ch 15 Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the main focus in a medical patient
Nature of Illness (NOI)
What is the primary goal of the medical assessment
Identify life threats and provide appropriate care
What are common types of medical emergencies
Respiratory cardiovascular neurological gastrointestinal urological endocrine hematologic immunologic toxicologic psychiatric infectious gynecologic
What should guide your initial assessment of a medical patient
Scene size-up and the NOI
What is a common challenge in medical patients compared to trauma
Less visible signs of life threats
What should you assess for in medical scene size-up
Scene safety standard precautions NOI number of patients additional resources
What should be determined in the primary assessment
General impression responsiveness ABCs transport priority
What does SAMPLE history help identify
Signs/symptoms allergies meds past history last oral intake events leading up
What is OPQRST used for
Pain assessment (Onset Provocation Quality Region/Radiation Severity Time)
What is a focused assessment
Detailed exam targeting the system affected by the NOI
When should you perform a full-body scan on a medical patient
When the patient is unresponsive or has altered mental status
What is a major difference in assessing medical vs. trauma patients
Medical focuses more on history and symptoms and trauma more on physical injuries
What determines the need for ALS backup
Severity of the patient’s condition and need for interventions beyond BLS
Why is transport decision important early
Some conditions require rapid transport to a specialty center
What is the goal of secondary assessment in medical patients
To identify specific conditions and gather info to guide care
What should be done during reassessment
Recheck vitals interventions and reevaluate for changes
What’s the EMT’s role in diagnosis
EMTs do not diagnose; they rule out life threats and treat based on assessment findings
What is the significance of NOI
It helps guide your assessment and treatment approach
What kind of approach is typically used for responsive medical patients
Focused history and physical exam
What kind of approach is typically used for unresponsive medical patients
Rapid assessment and full-body scan
Why is documentation important in medical calls
It supports continuity of care and legal accountability
What is the definition of a medical emergency
An illness or condition not caused by external force that requires EMS
What is nature of illness (NOI)
The general type of illness a patient is experiencing
How does NOI differ from MOI (mechanism of injury)
NOI refers to illness; MOI refers to physical trauma
