Unit 6: Emergency Situations Flashcards
Name some terminology associated with emergency situations
PRN: as needed
NPO: nothing by mouth
LOC: loss of consciousness
Patent: open
What is shock
Organ hypoperfusion with resultant dysfunction and death
What is hypovolemic shock?
Loss of blood volume
What is distributive shock
Adequate blood volume in the wrong places caused by
Anaphylactic
Neurogenic
Septic
What is anaphylactic shock
Excessive immune response
Smooth muscle contraction
What is neurogenic shock?
Injury to brain or spinal cord
What is septic shock?
Infection that releases toxins which triggers an inflammatory response
What is cardiogenic shock?
Reduced cardiac output
Signs and symptoms of shock
Altered mental status
Diaphoresis = sweating
Tachycardia= rapid heart rate
Tachyapnea= rapid breathing
Hypotension=low blood pressure
What are appropriate interventions for a patient experiencing shock
Keep patient warm
Stop bleeding
Elevate legs
Give oxygen
Give fluids
What causes allergic reactions to latex
The proteins Inside of latex
What precautions do you take for a patient who has a latex allergy
Check the product before using it
The patient may also have a band that states latex allergies
What is a normal blood glucose level
80-120 mg/dl
Describe hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar
Most common from a drug complication
Signs and symptoms:
Sweating
Nausea
Warmth
Anxiety
Hunger
Treatment:
Sugar
Describe Ketoacidosis
Lack of insulin causing cells to run out of glucose to metabolize
Treatment:
Insulin
IV fluids
Describe a hyperosmolar coma
Hyperglycemia & dehydration caused an altered mental status
Treatment:
IV fluids
Insulin
Describe an airway obstruction
Occurs when something is stuck in the airway
Signs:
Clutching neck
Weak or no voice
Treatment :
Use Heimlich maneuver
Describe cerebral vascular accident (CVA)
Aka a stroke caused by obstructed or ruptured vessel
Signs and symptoms:
Trouble walking
Weakness on one side
Trouble seeing
Trouble speaking
Treatment:
Act FAST
Describe seizures
Unregulated electrical discharge that interrupts normal brain functions
Signs and symptoms:
Altered awareness
Abnormal sensations
Involuntary movements
Convulsions
Treatment:
Just let it happen
Keep patient from hitting their head
Call for help
Describe syncope
Fainting
Treatment:
Get patient to safe position
Send for help
Elevate feet
Cold washcloth on forehead
Describe epistaxis
Nose bleed caused by dry air, foreign body, infection, or trauma
Treatment:
Pinch nose
Gauze
Nausea
Frequently happens before emesis
Describe vertigo
A false sensation of movement of the self or environment
Describe a typical code cart
Defibrillator
Oxygen, ET tubes, amu bags
Medications
Suction