Module 4 Sudden Illness Flashcards
Which of the following are examples of life-threatening sudden illnesses?
Diabetic emergency
Anaphylaxis
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?
Recovery position
It is fine for you to always administer the person’s medication. True or False?
False
Signs and symptoms of stroke:
Facial weakness on one side of the body
Arm or grip weakness on one side of the body
Speech disturbances
Care for the person with stroke:
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.
Common causes of shock include:
Life-threatening bleeding
Infection
Anaphylaxis
Any serious injury or illness
What is Shock?
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.
Signs and symptoms of Shock
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
Care for the person in shock:
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.
Signs and symptoms of Asthma
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
Asthma Medication - Albuteral
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
Care for the person experiencing an asthma attack by assisting with administering quick-relief medication via an inhaler:
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.
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction that can cause shock and affect the persons ability to breath.
Signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis
History of an allergy
Signs of an allergic reaction
Swelling of the face, neck, tongue or lips
Trouble breathing
Shock
Change in responsiveness
Care for the person experiencing anaphylaxis by assisting with administering epinephrine via an auto-injector:
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.
Signs and symptoms of a Heart Attack
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
Care for the person experiencing a heart attack by assisting with aspirin:
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.
Signs and symptoms of Opioid Overdose
Evidence of opioid use
Decreased breathing effort
Unresponsiveness
Blueish or greyish colored skin
Cardiac arrest
Opioid Overdose Care
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.
Signs and symptoms of a Diabetic Emergency
Trouble breathing
Fast or deep breathing
Feeling weak or different
Sweating
Fast heartbeat
Care for the person with diabetes who is experiencing a diabetic emergency by giving sugar:
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
Review questions
Which of the following are signs and symptoms of shock?
Grayish skin
Nausea
Confusion
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?
False
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?
True
