Module 27: Special Patient Populations Flashcards by Una Yarsky

Describe the timeline for the following stages of development
infancy
toddler
preschool-age
school-age
adolescent

infancy: first year of life
toddler: 1 to 3 years
preschool-age: 3 to 6 years
school-age: 6 to 12 years
adolescent: 12 to 18 years

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Describe differences in pediatric respiratory system

occiput larger (back of head)
airway less deeply curved
tongue proportionally larger
airways is smaller and not developed
diaphragmatic breathers

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If children are breathing on their own, an EMT should look at their _____. If pediatric patients are being ventilated, EMTs should watch their _____.

belly
chest

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Pediatric patients are rate dependent, meaning…

they have a higher heart rate than adults

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Children are more likely to have ____ and ____ fractures

greenstick and growth plate

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TorF: Children have thinner skin and less subcutaneous fat

True

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What layer of skin absorbs trauma?

dermis

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Describe the ABCs of the pediatric assessment triangle.

Appearance
Work of breathing
Circulation to skin

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CRT should be obsessed up until age of

five

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CPR should begin if children’s HR is less than ___bpm

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TorF: When looking at breathing, EMTs should make sure the child’s shirt is off

True

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What are some additional questions an EMT should ask caregivers of pediatric patients?

change in bowel/bladder habits
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
rashes

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TorF: BP should be taken on patients one year and older

False, three years and above is the limit

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What is a good systolic BP for a child?

70 + (2 x child’s age)

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How does stridor differ from wheezing?

Stridor: upper airway, inhalation
Wheezing: lower airway, exhalation

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Your pediatric pt presents with swelling in the upper airway and inspiratory stridor. Should you administer albuterol?

No, that is only for wheezing which is expiratory and in the lower airway. You can try to put in position of comfort and humidified oxygen.

How do epiglottitis and croup differ?

NOTE: BOTH HAVE STRIDOR

epiglottitis: bacterial, fever, inflammation of epiglottis, pt often drools because they can’t swallow

Croup: viral, inflammation of upper airway, seal-bark cough

TorF: If a pt with RSV is wheezing, you can treat with a bronchodilator like albuterol

true

TorF: dehydration is a common symptom of pertussis

true

Describe the state of the pop-off valve when using a BVM

the pop-off valve should be disengaged when using a BVM

Over ventilation in pediatric pts can cause

barotrauma and gastric distention

What is meningitis? What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?

Inflammation of meninges
fever
neck stiffness
inability to look at light

If a pediatric pt is suffering from a febrile seizure, is it appropriate to remove their clothes?

Yes, EMTs should attempt to get the heat off them (no ice packs)

What are the maternal risk factors of SIDS?

younger than 20
smokes cigarettes
uses drugs/alcohol
inadequate prenatal care

Name other, non-maternal risk factors for SIDS?

sleeping on stomach/side sleeping on soft surface sharing a bed

What are ALTE/BRUEs? Describe what they look like

ALTE: apparent life-threatening event BRUE: Brief Resolved Unexplained Events Apnea Skin color change Marked change in muscle tone (went limp) Choking or gagging not associated w FBAO seizure-like activity

How do atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis differ?

atherosclerosis: FATherosclerosis, buildup of fat Arterioscleorsis: Layers of artery harden, risk of aneurysm

TorF: When presented with a DNR/MOLST/DNR bracelet before examining pt, an EMT can cease treatment

FALSE. EMT must examine pt to determine cardiac arrest (pulseless and apneic).

TorF: Autistic people and people with cerebral palsy have a higher risk of epilepsy

true

Describe the anatomical differences in patients with down syndrome

Round head with flat occiput, large tongues with smaller jaw. This makes it difficult to open airway and EMT may have to use jaw thrust rather than head-tilt chin-lift

Can you use suction on any mucus in a tracheotomy?

Yes, but use soft suction, do not deeply penetrate opening

Can you use a BVM on a patient with a ventilator on their tracheostomy?

Yes, if the ventilator is needs to be detached or is not broken

Compare subclavian to PICC lanes

The subclavian line goes into the IVC, common in interfacility transport. Biggest risk is infection. Picc lines are typically in upper arm. Goes into SVC.

What device is placed directly into the stomach to feed patients?

gastrostomy tube

When a small child falls from a significant height, the ______ MOST often strikes the ground first. feet side back head

head

You respond to a sick child late at night. The child appears very ill, has a high fever, and is drooling. He is sitting in a tripod position, struggling to breathe. You should suspect: pneumonia epiglottitis croup severe asthma

epiglottitis

A 71-year-old man with a history of hypertension and vascular disease presents with tearing abdominal pain. His blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg, his heart rate is 120 beats/min, and his respirations are 28 breaths/min. Your assessment reveals that his abdomen is rigid and distended. Considering his medical history and vital signs, you should be MOST suspicious for a(n): acute MI infarction of large intestine aortic aneurysm hemorrhagic stroke

aortic aneurysm