Ch. 20 Medical Emergencies

Question 1

Aura

Answer 1

a subjective sensation or motor phenomenon that precedes and marks the onset of a paroxysmal attack, such as an epileptic attack

Question 2

Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

Answer 2

device used for the application of external electrical shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm and rate

Question 3

Cardiac Arrest

Answer 3

sudden stoppage of cardiac output and effective circulation

Question 4

cerebrovascular accident (stroke or brain attack)

Answer 4

condition with sudden onset caused by acute vascular lesions of the brain; often followed by permanent neurologic damage

Question 5

Epistaxis

Answer 5

nosebleed; hemorrhage from the nose

Question 6

FAST Scan

Answer 6

Acronym for Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma; a bedside sonography exam used to assess trauma patients for internal bleeding

Question 7

hyperglycemia

Answer 7

abnormally increased concentration of glucose in the blood

Question 8

hypoglycemia

Answer 8

abnormally low level of sugar in the blood

Question 9

lethargy

Answer 9

abnormal drowsiness or stupor; a condition of indifference

Question 10

shock

Answer 10

condition of profound hemodynamic and metabolic disturbance characterized by failure of the circulatory system to maintain adequate perfusion of vital organs

Question 11

syncope

Answer 11

temporary suspension of consciousness as a result of generalized cerebral ischemia; faint or swoon

Question 12

urticaria

Answer 12

vascular reaction, usually transient, involving the upper dermis, representing localized edema caused by dilatation and increased permeability of the capillaries and marked by the development of wheals; also called hives

Question 13

ventricular fibrillation

Answer 13

disorganized cardiac rhythm

Question 14

vertigo

Answer 14

illusion of movement; sensation as if the external world were revolving around the patient or as if the patient were revolving in space

Question 15

wound dehiscence

Answer 15

separation of the layers of a surgical wound; may be partial, or superficial only, or complete, with disruption of all layers

Question 16

What is a sign or symptom typically associated with a deteriorating head injury?

Answer 16

Lethargy

Question 17

Which of the following actions would help prevent a patient from going into shock?

a. minimizing pain
b. providing emotional support
c. maintaining a normal body temperature
d. all of the above

Answer 17

ALL

Question 18

A patient suffering from hypoglycemia needs:

Answer 18

Rest and Carbohydrates

Question 19

Which of the following is typically associated with shock?

a. decreasing pulse rate
b. decreasing blood pressure
c. fever
d. flushed face

Answer 19

Decreasing blood pressure

Question 20

How long can the brain be deprived of oxygen before cerebral function impairment is likely?

Answer 20

4-6 minutes

Question 21

Which of the following actions is appropriate in handling a patient who begins a violent seizure?

a. Restrain the patient in any way possible
b. Ensure an open airway, putting your hands into the victim’s mouth if necessary
c.Attempt to prevent the patient from injuring himself or herself
d. All of the above are true

Answer 21

C. Attempt to prevent the patient from injuring himself or herself

Question 22

Emergency actions on the part of the radiologic technologist generally have the objectives of…

Answer 22

• Preserving life
• Avoiding further harm to the patient
• Obtaining appropriate medical assistance as quickly as possible

Question 23

In a emergency situation, a radiologic technologist should keep in mind which priorities?
Name a few.

Answer 23

• Ensure open airway
• Control Bleeding
• Take measures to prevent or treat shock
• Attend to wounds or fractures
• Provide emotional support
• Continually reevaluate and follow up appropriately

Question 24

What does AED stand for, and what two primary types do they come in?

Give details about both types.

Answer 24

Automated External Defibrillation

• Fully automatic defibrillators; which analyze the patient’s cardiac rhythm, determine whether defibrillation is necessary, If necessary, deliver a shock
• Semiautomatic Defibrillator: Analyzes patient’s cardiac rhythm, Determines whether defibrillation is necessary, If necessary, advises the operator to deliver a shock by pushing a button.

Question 25

What are the four levels of consciousness?

