Module 4 Sudden Illness

Question 1

Which of the following are examples of life-threatening sudden illnesses?

Answer 1

Diabetic emergency

Anaphylaxis

Question 2

If a person is unresponsive and breathing, which of the following positions is appropriate to use while you wait for EMS to arrive and begin their care of the person?

Answer 2

Recovery position

Question 3

It is fine for you to always administer the person’s medication. True or False?

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of stroke:

Answer 4

Facial weakness on one side of the body

Arm or grip weakness on one side of the body

Speech disturbances

Question 5

Care for the person with stroke:

Answer 5

After calling 9-1-1, note the time when the signs and symptoms first started.

Stay with the person and provide reassurance until help arrives.

If the person is responsive but not fully awake, drooling or having trouble swallowing put them the person in the recovery position.

Monitor the person until EMS arrives and begins their care.

Question 6

Common causes of shock include:

Answer 6

Life-threatening bleeding

Infection

Anaphylaxis

Any serious injury or illness

Question 7

What is Shock?

Answer 7

Shock is a progressive life threatening condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver enough oxygen rich blood to the bodies tissues and organs.

Question 8

Signs and symptoms of Shock

Answer 8

Rapid, weak heartbeat

Rapid breathing

Pale, greyish, cool, moist skin

Changes in level of conscience ranging from unresponsive to confused, restless or irritable

Nausea or vomiting

Excessive thirst

Question 9

Care for the person in shock:

Answer 9

Give care according to your training for the condition causing the shock.

Have them assume a position of comfort or have them lie flat on their back.

Maintain body temperature.

Don’t give them anything to eat or drink.
Provide reassurance.

Continue to monitor the person’s condition.

Question 10

Signs and symptoms of Asthma

Answer 10

Wheezing or coughing

Rapid, shallow breathing

Trouble breathing

Unable to talk without stopping for a breath in between every few words

Anxiety and fear

Sweating

Question 11

Asthma Medication - Albuteral

Answer 11

You may assist with this medication

Shake before use

Use as prescribed by their doctor

It may take 2 doses to work

May be repeated after 10 - 15 minutes

Question 12

Care for the person experiencing an asthma attack by assisting with administering quick-relief medication via an inhaler:

Answer 12

First, follow the general care steps for assisting with medication administration.

Shake the inhaler.

Remove the mouthpiece cover and attach a spacing device if necessary.

Give the device to the person.

Encourage the person to use it as directed by their healthcare provider.

Question 13

What is Anaphylaxis?

Answer 13

Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction that can cause shock and affect the persons ability to breath.

Question 14

Signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Answer 14

History of an allergy

Signs of an allergic reaction

Swelling of the face, neck, tongue or lips

Trouble breathing

Shock

Change in responsiveness

Question 15

Care for the person experiencing anaphylaxis by assisting with administering epinephrine via an auto-injector:

Answer 15

First, follow the general care steps for assisting with medication administration.

Hold the person’s leg firmly to limit movement.

Encourage them to use the epinephrine auto-injector as directed by their healthcare provider.

Massage or have the person massage the injection area for 10 seconds.

Question 16

Signs and symptoms of a Heart Attack

Answer 16

Persistent chest pain, pressure or squeezing

Isolated unexplained discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Trouble breathing, including shortness of breath

Pale, grey, or blueish skin

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Extreme fatigue

Sweating

A feeling of anxiety or impending doom

Unresponsiveness

Question 17

Care for the person experiencing a heart attack by assisting with aspirin:

Answer 17

Make sure the person is awake, can follow simple commands, and can chew and swallow.
Follow the general care steps for assisting with medication administration.

Give the person two to four 81-milligram low-dose aspirin tablets OR one 325-milligram regular-strength aspirin tablet.

Tell the person to chew the aspirin completely.

Question 18

Signs and symptoms of Opioid Overdose

Answer 18

Evidence of opioid use

Decreased breathing effort

Unresponsiveness

Blueish or greyish colored skin

Cardiac arrest

Question 19

Opioid Overdose Care

Answer 19

If the person with a suspected opioid overdose is unresponsive and not breathing (cardiac arrest), immediately begin CPR!

Then, as soon as possible, assist family members with administering or, if allowed and trained, administer naloxone.

You may assist a family member with administering naloxone to temporarily reverse the effects of opioids.

Naloxone may be given via the nose using a nasal atomizer or nasal spray or via injection using an auto-injector.

Question 20

Signs and symptoms of a Diabetic Emergency

Answer 20

Trouble breathing

Fast or deep breathing

Feeling weak or different

Sweating

Fast heartbeat

Question 21

Care for the person with diabetes who is experiencing a diabetic emergency by giving sugar:

Answer 21

Make sure the person is awake, can follow simple commands and can chew and swallow.

Follow the general care steps for assisting with medication administration.

Give the person sugar. The recommended amount of sugar is 20 grams for adults. If possible, give glucose tablets, liquid or gel.
Other acceptable forms of sugar include:
7 ounces of orange juice
14 ounces of milk
Candy with fructose or sucrose such as 20 to 25 skittles, 2 strips of fruit rolls, or 10 to 20 jelly beans

Question 22

Review questions

Which of the following are signs and symptoms of shock?

Answer 22

Grayish skin
Nausea
Confusion

Question 23

Review questions

A person should never self-administer more than one dose of quick-relief medication via inhaler for an asthma attack. True or False?

Answer 23

False

Question 24

Review questions

You can administer a second dose of epinephrine if the person is still having signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis 5 to 10 minutes after administering the first dose and EMS has not arrived. True or False?

Answer 24

True

Question 25

Review questions

Which of the following is a sign or symptom of a heart attack?

Answer 25

Persistent chest pain

Question 26

Review questions

It is especially important to note the time that signs and symptoms of stroke started in a person. True or False?

Answer 26

True

Question 27

Review questions

Why is it important to assist a family member with administering naloxone to the person with a suspected opioid overdose?

Answer 27

Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids.

Question 28

Review questions

What is important to determine before giving sugar by mouth to the person experiencing a diabetic emergency?

Answer 28

Make sure the person is awake.

Make sure the person can follow simple commands.

Make sure the person can chew and swallow.

Question 29

Review questions

Which of the following are signs and symptoms of stroke?

Answer 29

Facial weakness

Arm or grip weakness

Speech disturbance

Question 30

What is a Stroke?

Answer 30

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or by bleeding from a vessel resulting in death of brain cells.

Question 31

Stroke Recognition

F.A.S.T.

Answer 31

Facial weakness on one side of the body

Arm weakness or grip weakness on one side of the body

Speech disturbance

Time - note the time of when signs and symptoms first started.