NHS Flashcards
If a person is experiencing pain passing urine, what two body systems may be affected?
Reproductive and Urinary
Normal body temperature?
37
What is fainting? How long does it last?
Fainting is passing out for a short period, never last more than 1-2 minutes.
What 3 things are essential to keeping the body supplied with oxygen?
Airways clear
Breathing normally
Circulation allowing blood flow
What is the largest artery in the body?
Aorta
What is the function of the kidneys?
Removes unwanted salts and chemicals from the blood.
Why do you need to know if someone has diabetes?
More prone to long-term conditions.
What is anaphylaxis?
Sudden, very severe allergic reaction requiring urgent intervention.
What is the first priority in the assessment?
Establish whether the condition is immediately life-threatening.
What age group is more vulnerable to abuse than any other group?
Children under 1
Why do we need to know if someone has cancer?
Immunosuppressed, especially prone to infection.
New symptom may need to be checked to see if related to cancer/treatment.
Why do arteries ‘spurt’ when cut?
Arteries pump blood away from the heart at high pressure, so an arterial bleed ‘spurts’ blood out every heartbeat.
Why does bleeding high up digestive tract look like coffee?
Blood has been through the digestive system and blood has been partly digested by stomach acid.
Why do pathways ask whether the arm is cold, pale or blue?
To ensure there is no damage to blood vessels and circulation has not been affected.
Why do ear problems sometimes cause dizziness?
Ear helps give the brain the information it needs for coordination and balance. Ear problems can upset balance because the brain is not getting enough information through the ears.
Give 2 words for palpitations.
Fluttering and ‘missing a beat’.
What is sepsis?
Blood poisoning. Sepsis is the body’s own reaction to an infection causing body to attack its own organs and tissues. The immune system triggers a series of reactions in the body including widespread inflammation, swelling and blood clotting. A significant drop in blood pressure. Caused by common bacteria.
List 4 symptoms of sinusitis.
Facial pain/Headache Fever Bad Breath Nasal Obstruction Thich green/yellow discharge
What is the most common cause mouth ulcer?
Trauma to mouth
How might unconsciousness affect a person’s airway?
Muscles relax, the tongue is a muscle so will relax, potentially blocking airway preventing normal breathing.
What is rigor?
Violent shivering that can occur with a high fever.
What is clinical shock?
When the cardiovascular system fails for some reason and fails to keep adequate amounts of blood circulating around the body.
State a symptom of possible spinal cord damage
Unable to control bowles
What is wheezing?
A whistling or musical sound that comes from inside the chest when a person breathes.
Vaginal bleeding in pregancy does not always indicate miscardige.
True
What is another name for low blood sugar?
Hypoglycemia
What is another name for high blood sugar?
Hyperglycemia
What is a sign of hyperglycemia?
Fruity smelling breath (pear drops)
What does an adrenal crisis lead to?
A drop in blood pressure
Why are women more prone to urine infections?
Shorter urethra and nearer to the anus.
Where is the flank?
Part of the back between bottom of rib cage and top of hips on either side.
What is crush syndrome?
After prolonged crushing, if the object is removed shock may develop as tissue releases toxic fluid into injured areas.
How many peole suffer from a MH disorder?
1/4
How common is agonal breathing in cardiac arrest?
40%
What is the most common cause of death in children?
Injuries
What age-related factor makes elderly people more prone to bone fractures?
Decreased bone density
Define vertigo
A sensation of spinning or whirling.
What is Urticaria?
An itchy or scratchy rash which is common in allergic reactions.
What is sinusitis?
Infection of the sinuses.
What is schizoaffective disorder?
Where someone has both symptoms of a mood disorder and symptoms of schizophrenia at the same time or within days of each other.
What is severe pain?
Pain that is bad enough to stop the individual think about or do anything else.
What is a severe illness?
Illness that prevents the individual think about or do anything else e.g. normal activities.
What happens when someone gets asthma?
Narrowing and inflammation of the lungs.
