Chapter 35: Emergencies for Patients with Special Challenges

Question 1

Disability

Answer 1

a physical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive condition that interferes with a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks, such as working or caring for oneself

Question 2

Developmental Disability

Answer 2

a chronic (persistent or lasting) mental and/or physical impairment beginning at any age up to 22 years and causing significant impairment in the person’s major life activities.

Question 3

Autism

Answer 3

a developmental disorder in which the pt has impaired social functioning and communication. The pt may have repetitive or restricted behaviors

Question 4

Cerebral Palsy

Answer 4

a permanent impairment in motor control, present at birth or within the first year of life. Cerebral palsy is not progressive. Movements are characterized by lack of coordination, exaggerated reflexes, and tightness of muscles

Question 5

Cognitive Disabilities

Answer 5

these may result from mental retardation due to a variety of genetic and congenital problems (I.e. Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome). It may also result from stroke, dementia, or post traumatic brain injury

Question 6

Hearing Impairment

Answer 6

this condition may be congenital, due to trauma, or due to age. Hearing loss may be partial or complete

Question 7

Kidney Failure

Answer 7

This condition may be a consequence of diabetes, high BP, or other medical problems. Pt’s can have varying levels of kidney function, and receive dialysis at different frequencies

Question 8

Neuromuscular Disorders

Answer 8

Examples include muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and Lou Gehrig’s disease

Question 9

Stroke

Answer 9

levels of disability vary from mild to incapacitating. Specific problems relate to the area of the brain affected and may involve emotional, behavioral, communication, intellectual, or physical limitations.

Question 10

Spinal Cord Injury

Answer 10

W/ complete spinal cord injury, pt’s experience lack of sensation and function below the level of injury

Question 11

Vision Impairment

Answer 11

this condition may be congenital or acquired, and may be either complete or partial

Question 12

Bariatrics

Answer 12

the branch of medicine that deals w/ the causes of obesity as well as its prevention and treatment

Question 13

Obesity

Answer 13

• a condition of having too much body fat, defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater
  weight / (height in inches x height in inches) x 703 = BMI
• increases the risk of some cancers, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, liver and gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, and respiratory problems

Question 14

Serious health problems related to homelessness

Answer 14

mental health problems, malnutrition, substance abuse problems, HIV/AIDS, TB, bronchitis and pneumonia, environmental emergencies, wounds, and skin infections

Question 15

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Answer 15

• developmental disorders that affect, among other things, the ability to communicate, report medical conditions, self-regulate behaviors, and interact w/ others

Question 16

ABCS

Answer 16

awareness, basic, calm, and safety; use w/ ASD pts