Medical Emergencies - Chapter 9

Question 1

Anaphylaxis

Answer 1

The result of an exaggerated hypersensitivity reaction/an allergic reaction

Question 2

Bradycardia

Answer 2

Slow heart rate; less than 60 beats per minute

Question 3

Bronchospasm

Answer 3

Contraction of smooth muscles in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles causing narrowing of the lumen

Question 4

Diaphoresis

Answer 4

Profuse sweating; heavy perspiration

Question 5

Periorbital

Answer 5

Relating to the periosteum of the orbit; usually of the eye

Question 6

Polydipsia

Answer 6

Increased thirst

Question 7

Polyphagia

Answer 7

Increased hunger

Question 8

Polyuria

Answer 8

Increased urination

Question 9

Psychosis

Answer 9

A state in which a person’s mental capacity to recognize reality, communicate, and relate to others is impaired

Question 10

SOB

Answer 10

Shortness of breath

Question 11

Syncope

Answer 11

Fainting

Question 12

Tachycardia

Answer 12

An abnormal condition in which the myocardium contracts at a rate greater than 100 beats per minute; fast heart rate

Question 13

Nontrauma medical emergencies most likely to occur

Answer 13

Shock, anaphylaxis, pulmonary embolus, reactions related to diabetes, CVA’s, cardiac and respiratory failure, syncope, and seizures

Question 14

Code Blue

Answer 14

Calling a code

Question 15

Gasglow Coma Scale

Answer 15

A scale that addresses the three areas of neurologic functioning and quickly gives an overview of the patient’s level of responsiveness

Question 16

3 areas of Gasglow that can be observed

Answer 16

Eyes opening, motor response, and verbal response

Question 17

Shock

Answer 17

The body’s pathologic reaction to illness, trauma, or severe physiologic or emotional stress

Question 18

Stages of Shock

Answer 18

1. Compensatory Stage (symptoms)
2. Progressive Stage
3. Irreversible Stage (organ systems suffer irreparable damage)

Question 19

Different Types of Shock

Answer 19

1. Hypovelmic
2. Cardiogenic
3. Distributive/Obstructive

Question 20

Hypovelmic Shock

Answer 20

A type of shock caused by an abnormally low volume of blood or fluid. Happens at 15-25% of fluid loss

Place patient in supine position with legs elevated 30 degrees

Question 21

Cardiogenic Shock

Answer 21

Caused by a failure of the heart to pump adequate amounts of blood to the vital organs

Place orient in semi-Fowler’s Position

Question 22

Distributive Shock

Answer 22

Characterized by the blood vessels inability to assist in the return of blood to the heart or a large pooling of blood in the blood vessels. Split into 3 Types

Question 23

3 Types of Distributive Shock

Answer 23

1. Neurogenic
2. Septic
3. Anaphylactic

Question 24

Neurogenic Shock

Answer 24

Results from a loss of sympathetic tone, causing vasodilation. Caused by spinal cord injury, severe pain, neurological damage, the depressant action of medication, lack of glucose (insulin shock), or adverse reactions to anesthesia

Question 25

Septic Shock

Answer 25

Cause by invading bacteria and the body’s immune response by releasing chemicals that increase capillary permeability and vasodilation. Least likely to be seen in imaging department. Split into 2 phases

Question 26

Anaphylactic Shock

Answer 26

An allergic reaction to reexposure of an antigen that was previously encountered by the body’s immune system.