Emergency handling From PPT and scenarios. exam 3 Flashcards

Question

Choking

Answer 1

* Treatment is determined by patient age and whether conscious or unconscious * Conscious infant: series of back blows and chest compressions until object is dislodged or baby becomes unconscious * Unconscious infant: administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) * Conscious child/adult: administer Heimlich maneuver until object is dislodged or person becomes unconscious * Unconscious child/adult: remove object if you see it; administer CPR

Answer 2

* Sudden drop in blood pressure of 20mmHg systolic or 10 diastolic within 3 min of change of position/posture * Symptoms are dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, or syncope, as well as drop in blood pressure * If symptoms are mild, have patient sit or stand quietly until they resolve * If symptoms are severe, have patient return to sitting or supine * Can use LE wraps, abdominal binder or tilt table to help patient acclimate to upright postures * Get plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, get up slowly

Answer 3

* Patients with spinal cord injuries in which a noxious stimulus causes life-threatening changes to blood pressure * Symptoms are HIGH blood pressure, headache, flushed face, sweating above the lesion level, piloerection below the lesion level, nausea, SLOW pulse, and cold/clammy skin below the lesion level * Remove the noxious stimulus if able—bladder/bowel, wrinkle, infection, pressure, tight socks, etc * Call 911 or staff emergency—to monitor even if irritant is removed

Answer 4

* The heart abruptly stops functioning * Symptoms include sudden loss of responsiveness and abnormal or no breathing * Call 911 * Administer CPR—know the steps, compression rate/depth, breathing rate, compression/ventilation ratio * AED use

Answer 5

* CVA * Loss of blood supply to the brain * FAST acronym * Call 911—can give TPA within time frame * Administer CPR if necessary**

Answer 6

F: Face drooping or weakness A: Arm weakness or inability to raise both arms S: Speech difficulty or inability to speak clearly T: Time to call 911 immediately

Answer 7

* Type I * Type II * Hypoglycemia: too low blood sugar; fatigue, anxiety, sweating, hunger, irritability, shakiness; loss of consciousness, confusion, visual changes * Hyperglycemia: too high blood sugar; frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath, weakness, coma * Have patient check blood sugar * If too low, administer some form of sugar (juice, candy) * If too high, have patient take insulin

Answer 8

* Treatment may depend on severity-more on this later * Call 911 if needed and prevent shock, CPR? * Protect person from further harm * Prevent infection in minor burns * Follow safety data sheets procedures for chemical burns * Initiate CPR for severe burns if needed, elevate burned area * Cool water or cloth over burn, remove tight clothing and jewelry * Cover burn, elevate * Watch for shock

Answer 9

* Electrical activity in brain surges/changes * Patient may have aura, migraine, or other signs the seizure is coming * Patient may lose consciousness, stare off into space, see flashing lights, difficulty talking, drooling, or have increased/decreased muscle tone and convulsions * Make sure patient is safe on the floor, turn to side * Do not put anything in patient’s mouth or try to stop seizure, don’t stop pt from moving * Move glasses, loosen shirts/ties * If seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 911

Answer 10

* Common in elderly but can happen to anyone * Know the risk factors for falls * Prevent shock and treat injury as needed * May need to call 911 if injury is severe

Answer 11

**Causes of Falls** * Risk-related activities * Carelessness * Health/wellness issues * Process of aging **Prevention** * Environment * Exercise * Caution **Assessments Predictive of Falls** * Tinetti Assessment * Berg Balance Test * Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) * Time One-Legged Standing Test * Czuka’s Sit-to-Stand Test * Dynamic Gait Index

Answer 12

* Broken bone * Protect/immobilize fracture site and prevent shock * Call 911 if fracture is severe; otherwise transport to emergency department * Apply towel or dressing if fracture is open and there is bleeding (apply pressure) * Apply ice cubes wrapped in clean cloth * If fracture is to the spine, do not move the patient-call 911

Answer 13

**Heat Exhaustion:** * sweating, dizziness, rapid pulse, nausea, muscle cramps * Patient should rest and stay cool while also hydrating **Heat Stroke**: * high body temps (over 104), altered mental status, nausea/vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing pulse, headache * Call 911; patient semireclined in the shade; remove outer clothing; monitor vitals; apply cold, wet compresses to wrists, ankles, groin, axilla, and neck

Answer 14

* Signs/symptoms you observed * Vital signs measured & when measurement was taken * How you addressed the situation * Other info?

