Medical Emergencies Strategies Flashcards
Overview of Myxedema Coma
Inability of the body to compensate for a severe deficiency of thyroid hormones
Signs and Symptoms of Myxedema Coma
confusion apathy depression possible psychosis hypothermia < 95 dg F hair loss facial changes cool, dry skin bradycardia seizures
Treatment of Myxedema Coma
position patient supinely normalize temperature with blankets administer 02 4-6L/minute monitor vital signs contact EMS
Overview of obstructed airway
blocking of the airway by some object
Signs and symptoms of obstructed airway
coughing stridor cyanosis placing hands in throat area eventual loss of consciousness if complete blockage
Treatment of obstructed airway
sit patient upright
encourage coughing
do not apply back blows
if total blockage suspected in conscious patient, use Heimlich maneuver
if total blockage suspected in unconscious patient, place patient in supine position and perform procedure for obstructed airway determined by the American Heart Association
Overview of Pulmonary edema
result of swift, abrupt accumulation of fluid in the alveolar spaces of lungs often as a result of heart failure
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema
grasping for air rapid pulse cool, moister skin cyanotic lips, nail beds anxiety cough with frothy, blood-tinged sputum
Treatment of pulmonary edema
position patient upright or semi upright perform CABs of CPR contact EMS administer O2 10L/minute monitor vital signs perform bloodless phlebotomy
Overview of adrenal crisis
severe reduction in cortisol production
Signs and symptoms of adrenal crisis
fatigue lethargy muscular weakness headache confusion fever nausea vomiting abdominal pain hypotension tachycardia diaphoresis dehydration
Treatment of adrenal crisis
contact EMS
administer O2 4-6 L/minute
monitor vital signs
Overview of mild allergic reaction
hypersensitive reaction to an allergen
IgE response followed by the release of histamine and other chemical mediators
Signs and symptoms of mild allergic reaction
localized redness pruritus edema urticaria conjunctivitis pale or flushed skin rhinitis
Treatment of mild allergic reaction
administer chlorpheniramine 10 mg orally for three days
Overview of moderate allergic reaction
hypersensitive reaction to an allergen
IgE response followed by the release of histamine and other chemical mediators
Signs and symptoms of moderate allergic reaction
systemic redness pruritus edema urticaria rhinitis abdominal pain cramping diarrhea bronchospasm/mild dyspnea
Treatment of moderate allergic reaction
administer diphenhydramine 50 mg IM
administer chlorpheniramine 10 mg orally for three days
administer O2 as needed
monitor vital signs
Overview of severe anaphylaxis allergic reaction
Type I allergic reaction with an immediate hypersensitivity
most severe allergic response
Signs and symptoms of severe allergic reaction
systemic redness pruritus edema urticaria rhinitis angioedema of the lips, eyes, and larynx bronchospasm with sever dyspnea and wheezing hypotension tachycardia/arrhythmias decreased consciousness
Treatment of severe allergic reaction
contact EMS
position patient supinely with legs elevated
administer epinephrine 0.2 mL - 0.5 mL IM
administer 02 4-6 L/minute
administer 100-500 mg hydrocortisone IM
administer diphenhydramine 50 mg IM
monitor vital signs
Overview of angina pectoris
chest pain because of inadequate blood supply to heart muscle
Signs and symptoms of angina pectoris
chest discomfort pressure burning heaviness squeezing choking radiates from shoulder down arm to neck, lower jaw, tongue diaphoresis nausea pallor duration of 1-15 minutes
Treatment of angina pectoris
terminate procedure
position patient upright or semi supine
perform CABs of CPR
administer O2 4-6 L/minute
monitor vital signs
administer nitroglycerine if patient is not hypotensive-patient’s preferably, or spray from kit (can administer three doses in 15-minute period)
if episode ceases, can resume treatment if patient feels well enough
if pain more severe than normal or if pain does not cease, contact EMS and treat as myocardial infarction
Overview of asthma attack
chronic respiratory disorder with narrowing of the bronchial airways
Signs and symptoms of asthma attack
dyspnea wheezing coughing chest tightness pallor
Treatment of asthma attack
position patient upright with arms forward
have patient self-administer own bronchodilator
if patient does not have bronchodilator use one form emergency kit - albuterol
administer O2 4-6 L/minute
monitor vital signs
Overview of broken instrument tip
broken instrument tip in gingival tissue
Signs and symptoms of broken instrument tip
missing tip from end of instrument
Treatment of broken instrument tip
isolate area
ask patient not to swallow
examine sulcus for tip
remove with curette or magnetized retriever
if tip cannot be located clinically, take radiograph to locate tip and remove
Overview of cardiac pacemaker malfunction/implantable cardioverter defibrillator
malfunction of cardiac pacemaker or ICD possibly because of electromagnetic interference
Signs and symptoms of cardiac pacemaker malfunction/implantable cardioverter defibrillator
lightheadedness dizziness dyspnea moist, pale skin weakness bradycardia or tachycardia depending on reason for implantation chest pain swelling in extremities prolonged hiccoughing muscle twitching possible altered mental status
Treatment of cardiac pacemaker malfunction/implantable cardioverter defibrillator
position patient comfortably, probably upright
turn off interference
check pulse rate
if normal pulse rate does not resume or if consciousness is lost, contact EMS and prepare for CPR
Overview of cerebrovascular accident
abnormal condition of the brain characterized by occlusion or hemorrhage of a blood vessel resulting in a lack of oxygen to brain tissues
Signs and symptoms of cerebrovascular accident
severe headache increased BP neck pain or stiffness inability to stand or walk unequal pupils vision changes difficulty swalling nausea and vomiting facial paralysis paresthesia on one side of body speech impairment altered level of consciousness
Treatment of cerebrovascular accident
position patient semi upright
contact EMS
administer O2 if needed
monitor vital signs
Overview of diabetic ketoacidosis
severe hyperglycemia because of insufficient blood glucose levels
Signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis
poor skin turgor warm, dry skin thirst muscle weakness fatigue nausea/vomiting blurred vision tachypnea/kussmaul breathing fruity odor on breath hypotension tachycardia
