BLS Section 2 AI Flashcards
What are the bases on which specific standards in Section 2 – Medical Standards have been developed?
Specific standards are developed based on:
* chief complaint as stated by the patient/bystanders
* presenting problem as indicated by the patient/bystanders
* immediately obvious primary survey critical findings
What should paramedics be aware of regarding a patient’s condition?
Paramedics should be aware of a patient’s potential to deteriorate and prepare accordingly.
What particular attention should paramedics pay to in patient care?
Particular attention should be paid to potential compromises to:
* airway
* breathing
* circulation
* seizures
* emesis
What factors should paramedics determine when gathering history?
Paramedics shall determine:
* provoking factors
* quality
* region/radiation/relieving factors
* severity
* timing of the chief complaint or presenting problem
What must a paramedic ensure when providing patient care according to Section 2 – Medical Standards?
A paramedic shall ensure that the patient simultaneously receives care in accordance with the ALS PCS.
What should a paramedic consider in cases of abdominal pain of non-traumatic origin?
A paramedic shall consider potential life/limb/function threats, such as:
* leaking or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
* ectopic pregnancy
* diabetic ketoacidosis
* pulmonary embolism
* perforated or obstructed hollow organs
* acute pancreatitis
* testicular torsion
* pelvic infection
* strangulated hernia
What minimum assessment should be performed for abdominal pain?
A minimum secondary survey to assess the abdomen for:
* pulsations
* scars
* discolouration
* distention
* masses
* guarding
* rigidity
* tenderness
What action should be taken if a pulsatile mass is discovered during abdominal assessment?
Do not initiate or discontinue further abdominal palpation.
What should be done if abdominal aneurysm is suspected?
Palpate femoral pulses for weakness/absence.
What signs should be observed for in abdominal pain assessments?
Observe for:
* melena
* hematemesis
* frank rectal bleeding (hematochezia)
What should a paramedic do in cases of airway obstruction?
Perform assessments and obstructed airway clearance maneuvers as per current Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Guidelines and attempt to clear the airway using oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal suction.
What conditions should be considered for potential airway obstruction?
- Smoke inhalation
- Anaphylaxis
- Epiglottitis
- Foreign body aspiration
- Oropharyngeal malignancy
In cases of an allergic reaction, what threats should a paramedic consider?
Potential life/limb/function threats, such as anaphylaxis.
List common allergens that should be considered in allergic reactions.
- Penicillin and other antibiotics in the penicillin family
- Latex
- Venom of bees, wasps, hornets
- Seafood - shrimp, crab, lobster, other shellfish
- Nuts, strawberries, melons, eggs, bananas
- Sulphites (food and wine preservatives)
What is the minimum assessment required for a patient with a known or suspected allergic reaction?
Perform a secondary survey to assess:
* The site of allergic reaction, if applicable
* Lungs for adventitious sounds through auscultation
* Skin for erythema, urticaria, and edema.
What body system manifestations indicate potential anaphylaxis?
- Respiratory: Dyspnea, wheezing, stridor or hoarse voice
- Cardiovascular: Tachycardia or hypotension/shock
- Neurological: Dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea
- Dermatological/mucosal: Facial, orolingual, or generalized swelling/flushing/urticaria
What historical findings should be considered as evidence of suspected anaphylaxis?
- Difficulty swallowing/tightness in the throat
- Difficulty breathing/feeling of suffocation
- Fearfulness, anxiety, agitation, confusion, or feeling of doom
- Generalized itching
- History of any body system involvement listed previously.
What potential problems should paramedics prepare for in cases of allergic reactions?
- Cardiac arrest
- Airway obstruction
- Anaphylaxis
- Bronchospasm
- Hypotension
True or False: A paramedic should only consider anaphylaxis if there is a single body system manifestation.
False
Fill in the blank: Common allergens include seafood such as shrimp, crab, and _______.
lobster
What should a paramedic attempt to determine in a patient with a suspected acute altered level of consciousness?
A specific cause for the altered level of consciousness
This involves gathering detailed patient history and context to inform further assessment.
What type of survey should a paramedic perform on a patient with altered consciousness?
A secondary survey to assess the patient from head-to-toe
This ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition.
What should be done if trauma is obvious, suspected, or cannot be ruled out in a patient with altered consciousness?
Perform trauma assessments
This is crucial for identifying any life-threatening injuries.
What airway management should be performed if the patient has an unprotected airway?
Insert oropharyngeal airway/nasopharyngeal airway
This is essential to maintain airway patency in patients with altered consciousness.