Sick Vs Not Sick Flashcards
What is the first step in patient assessment?
Ensure scene safety
This is crucial to prevent further harm to the patient or responders.
What should be determined about the patient during scene size-up?
Mechanism of injury/nature of illness
Understanding the mechanism helps in anticipating the patient’s needs.
What precautions should be taken during patient assessment?
Take standard precautions
Standard precautions are essential to minimize the risk of infection.
During scene size-up, what should be determined regarding the patient count?
Determine number of patients
This helps in resource allocation and management.
What additional resources should be considered during scene size-up?
Consider additional/specialized resources
This may include advanced medical personnel or equipment.
What is the first component of the primary survey?
Form a general impression
This helps in quickly assessing the patient’s condition.
What should be assessed in the primary survey?
Responsiveness/level of consciousness
This is critical for determining the patient’s neurological status.
What are the key components to assess in the primary survey?
A - Airway, B - Breathing, C - Circulation
These are vital signs that indicate the patient’s immediate health status.
What does the term ‘OPQRST’ refer to in patient history taking?
Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time
This acronym is used to assess the history of present illness.
What does ‘SAMPLE’ stand for in patient history taking?
Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading up to present illness/injury
This helps in gathering comprehensive patient history.
What should be assessed to determine if a patient is medical or trauma?
Is the patient medical or trauma?
This distinction guides the treatment approach.
What additional assessment should be performed regarding the patient’s condition?
Assess Disability
This includes evaluating neurological function.
What vital signs should be assessed during the primary survey?
Obtain vital signs
Vital signs provide critical information about the patient’s condition.
What is the purpose of the secondary assessment?
Identify and treat changes in the patient’s condition
This ensures ongoing evaluation and management of the patient’s status.
How often should unstable patients be reassessed?
Every 5 minutes
Frequent reassessment is critical for unstable patients.
How often should stable patients be reassessed?
Every 15 minutes
This interval ensures that any changes in condition are monitored.
Fill in the blank: The primary survey sequence is _____, Airway, Breathing, Disability, Exposure.
Circulation
This sequence prioritizes critical life functions.
What type of physical exam can be performed during the secondary assessment?
Systematic physical exam or rapid focused exam
The choice depends on the patient’s condition and presentation.
What body systems should be focused on during the secondary assessment?
Respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic, reproductive, etc.
This ensures a thorough evaluation of the patient’s health.
What is the most important assessment skill to acquire?
Quickly determine whether the patient is sick or not sick
What factors are used in the quick early assessment of a patient?
Chief complaint, respiration, pulse, mental status, skin color, temperature, condition (CTC)
Which three critical systems balance the body?
Respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic systems
What analogy is used to describe the balance of the body’s systems?
Like a three-legged stool
What happens if one leg of the stool is kicked out?
The other two systems will only momentarily support the body before all systems collapse
What additional factors should be considered for trauma patients?
Mechanism of injury (MOI) and obvious signs of trauma
What is the first step after determining a patient is sick?
Determine how sick the patient is
What indicates a non-life-threatening sickness?
A miserable sinus infection
What indicates a life-threatening event?
Blue lips, drenched in sweat, struggling to answer questions, short of breath
What must you assess every time you evaluate a patient?
Whether the patient is sick or not sick
What does it mean to quantify how sick a patient is?
Assessing the severity of the sickness, e.g., respiratory distress is ‘sick’ and accessory muscle use indicates ‘severe’
Fill in the blank: A patient in respiratory distress is considered to be _______.
sick
What decision must be made after assessing a patient’s sickness?
What care must be provided at the scene versus in the ambulance en route to the hospital
