Nervous System Flashcards
What do you check for in the primary and secondary assessments of the nervous
system?
Primary: Glasgow coma scale (AO/level of consciousness) - eye-opening; verbal responses; and motor response
Secondary assessment: head and face bleeding, laceration, repressions, irregularities; eyes - check for foreign bodies, bleeding, color changes, irregular eye response or shape, penetrating injury, contact lenses; ears - bleeding or CSF; nose - deformities, bleeding and CSF; mouth - lacerations to tongue, gums, lips and palate; check for missing, broken or loose teeth; strength and sensation in all limbs; abnormal repetitive movement or shaking
You come across someone who’s acting strangely and is not able to answer your
questions. Where can you look for clues about their medical conditions or what might
be going on?
Look for tattoos, personal belongings (in pockets, gear, wallet and cell phone); medical alert tags around the neck, wrists or ankles
What are at least six common causes of altered mental status in the outdoors?
A)llergies/altitude
E)nviroment/epilepsy
I)nfection
O)verdose
U)nderdose
T)rauma/toxins
I)nsulin
P)sychological disorders
S)troke
What are the symptoms of acute mountain sickness?
Headache and at least one
dizziness/lightheadedness
fatigue/weakness
nausea/vomiting/anorexia
insomnia
What are the signs of High Altitude Cerebral Edema?
severe AMS plus noticeable and dramatic change in mental status or ataxia (stumbling)
What outdoor activities are generally safe for people who have seizures?
Which ones should be avoided?
Well-controlled condition can still be in the wilderness and at high altitudes but should avoid technical climbing or roped travel on glaciated terrain
How can you tell the difference between someone who had a seizure and someone who just passed out (syncope)?
differs: dazed and confused when regaining consciousness and muscle spasms
What can you do to protect someone who’s having an active seizure?
move objects out of the way, pad or cradle head, do not place anything in or force their mouth open
When should seizure victims be evacuated?
any first time seizure; multiple seizures in a short period of time; and seizure of unknown origin
What are the signs of hypoglycemia? Hyperglycemia?
What should you do if you’re not sure which one they’re experiencing?
Hypoglycemia: weakness; disoriented; irritable; rapid heart rate; pale, cool, clammy skin; no change to breath odor
Hyperglycemia: nausea; vomiting; thirst; increased urine output; warm, pink, dry skin; rapid heart rate; abdominal cramps; restlessness and drunken mental status; possible fruity odor to breath
Treatment: give sugar
What are the signs of a stroke?
sudden weakness; vision loss; hearing loss; difficulty walking or paralysis; slurred speech; numbness or weakness on one side of the body; pins and needles sensation or numbness in the limbs; sudden severe headache
Why is it important to note the time that the stroke symptoms started?
time between symptoms starting and treatment can determine how much brain tissue is lost and survival prognosis, every minute is crucial for brain tissue survivability; helps healthcare provider determine the best treatment (surgery or medication)
What should you do and not do for someone experiencing a possible stroke?
Do: comfortable position if conscious; recovery position if unconscious; keep warm; evacuate immediately
Do not: give food; give aspirin or other blood thinning medications; allow to drive to the hospital
