Signs and Symptoms for different diagnosis Flashcards
*Know signs & symptoms for the following: (Myocardial Infarction (MI), Angina, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Allergic Rxn, Anaphylaxis, Ectopic Pregnancy, Asthma, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Hypoglycemia, Hyperglycemia, Cholecystitis, Croup, Epiglottitis, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Panic Attack/Anxiety/Hyperventilation, Appendicitis) *Treatment for the above Differential Diagnosis (from an EMR level)
Signs & Symptoms of MI (6)
Myocardial Infraction (Heart Attack)
Chest pain/pressure (may radiate to left arm, jaw or back)
Shortness of breath (SOB)
Nausea/vomiting
Diaphoresis (sweating)
Fatigue/dizziness
Sense of impending doom
Treatments for MI (7)
Move patient as little as possible.
Place patient in the most comfortable position.
Help the patient take one adult aspirin (ASA) or 2-4 low-dose aspirins.
Administer oxygen if it is available.
Be prepared to administer CPR.
If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, have it brought to patient and make sure it is ready for use.
ALWAYS follow local protocol when administering ASA to a patient.
S/S of Angina (8)
Chest pain with exertion or stress
Feeling of burning,squeezing, tightness and heaviness
Pain relieved with rest/nitroglycerin
SOB, Fatigue
Treatment for Angina (5)
Ask if patient is already being treated for a heart condition and has nitroglycerin.
Assist patient in taking one pill or administering the aerosol spray.
If pain has not lessened 5 minutes after first dose, help patient take another.
If pain has not lessened 5 minutes after second dose, assume patient is having a heart attack and transport promptly.
ALWAYS follow your local protocols regarding the administration of nitroglycerin.
S/S of CHF(8)
Congestive Heart Failure
Shortness of breath (major symptom).
Rapid, shallow breathing.
Moist or gurgling respirations.
Profuse sweating.
Enlarged neck veins.
Swollen ankles.
Anxiety.
Treatments for CHF(4)
Place patient in a sitting position with legs down to drain some fluid back into lower parts of body.
Administer oxygen at a high flow rate per your local protocols.
Summon additional help.
Arrange for prompt transport.
S/S of Asthma(3)
Wheezing/Dyspnea
Chest tightness
Cough
Treatment for Asthma
Check patient’s airway to be sure it is not obstructed.
Check rate and depth of breathing.
Place patient in a comfortable position.
Provide reassurance.
Loosen any tight clothing.
Administer oxygen if it is available.
S/S of a stroke
Drooling.
Inability to speak.
Difficulty seeing.
Unequal pupil size.
Unconsciousness.
Seizures.
Respiratory arrest.
Incontinence.
Unresponsiveness.
Headache.
Numbness or paralysis on one side of body.
Dizziness.
Confusion.
Treatment for Stroke
First priority is to maintain an open airway.
Administer oxygen using a nonrebreathing face mask.
If patient is having a seizure, try to prevent further injury.
Be prepared to administer rescue breathing.
Place an unresponsive patient in recovery position.
Provide emotional support by talking to and touching patient.
Some patients can be treated with drugs to dissolve blood clot in their brain or devices to go in through a vessel and retrieve the clot.
Arrange for prompt transport to an appropriate level stroke center.
S/S of hypoglycemia
Pale, moist, cool skin.
Rapid, weak pulse.
Dizziness or headache.
Confusion or unconsciousness.
Sweating.
Hunger.
Rapid onset of symptoms (within minutes).
A person experiencing hypoglycemia may appear to be drunk.
Treatment for Hypoglycemia
If patient is able to swallow, have him or her eat or drink something sweet.
If trained and authorized by medical control oral glucose may be used.
The EMTs and paramedics will use a glucometer to actual measure blood sugar level.
If patient is unconscious, open airway and assist breathing and circulation.
Do not administer fluids by mouth.
Some EMRs carry a tube of oral glucose gel or tablets that can be placed inside cheek.
S/S of Hyperglycemia
History of diabetes.
Warm, dry skin.
Rapid pulse.
Deep, rapid breathing.
Fruity odor on patient’s breath.
Weakness, nausea, and vomiting.
Increased hunger, thirst, and urination.
Slow onset of symptoms (days).
Treatment of Hyperglycemia
In general, give conscious diabetic patients sugar by mouth and arrange for prompt transport.
If diabetic patient is unconscious, arrange for prompt transport.
S/S of Croup
Noisy, whooping inhalations
Seal-like, barking cough
History of a recent or current cold
Lack of fright or anxiety
Willingness to lie down
