medical emergencies Flashcards
altered mental status
gradual change in level of responsiveness or normal mentation
AEIOU-TIPS
alcohol
epilepsy
insulin
overdose/oxygen
uremia
trauma
infection
psychosis
stroke
seizures
uncontrolled electrical impulses in brain
treatment for seizures
protect from injury
open airway
adequate respirations
admin oxy via NBR
stroke
blood supply blockage to brain (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
treatment for stroke
maintain abc until hospital arrival
oxy via nasal cannula
fast - g every 5 mins
ischemia
decreased blood flow to heart
atherosclerosis
decreased blood flow to heart tissue, causes complete occlusion of coronary artery
heart attack
caused by blood clot/severe atherosclerosis
angina pectoris
heart’s need for oxygen exceeds its supply, during physical exertion or emotional stress
treatment for cardiac arrest
admin high flow oxy
admin aspirin
perform OPQRSTI
nitroglycerin
vasodilator, dilates blood vessels
nitroglycerin dosage
sublingual, 1 dose per 5 min, max 3 doses
aspirin
anti platelet medication, slows clotting
aspirin dosage
orally, 1 time dose of 324 mg or 4 - 81 mg of baby pills
congestive heart failure
failure of heart to pump blood adequately
left side chf failure
left ventricle fails to pump blood to the body, backs up in the pulmonary veins, causing pulmonary edema
right side chf failure
right ventricle fails to pump to the lung, fluid collects in areas closest to the ground
chf treatment
place in sitting position to drain fluid
admin high flow oxy
dyspnea
shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
pneumonia
infection around lung tissue, impairing alveolar ventilation
asthma
bronchospasms w/ excess mucus production/swelling of respiratory passage lining
dyspnea treatment
lung sounds
admin high flow oxy
loosen tight clothing
place in comfortable position
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
obstructed airflow in lungs, caused by repeated infections or inhalation of smoke
respiratory inhalation medications
metered dose inhalers or neublizers
albuterol
bronchodilator, relax muscles surrounding airway
diabetes
impaired insulin production or body’s inability to use insulin properly
abdominal pain
irritation of abdominal cavity membrane (peritoneum)
abdominal pain assessment
distention: expansion caused by air/fluid
rigidity: firmness
guarding: tension of muscles
pulsating masses: abdominal aortic aneurysm
trauma
signs of stroke
aphasia
receptive aphasia
ataxia (w/out coordination)
altered mental status
unequal pupils
contraindiction of nitro
hypotensive or unconscious
contraindication of aspirin
head trauma, allergic, pregnancy, unconscious
