Medical Emergencies

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of DKA?

Answer 1

Nausea and Vomiting 
Anorexia 
Abdominal pain 
Excessive thirst 
Difficulty breathing 
Confusion 
Unusual fatigue 
Ketones in breath ('fruity' smelling breath) 
Polyuria

Question 2

What treatment should be given to someone with suspected MI?

Answer 2

Aspirin 300mg (dispersed in water or chewed)

Question 3

What are the signs of respiratory depression?

Answer 3

Hypoxia 
Delerium
Tachycardia 
Cyanosis 
Increased respiratory rate

Question 4

What is the treatment for hypoglycaemia?

Answer 4

10-20g of glucose. This could be in the form of:

• 100ml of Coca-Cola
• 2-4 teaspoons of sugar
• 3-6 sugar lumps
• 19ml of undiluted Ribena blackcurrent
• 200ml of pure fruit juice

Question 5

What is the treatment of hypoglycaemic crisis?

Answer 5

If patient is unresponsive then administer glucagon 1mg/ml injection

For a child who is < 8yo of weighs < 25kg administer 500microgams of glucagon

Question 6

How many chest compressions should be commenced and at what rate when carrying out CPR on an adult?

Answer 6

30 chest compressions at a rate of 100-120/minute

2 rescue breaths and continue in this order

Question 7

How many chest compressions should be commenced and at what rate when carrying out CPR on a child > 1yo?

Answer 7

5 rescue breaths first and then 30 chest compressions (using ONE hand) at a rate of 100-120/minute
Then 2 rescue breaths and continue

Question 8

How many chest compressions should be commenced and at what rate when carrying out CPR on an infant < 1yo?

Answer 8

5 rescue breaths first and then 30 chest compressions (using 2 fingers) at a rate of 100-120/minute
Then 2 rescue breaths and continue