs and symptoms of a patient with Anaphylactic Shock
- Respiratory difficulty
- Edema (swelling)
- Hives
- Cyanosis (blue skin)
- Weak pulse
- Nausea
- A decrease in blood pressure
TRUE OR FALSE:
Anaphylactic shock is NOT a life-threatening condition
False
How to treat Anaphylactic Shock
- Place the patient in the supine position
- Call for help
- Access the emergency kit
- Administer Oxygen
Note: You will monitor the patient’s vital signs during treatment
The dose of epinephrine needed for patients with Anaphylactic Shock
3ml of 1:1,000 Epinephrine
Decreased blood supply to the heart. It can be caused by extreme physical exertion or stress
Angina Pectoris (Angina)
Signs and symptoms of Angina
- Pain in the chest (substernal) lasting 3 to 8 minutes
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety
How to treat Angina
- Place a nitroglycerin tablet sublingually or use a translingual spray
- Administer oxygen
How to treat Angina in a patient wearing a nitroglycerin patch
- Administer Oxygen
2. Call for help if the condition does not improve or if it becomes worse
The complete shutdown of both the circulatory and respiratory systems
Cardiac Arrest
This is considered to be one of the most serious medical emergencies you can encounter
Cardiac Arrest
Signs and symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
- Loss of consciousness
2. Lack of pulse and breathing
Treatment of Cardiac Arrest
- Activate the EMS system (Code Blue)
2. Administer CPR and retrieve the emergency cart
An imbalance of insulin or glucose (sugar)
Diabetic Acidosis (Hyperglycemic Coma)
Signs and symptoms of Hyperglycemic Coma
- Acetone breath (fruity smell)
- Rapid but weak pulse
- May be unresponsive
- May be unconscious
- Dry mouth
- A complaint of a sudden headache
Treatment of Diabetic Acidosis
- Ask conscious patient when they last ate or took insulin
- Contact physician
- If this condition is goes untreated, activate EMS
This is caused by too much insulin in the system
Insulin Shock (Hypoglycemia)
Signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia
- Moist, clammy skin
- Increased anxiety/confusion
- Patient may complain of hunger
- Patient may become unconscious
Treatment of Hypoglycemia
- If the patient is conscious, offer food containing glucose
- Notify the patient’s physician
- Activate EMS and retrieve the emergency cart
Who can intravenously administer dextrose (sugar) to a patient who is in Hypoglycemic Shock?
An Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider
TRUE OR FALSE:
It’s ok to force food or juice in an unconscious patient’s mouth if they are in Hypoglycemic Shock
False
A disorder characterized by convulsions or disturbances of consciousness
Epileptic Seizures
Signs and symptoms of Epileptic Seizures
- Having a warning aura
2. Spasm/twitching of muscles
Type of seizure that is mild and brief in duration; the patient may stare into space
Petit mal seizure
Type of seizure that is severe; the patient loses consciousness followed by violent contractions of their muscles
Grand mal seizure
Treatment of a patient having Epileptic Seizures
- Protect them from self-injury by placing the patient on the floor and/or moving hazards away from them.
- Contact EMS upon the onset of the seizure and active Code Blue procedures
TRUE OR FALSE:
Never place anything in the patient’s mouth as it may cause airway compromise
True
