NREMT medical emergencies and OB Flashcards
Pain from the chest and abdomen may also be referred to the shoulder. Causes may include:
Pancreatitis
Gallstones
Myocardial infarction
Pneumonia
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that occurs during pregnancy involving severe nausea and vomiting. This usually results in weight loss, dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
What rhythms will a defibrillator shock?
Ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
Remember the AED does not check for a pulse. It will defibrillate ventricular tachycardia with a pulse.
What are the four abdominal quadrants? How are they identified?
They are created by drawing horizontal and vertical lines through the umbilicus.
What are the three stages of labor?
Stage 1 - from the beginning of contractions to full dilation of the cervix
Stage 2 - From full dilation of the cervix until birth of the baby
Stage 3 - begins after the birth of the baby through expulsion of the placenta.
What is the rate of compressions for adult CPR?
100 - 120 per minute. Push hard, push fast. Minimize interruptions in compressions.
Define: Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Sometimes called “false labor,” Braxton-Hicks contractions are light, irregular contractions that do not lead to delivery and may occur days to weeks before actual labor begins.
You will provide ventilations to a newborn if his/her pulse is less than ________ and provide compressions to the newborn if the pulse is less than _______.
If the newborn’s pulse is less than 100 you will provide ventilations at a rate of 40 - 60 minute. You will provide chest compressions at a rate of 120/minute if the heart rate is less than 60 per minute.
Define: Breech Presentation
When a baby appears buttocks or feet-first for delivery.
Define: Dialysis
Dialysis is a process by which an external system removes toxins and waste products from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do it naturally.
List several risk factors for suicide.
Depression
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Those who are single, widowed or divorced
- Family member suicide
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Prior threats of suicide
- Detailed suicide plan
- Age (15-24 and elderly populations have higher rates of suicide)
Define: Para
How many live births a woman has had.
List the five rights of medication administration.
Right patient.
- Right medication.
- Right dose.
- Right route.
- Right time.
What are the five links in the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival?
Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the EMS system
2. Early CPR with a focus on chest compressions
3. Rapid defibrillation
4. Effective Advanced Life Support
5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care
What is the difference between an ischemic stroke and a hemorrhagic stroke?
An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that travels to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the brain tissue. This stroke may present with a severe headache.
Your full-term pregnant patient reports that their doctor told them that they were “almost fully effaced.”
What does this mean?
Effacement is the thinning of the cervix which occurs in the weeks before birth.
Your patient gets dialysis and tells you they have a fistula. What is it and how will it impact your care?
A fistula connects arterial and venous blood flow in an extremity. It is used to connect the patient to a dialysis machine.
You should not take a blood pressure on an arm with a fistula.
Differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent. It generally comes on earlier in life and stems from the fact the pancreas is not creating insulin.
Type 2 patients usually have some insulin in the body but it is not used properly. Patients with type 2 diabetes often take oral medications.
Define: Placenta Previa
Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta grows in the lowest part of the uterus and partially or completely blocks the cervix.
What are the 4 ways a toxin can enter the body?
Ingestion, absorption, inhalation and injection.
What is an absence seizure?
An absence seizure is a type of generalized seizure that results in a loss of awareness (usually brief). In some cases mild muscle or facial twitching or loss of coordination may be observed.
There is no tonic/clonic seizure activity.
What is the typical dosing strategy for nitroglycerin?
An initial nitroglycerin tablet or spray, then up to two more spaced 5 minutes apart if chest pain or discomfort continues and vital signs remain adequate.
What does C-A-B stand for?
Circulation - Airway - Breathing, the American Heart Association’s approach to a patient who appears lifeless and is likely in cardiac arrest.
Define: Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris (commonly called “angina”) is a condition in which chest pain is caused by ischemia of the heart muscle because of a vessel occlusion or spasm.
It is often caused by stress or exertion which creates a need for oxygen that the body can’t keep up with. In many cases the pain subsides with rest and nitroglycerin.
What does ROSC stand for?
ROSC stands for Return of Spontaneous Circulation - the return of a pulse, usually after CPR and/or defibrillation.
What happens when a patient misses a dialysis appointment?
Waste products and fluid builds up in the patient. They develop edema throughout the body. Patients also develop dangerous levels of potassium and other electrolytes which can lead to cardiac rhythm problems and death.
List three considerations for scene management when caring for multiple births.
Multiple births may be premature and require more aggressive care or resuscitation.
Multiple births create a “mini MCI” with the mother plus two or more neonates. Make sure additional resources are called for early.
Not all patients (e.g. those who haven’t had prenatal care) are aware they are carrying multiple babies. Be alert for signs of additional pending births (e.g. large abdomen after delivering one baby).
What are the indications for oral glucose?
A diabetic patient with an altered mental status but still able to follow instructions and maintain their own airway. If blood glucose monitoring is available the blood glucose reading should indicate hypoglycemia (BG less than 70 - 80 mg/dL)
List the indications for administering or assisting with an inhaler.
Patient has respiratory distress and a history of a disease or condition that would be helped by an inhaler.
The patient has an inhaler prescribed for him or her. (if assisting)
Medical direction has give authorization to use the inhaler (standing orders or on-line)
The patient is breathing adequately and is physically able to get the medication deep into the lungs.
What are the four main components of blood?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma.
You and your partner arrive on the scene of a patient in cardiac arrest with an AED. Do you apply the AED first or begin compressions first?
One rescuer should begin compressions while the other applies the AED.
The AHA states that high quality chest compressions are a main focus of resuscitation. Interruption of compressions must be minimal and avoided whenever possible.
List signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Common symptoms include itching, hives, runny nose, watery itchy eyes, wheezing, and swelling and edema of the tissues.
More severe reactions include signs of shock, tightening or a sensation of closing in the throat, hoarseness and stridor.
List the contraindications for use of an inhaler.
Patient has already taken the maximum dose of the medication.
The patient is breathing inadequately and not able to bring the medication deep into the lungs.
The inhaler is not the patient’s prescribed device (for assisting with the patient’s inhaler)
Medical direction has not approved or directed use of the inhaler.
List signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Chest pain, pressure or discomfort which may also appear or radiate to the neck, jaw, abdomen or back. Elderly and female patients may not display pain.
Patients may also exhibit anxiety, difficulty breathing, palpitations, cool and clammy skin, weakness, abnormal vital signs and/or a feeling of impending doom.
How do you care for a newborn immediately after delivery?
Dry the baby and keep him or her warm. Assess the baby. The baby should be moving and crying (hopefully both of these will be vigorous).
Evaluate the baby’s breathing, heart rate, color, movement and cry.
You will note that many of these are part of the APGAR scale but do not worry about doing a formal APGAR scoring if it keeps you from caring for the baby.
Provide resuscitation if needed.
Define: Myocardial Infarction
Myocardial infarction is a clinical term for heart attack.
