Medical Emergencies - Ch. 20

Question 1

Aura

Answer 1

Subjective sensation or motor phenomenon that precedes and marks the onset of a paroxysmal attack, such as an epileptic attack.

Question 2

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Answer 2

Devices used for application of external electrical shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm and rate.

Question 3

Cardiac arrest

Answer 3

Sudden stoppage of cardiac output and effective circulation.

Question 4

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Answer 4

Artificial substitution of heart and lung action as indicated for cardiac arrest or apparent sudden death resulting from electric shock, drowning, respiratory arrest, and other causes.

Question 5

Cerebrovascular accident (stroke or brain attack)

Answer 5

Condition with sudden onset caused by acute vascular lesions of the brain; often followed by permanent neurological damage.

Question 6

Epistaxis

Answer 6

Nosebleed;

Hemorrhage from the nose.

Question 7

Hemorrhage

Answer 7

Escape of blood from the vessels; bleeding

Question 8

Hyperglycemia

Answer 8

Abnormally increased concentration of glucose in the blood.

Question 9

Hypoglycemia

Answer 9

Abnormally diminished concentration of glucose in the blood.

Question 10

Lethargy

Answer 10

Abnormal drowsiness or stupor;

A condition of indifference.

Question 11

Pallor

Answer 11

Paleness

Question 12

Shock

Answer 12

Condition of profound hemodynamic and metabolic disturbance characterized by failure of circulatory system to maintain adequate perfusion of vital organs.

Question 13

Syncope

Answer 13

Temporary suspension of consciousness as a result of generalized cerebral ischemia;
Faint or swoon.

Question 14

Urticaria

Answer 14

Vascular reaction, usually transient, involving the upper dermis, representing localized edema caused by dilation and increased permeability of capillaries. Development of wheals (hives).

Question 15

Ventricular fibrillation

Answer 15

Disorganized cardiac rhythm.

Question 16

Wound dehiscence

Answer 16

Separation of the layers of a surgical wound; may be partial or superficial only, or complete, with disruption of all layers.

Question 17

Emergency (Crash) Cart

Answer 17

Contains drugs and equipment needed to handle typical life threatening emergencies.

Question 18

Levels of Consciousness (least severe to most severe)

Answer 18

• Alert and conscious: patient can respond fully to questions and other stimuli.
• Drowsy: can be roused to response with loud speaking or gently physical contact.
• Unconscious: reacts only to painful stimuli, typically do not respond to verbal stimuli.
• Comatose and unresponsive: unresponsive to virtually all stimuli.

Question 19

Hypovolemic Shock

Answer 19

Caused by loss of blood or tissue fluid.

Question 20

Cardiogenic Shock

Answer 20

Caused by a variety of cardiac disorders, including myocardial infarction.

Question 21

Neurogenic Shock

Answer 21

Caused by spinal anesthesia or damage to the upper spinal cord.

Question 22

Vasogenic Shock

Answer 22

Caused by sepsis, deep anesthesia, or anaphylaxis.

Question 23

Signs of shock

Answer 23

• Restlessness
• Apprehension
• Pallor
• General anxiety
• Decreasing blood pressure
• Cold, clammy skin