Special Population Emergency Terminology

Question 1

cystic fibrosis

Answer 1

inherited metabolic disease of the lungs, sweat glands, and digestive & reproductive systems

Question 2

symptom of cystic fibrosis

Answer 2

production of thick mucus
- predisposes the patient to chronic lung infections

Question 3

predispose

Answer 3

“to make more likely or render susceptible”

Question 4

management of cystic fibrosis

Answer 4

• oxygen
• positive pressure ventilation (CPAP)
• nebulized saline (to loosen mucus)
• suctioning as needed

Question 5

muscular dystrophy

Answer 5

inherited muscle disorder with a slow, but progressive degeneration of muscle fibers
- diagnosed early (child is unable to sit up and walk at common age)

Question 6

management of muscular dystrophy

Answer 6

no effective treatment exists
- supportive care in the prehospital setting

Question 7

multiple sclerosis

Answer 7

demyelination of the myelin sheath
- thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body begins to attach the myelin in the CNS, causing scarring and nerve damage

Question 8

autoimmune disease

Answer 8

“condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, organs, and cells as foreign invaders”

Question 9

signs of multiple sclerosis

Answer 9

• fatigue
• vertigo
• clumsiness
• unsteady gait
• slurred speech
• blurred vision

Question 10

vertigo

Answer 10

“medical condition that causes an abnormal feeling of motion (ex: spinning, dizziness) when there is no actual movement

Question 11

nebulizer

Answer 11

“small, electronically powered machine that turns liquid medication into a mist that can be inhaled directly through the lungs”