Medical Conditions Flashcards
Signs and symptoms of Hypoxia
Pale, cold and clammy Increase pulse rate Increased breathing rate / respiratory distress Cyanosis Anxiety Restlessness Headaches / dizziness Nausea (not vomiting)
What does cyanosis indicate?
Need for emergency oxygen
Signs and symptoms of asthma
Rapid & distressed breathing Feeling like they cannot breathe Wheezing Use of accessory muscles Difficultly speaking Coughing Cyanosis Low SPO2
Treatment of Asthma
Sit them upright leaning slightly forward (tripod)
Encourage the use of inhaler (salbutamol)
Spacer
Be calm and reassuring
Call for medical help if severe / worsens
Keep casualty in doors
Be prepared to resuscitate
What is hyperventilation
When the patient is breathing more than the body’s requirement
Signs and symptoms of hyperventilation
Overuse of upper chest
Unnaturally deep and fast breathing
Feel like they can’t breath
Normal SPO2 ranges
What does COPD mean
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease
What two conditions are covered under COPD
Emphysema
Chronic bronchitis
What is called when COPD worsens and what would we do?
Exacerbation
Call for medical assistance
What does RVP stand for during a breathing assessment?
Rate of breath
Volume of O2
Put on oxygen 100% @ 15L per min
What is it called when one or more ribs are broken in two or more places?
Flail chest
What type of breathing does a patient with flail chest have?
Paradoxical
How would you treat a sucking chest wound?
Using a non-occlusive chest seal (leave the wound if you don’t have one
What is anaphylaxis?
Extremely dangerous allergic reaction. It is caused by a massive over reaction of the body’s immune system
What is the name of the excess chemical they body releases that causes anaphylaxis?
Histamine
What are the three main characteristics of anaphylaxis?
Rapid onset
Life threatening airway, breathing, or circulation problems or a combination of all
Skin rash, flushing and or swelling
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
Swelling of the tongue, lips or throat Difficulty swallowing Rapid shallow breath Wheeze Low SPO2 Rapid pulse Skin May appear flushed initially but will go paler as blood pressure drops Nausea Dizziness
What is diabetes?
A condition suffered by a person who does not produce enough insulin
Signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia?
Slow onset Dry and warm skin Rapid pulse Excessive urination Thirsty Hunger Fruity smell on the breath
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
Rapid onset Rapid pulse Pale cold and sweaty Shallow and rapid breaths Can be confused with drunkenness
Treatment for hypoglycaemia
SCABCDE
Give a sugary drink, sweet food. Help them with their own glucose gel (if they have it)
Stay with them until fully recovered
Consider if there is another course for the casualty’s symptoms
Treatment for hyperglycaemia
SCABCDE
Arrange for the casualty to see a doctor asap
What is a seizure?
A sudden temporary burst of excess electrical activity in the brain
How is epilepsy defined
As a tendency to have frequent recurrent seizures
How would you treat a seizure
Remove dangerous objects and gently protect the head
Time the seizure
Do it restrain or out anything in the mouth
Roll casualty in the side of concerned about airway
During a seizure what would you do if it lasts more than 3 mins?
Get medical help
What would you do once the seizure ends?
Check the airway & breathing and resuscitate if needed
What are the RED FLAG early warning signs of meningitis and other symptoms?
Cold hands and feet Pain in limbs or joints Abnormal skin colour (pallor or mottling) Other signs Fever vomiting Rash that doesn’t fade Drowsiness Headache Stiff neck Sensitive to light
Treatment of meningitis
Treat for shock
O2 @ 100% 15L
Seek medical help immediately
What is meningitis
An infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord
What is sepsis
Sepsis is the immune system’s overreaction to an infection or injury
Can any infection turn into sepsis?
Yes
Treatment of sepsis
100% oxygen @ 15L per min
Call for medical help
Immediate ambulance
What are the two types of stroke?
Blood clot (ischemic) Vessel rupture (hemorrhagic)
What does FAST stand for?
Face
Arms
Speech
Time
Treatment for stroke??
SCABCDE Maintain airway Medical help immediately Recovery position Lay them down with head / shoulders raised Reassure monitor
What kind of pulse would you be presented with during angina / heart attack
Variable - often becomes irregular, misses a bit
How long might an angina attack last
3-8 mins rarely longer
Treatment for angina / heart attack?
SCABCDE
Sit the casualty down and make them comfortable
Allow casualty to take GTN
If heart attack suspected and casualty not allergic to aspirin allow casualty to chew preferably 300g dose
