M - 7 - Environmental Emergencies - Adult & Pediatric

Question 1

Hyperthermia is considered a temperature over ______.

Answer 1

104*F

Question 2

What is considered “mild” hypothermia?

Answer 2

90-95F/32-35C

Question 3

What is considered “moderate“ hypothermia?

Answer 3

86-90F/30-32C

Question 4

What is considered “severe“ hypothermia?

Answer 4

Under 86F/30C

Question 5

What are the possible causes of non-environmental factor induced hyperthermia?

Answer 5

• Antipsychotics
• Tranquilizers
• Cyclic antidepressants
• Amphetamies
• MAOIs
• Anti-Ch drugs
• Illicit drugs

Question 6

What are the S/S of mild hypothermia?

Answer 6

• amnesia
• poor judgement
• hyperventilation
• bradycardia
• shivering

Question 7

What are the S/S of moderate hypothermia?

Answer 7

• Loss of coordination
• Decreasing RR/depth
• No shivering
• bradycardia

Question 8

What are the S/S of severe hypothermia?

Answer 8

• Decreased LOC
• Slow respirations/apnea
• A-fib
• decreased BP
• decreased HR
• Ventricular irritability

Question 9

What are the “progressive techniques” of patient cooling in hyperthermia?

Answer 9

• removed from hot environment
• remove clothing
• mist/sponge with water
• ice packs in axillae and/or groin

Question 10

In the case of traumatic drowning with cardiac arrest, the Trauma Cease Resuscitation Protocol (T-3) should be implemented if submersion is over ______.

A. 30 minutes
B. 60 minutes
C. 90 minutes

Answer 10

C. 90 minutes

Question 11

What warming techniques are used in hypothermic patients?

Answer 11

• remove from cold environment
• remove wet clothing
• cover with dry sheets/towels/warm blankets
• give warm IV fluids

Question 12

How does cardiac arrest in the hypothermic patient vary?

Answer 12

Mild hypothermia: no change

Moderate hypothermia: Double time between medications; defibrillated as usual

Severe hypothermia: Epinephrine ONLY with doubled time between administration; single defibrillation for pVT/VF