Answer 25

1) Alert and Conscious 2) Drowsy 3) Unconscious 4) Comatose

Question 26

Findings in a patient that can signify a deteriorating head injury may include:

Answer 26

irritability, lethargy, slowing pulse rate, and slowing respiratory rate

Question 27

What are the four classes of shock?

Answer 27

Hypovolemic Cardiogenic Neurogenic Vasogenic

Question 28

Which type of shock results in a blood loss of 15%?

Answer 28

Class 1

Question 29

Which type of shock results in a blood loss of 15-30%?

Answer 29

Class 2

Question 30

Which type of shock results in a blood loss of 30-40%?

Answer 30

Class 3

Question 31

Which type of shock results in a blood loss of more than 40%?

Answer 31

Class 4

Question 32

Name a few signs and symptoms of shock:

Answer 32

- Restlessness - General anxiety - Tachycardia - Decreasing blood pressure - Cold and clammy - Pallor

Question 33

How can shock be prevented?

Answer 33

Maintain normal body temperature Avoid overheating Manage or reduce pain, stress, or anxiety

Question 34

What is the most commonly encountered shock within the radiology department?

Answer 34

Anaphylactic Shock

Question 35

Healthcare professionals should spend no more than ____ checking for a pulse if no pulse is located within this timeframe, what should you begin?

Answer 35

- 10 seconds - Begin CPR

Question 36

ABC's of CPR: CAB

Answer 36

Airway Breathing Chest Compressions

Question 37

The initial process of chest compressions should begin with ______

Answer 37

30 compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions/minute and a depth of 2 inches followed by the establishment of an airway and rescue breathing

Question 38

One of the most important elements of defibrillation is time; performing it in less than ___ is considered critical to survival. Can you interrupt CPR for the use of AED's?

Answer 38

- Less than 5 minutes - Yes!

Question 39

Cerebrovascular Accident is commonly called:

Answer 39

Stroke or Brain Attack

Question 40

Stokes are more likely to occur in older patients over ____ but can occur in any adult.

Answer 40

Over 75 years of age

Question 41

Warning signs of a stoke:

Answer 41

Paralysis on one or both sides Slurred Speech or complete loss of speech Extreme Dizziness Loss of Vision Complete loss of consciousness These symptoms are sometimes only temporary

Question 42

If you observe any signs or symptoms of a stroke, what should do you as a radiologic technologist?

Answer 42

Report to a nurse or physician, and because the potential for paralysis or loss of consciousness is present, the patient should not stand or be moved before further medical assessment can be made

Question 43

In the event of a seizure, healthcare workers should follow three basic steps to maintain patient safety. What are they?

Answer 43

1) Stay with the patient through the duration of the seizure 2) Keep patient safe by laying them down and supporting their head with a pillow to prevent the patient from hitting their head on the floor 3) Turn the patient on their side to prevent chocking or blocking of the airway

Question 44

Symptoms of claustrophobia:

Answer 44

- Fast, heavy breathing - inability to remain still - Nausea or lightheadedness - A racing heartbeat

Question 45

With wounds always apply ______ pressure to the site

Answer 45

Direct

Question 46

A person who experiences vertigo should be assisted to a __ or __position.

Answer 46

Seated or Recumbent position

Question 47

Mild seizures called focal aware or focal impaired may experience ____

Answer 47

A brief loss of consciousness or may stare into space for a brief time

Question 48

Severe seizures called tonic clonic seizures are characterized by ___

Answer 48

Loss of consciousness, stiffened extermines, and involuntary contraction of muscles on either one or both sides of the body. They may drool and loose control of their bowel and bladder because of loss of muscle control

Question 49

When doing the Heimlich maneuver, the procedure may be repeated quickly ____ times, or until the obstructed objected is expelled.

Answer 49

6 to 10 times

Question 50

How do you perform the Heimlich Maneuver on an infant?

Answer 50

Younger than 1back blows and chest thrusts are recommended. With the arm holding the infant resting on the rescuers thigh, the rescuer used the heel of the hand to deliver four back blows between the infants scapulae. The infant is turned over and four chest thrust are given with two or three fingers.

Question 51

What is the most common medication in a crash cart?

Answer 51

Epinephrine