Medical Emergencies Flashcards
What is an emergency?
Any situation in which the condition of a patient or a sudden change in medical status necessitates immediate attention and action
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Neurologic Assessment tool; Address three areas of neurological functioning: Eyes open, motor response & verbal response; 15pts total
Signs of LOC
Signs of Levels of Consciousness: Alert & conscious, drowsy, unconscious, comatose
What are deteriorating situations?
Sudden irritability, lethargy, slowing pulse/respiratory rate, change in LOC
What is shock?
Failure of circulatory system to support vital body functions; Body’s reaction to illness, trauma or severe physiologic/emotional stress
What is shock caused by?
Loss of body fluid, cardiac failure, decrease blood vessel tone or obstruction in blood flow to vital organs
What are the four types of shock?
Cardiogenic, Hypovolemic, Neurogenic & Vasogenic Shock
What is Neurogenic Shock?
Blood vessels become relaxed dilated (Blood pools in venous system); Caused by spinal anesthesia or damage to upper spinal cord
What is Hypovolemic Shock?
Insufficient amount of fluid & heart unable to pump enough to body; Caused by loss of blood or tissue (Hemorrhage, burns, vomiting, diarrhea, GI bleeding)
What is Cardiogenic Shock?
Failure of heart to pump an adequate amount of blood to organs; Caused by a variety of cardiac disorders
What is Vasogenic Shock?
Peripheral vascular dilation produced by factors such as toxins that directly affect blood vessels; Caused by sepsis, deep anesthesia, anaphylaxis
What is the most common cause of 7% of heart attack deaths?
Cardiogenic Shock
What is anaphylactic shock?
Vasogenic Shock; Most common in rad dept; May occur w/ contrast media administation
How is shock severity and time related?
Longer it takes to develop reaction, the less severe it is; Most severe reactions arise quickly
What are mild reactions?
Localized itching (@ injection site); Urticaria (Hives); Nasal congestion; Swelling (Eyes & face); Tearing of eyes; Flushed (warm feeling); Nausea & vomiting
What are moderate reactions?
Tachycardia/Bradycardia; Hypotension/Hypertension; Bronchospasm (wheezing/constricted airways); Dyspnea; Laryngeal edema (acute inflammation causing air flow obstruction)
What are severe reactions?
Decreased BP; Weak/thready pulse; Bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, severe dyspnea, cyanosis; Dysphasia, abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea; seizures, respiratory/cardiac arrest
What position facilitates breathing?
Semi-Fowlers position/sitting position
What is PE?
Pulmonary Embolus; Occlusion of pulmonary arteries by thrombus; Blood clot forms & lodges in pulmonary artery; Originates in lower extremity & travels to lungs
What causes PE and what are its symptoms?
Trauma, surgical procedures (orthopedic & abdominal), pregnancy, CHF, prolonged immobility; swelling in lower extremities, pain, sudden onset
What is Diabetes Mellitus (Definition, Cause, Result)?
Group of metabolic diseases that result from a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism; Caused from insufficient production of insulin or inadequate utilization of insulin; Results in abnormal amount of glucose in blood or hyperglycemia
What are the four types of diabetes mellitus?
Type I & II, diabetes associated w/ other conditions & gestational diabetes
What is hypoglycemia (Definition, Cause)?
Excessive insulin is present (low blood sugar); Caused by patient taking normal dose of insulin without eating
What are the symptoms of Hypoglycemia? And what treatment is used?
Intense hunger, weakness, shaky, sweat excessively, confused/irritable; quick form of carbohydrate or glucose tablet
