Test 5 Flashcards
What are some signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure?
Confusion Non reactive pupils Seizures Coma Shallow breathing Loss of consciousness
What is hydrocephaly?
Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream. An excess of cerebrospinal fluid builds in the vesicles of the brain and causes pressure within the skull to build
What are some signs and symptoms of hydrocephaly?
In infants, hydrocephaly will present as major swelling of the cranium In adults s&s will present as Chronic headache Nausea Difficulty in focus Seizures Weakness in legs Drowsiness Personality changes such as irritability Problems with gait
What is a first degree burn?
A first degree burn is a burn that only affects the outer layers of the skin and presents as erythemious and does not blister. The skin may swell as well. Can be treated with analgesics to reduce pain and swelling, can use moisturizers and cool compresses to help with pain and hydration
What is a second degree burn?
A second degree burn is a burn that affects the first and second layer of skin. Skin will usually blister and appear to be moist or smooth. Second degree burns can be life threatening if they are widespread on the body. Can be treated with analgesics for pain and swelling and antibiotics to prevent infection.
What is a third degree burn?
Third degree burns extend through every layer of skin and are painless due to the nerves being destroyed in the effected area. The area can appear as waxy or white, char, dark brown, and raised and leathery. Can be treated with surgery. Can cause electrolyte imbalance
How are poisonings usually treated?
Poisonings are treated in different ways depending on the poison but stomach pumps using charcoal can be used to clear the stomach of a poisonous ingested substance as it binds with the substance and passes through feces
What is hypovolemic shock and how is it treated?
Hypovolemic shock is shock caused by low blood volume and is treated by replacement of fluids. Limbs can be elevated above heart level to promote return of fluid toward the heart
What are some signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock?
Hypotension Tachycardia Weak thready pulse Cool, pale, and moist skin Urine output is low
What is neurogenic shock and how is it treated?
Neurogenic shock is life threatening that is caused by the sudden loss of signals from the sympathetic nervous system that maintain the normal muscle tone in blood vessel walls. Treatment usually begins with fluids to stabilize the blood pressure. Vasopressors are used as well such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and vasopressin
What is anaphylactic shock and how is it treated?
Anaphylactic shock is an extreme, often life-threatening allergic reaction to an antigen to which the body has become hypersensitive. Anaphylactic shock is treated with epinephrine as well as IV antihistamines and corticosteroids
What is hyperthermia?
Body overheating due to environmental exposure.
More common in children as they are unable to thermoregulate as well. Occurs in the elderly as well.
What are heat cramps?
Heat cramps- body begins cramping due to loss of fluids and electrolytes through sweating. Mostly sodium lost. Will have headaches, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. Skin will be cool and clammy. Hypertension can be present. Treated by restoring fluids and removing from heat
What are heat strokes?
Heat stroke- Emergency condition. Can and will kill the patient if not treated. The patient is unable to regulate their own heat and their skin will be hot and flush. Patient will usually be comatose. Hypertension, tachycardia, and core temp will usually be >105. Treated by maintaining airway, O2, and by restoring fluids through IV. Clothing will be removed and ice packs or other cooling measures will be used to lower body temparature. Use Valium or Thorazine to prevent shivering as the heat stoke is resolved
What is hypothermia?
Involves prolonged exposure to cold and the body temperature <94.4