Answer 15

* Know patient’s past medical history if treating patient in the clinic and monitor vitals * Be attentive to signs/symptoms of emergency situations * Prevent falls with use of gait belt and safe practices, footwear/obstacles * Maintain BLS certification to stay current in practice

Answer 16

Could be Anaphylaxis or Heat stroke: Take vitals including temperature: **Heat Stroke/Dehydratio**n: * Move the patient to a cooler environment. * Encourage them to drink water if they are alert and able to swallow. (this will potentially cause harm to someone in anaphylaxis so make sure.) * Apply cool compresses to the forehead, neck, and wrists. * If there are signs of shock, call 911 and monitor vitals. **Anaphylaxis:** * Ask if the patient carries an EpiPen and administer if necessary. * Call 911 immediately. * Monitor breathing and be prepared to administer rescue breathing or CPR if necessary. * Avoid giving water if the patient has difficulty swallowing or may lose consciousness.

Answer 17

Correct Steps for Managing Autonomic Hyperreflexia: 1. Immediately lower the patient to a sitting or semi-reclined position: * This helps reduce blood pressure, which tends to spike during autonomic hyperreflexia. Keeping the head elevated is crucial. 2. Check for and remove any noxious stimuli: * As you mentioned, pinched or tight straps on the mechanical stander could be triggering the response. Other common causes include a full bladder, bowel impaction, tight clothing, or pressure ulcers. * Loosen any constricting garments or devices. 3. Monitor blood pressure: * If available, check the patient’s blood pressure frequently. Autonomic hyperreflexia often leads to dangerously high blood pressure. 4. Assess the patient's bladder and bowel: * If the patient uses a catheter, check for any blockages or kinks. Autonomic hyperreflexia is frequently triggered by bladder distension or bowel impaction. 5. Call for emergency medical help * If the cause isn’t easily identified or resolved, call for assistance immediately as autonomic hyperreflexia can escalate quickly.

Answer 18

Correct Steps to Manage Orthostatic Hypotension: 1. Guard the patient to prevent a fall: * Support the patient to ensure they don’t lose their balance or fall. Stay close and ready to assist. 2. Encourage the patient to clench and unclench muscles: * Having the patient clench and unclench their leg muscles can help push blood back up toward the heart and increase blood pressure. This is a good initial step to try and stabilize the patient without having to sit them down immediately. 3. If symptoms persist, sit the patient back down: * If clenching muscles doesn't resolve the dizziness, have the patient sit down again, either on the mat or a nearby chair, until the symptoms subside. 4. Monitor the patient’s condition: * Ask the patient how they’re feeling and watch for worsening symptoms, like nausea, fainting, or visual disturbances. Take their blood pressure if possible. 5. Reassess before standing again: * Once the patient feels better, help them stand up slowly, reassessing how they feel before they leave. Make sure they are steady on their feet.

Answer 19

What activities were you performing when you fell? Is there anything in your environment that you typically trip on? Is there good lighting in the rooms where you typically fall? Do you need help keeping walking paths clear from clutter? Were you dizzy or lightheaded before the falls? * Were you using any assistive devices at the time of the falls? Education for Fall Prevention: 1. Environmental Modifications: * Clear walking paths: Emphasize the importance of removing clutter, cords, or rugs that could be tripped over. Suggest organizing the home so that pathways are wide and free of obstacles. * Improve lighting: Encourage the use of adequate lighting, especially in hallways, staircases, and any areas where falls have occurred. Recommend nightlights for dark areas at night. 2. Footwear: * Advise wearing proper footwear with non-slip soles, and discourage walking in socks or slippers without adequate grip. 3. Assistive Devices: * If needed, suggest using a cane, walker, or grab bars in high-risk areas such as bathrooms or staircases. Make sure the patient understands how to use these devices properly to prevent falls. 4. Balance and Strengthening Exercises: * Educate the patient about the importance of maintaining or improving their balance and strength through regular exercise. Specific exercises, like practicing standing on one foot or heel-to-toe walking, can improve stability. If appropriate, suggest physical therapy for balance training. 5. Medication Review: * Encourage the patient to speak with their physician or pharmacist about any medications they are taking that may cause dizziness or affect balance. A medication review can help identify any side effects that may increase the risk of falls. 6. Postural Awareness: * Advise the patient to take their time when changing positions, such as when standing up from sitting or lying down, to avoid dizziness or orthostatic hypotension. 7. Home Safety Assessment: * Recommend having a home safety assessment if the patient is open to it. A healthcare professional can visit their home to identify potential fall risks and suggest specific changes.

Answer 20

Steps to Take During a Seizure: 1. Ensure Safety: * Clear the area around the person to prevent injury. Remove any sharp or dangerous objects from the vicinity. 2. Gently roll the person onto their side: * This helps keep the airway clear and prevents choking, especially if the person vomits or has excessive saliva. 3. Do not restrain or try to stop their movements: * Allow the seizure to run its course. Restraining them could cause injury to both you and the person having the seizure. 4. Time the seizure: * Start timing the seizure as soon as it begins. If it lasts more than five minutes, or if the person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness, call for emergency help immediately (911 or internal code in a hospital setting). 5. Protect the head: * If possible, place something soft (like a jacket or pillow) under their head to prevent injury. 6. Do not put anything in their mouth: * Contrary to common myths, do not put anything in their mouth. This could cause more harm, including choking or injury to the teeth or jaw. 7. Stay with the person: * Remain with the person until the seizure is over and they are fully alert. After the seizure, they may be confused or disoriented, so reassure them calmly. 8. After the Seizure: * Once the seizure stops, check the person’s breathing and pulse. If necessary, be prepared to administer CPR if the person doesn’t start breathing normally after the seizure ends.

Answer 21

Assessment: 1. Take the patient’s temperature: * A core temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher is a strong indicator of heat stroke. 2. Check vital signs: * Assess heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. 3. Assess the patient’s level of consciousness: * Heat stroke can cause confusion, disorientation, or even loss of consciousness. 4. Check for signs of dehydration: * Dry skin, dry mouth, or lack of sweat are common signs. Ask if the patient has been drinking enough fluids. Actions for Heat Stroke/Dehydration: 1. Move the patient to a cooler environment: * Immediately get the patient out of the hot area and into a cooler, shaded, or air-conditioned room. 2. Apply cool compresses: * Place cool, damp cloths on the patient's forehead, neck, wrists, groin, and underarms to help lower body temperature. If available, use ice packs in these areas, but do not apply ice directly to the skin. 3. Encourage hydration: * If the patient is alert and able to swallow, provide cool water to drink, but avoid giving large amounts too quickly. 4. Position the patient in a semi-reclined position: * This helps keep them comfortable and ensures proper breathing. 5. Monitor for shock and worsening symptoms: * If there are signs of shock (weak, rapid pulse, cold or clammy skin, shallow breathing), call 911 immediately. Also, monitor for signs of confusion, fainting, or seizures, and be prepared to perform CPR if necessary. 6. Call for emergency medical assistance if symptoms worsen: * Heat stroke can escalate quickly, so if there is no improvement or the patient's condition deteriorates, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Answer 22

Actions to Take: 1. Immediately help the patient off the treadmill: * Safely stop the treadmill and assist the patient to sit or lie down in a comfortable, supported position to avoid further strain on the heart. 2. Check vital signs: * Take their pulse, blood pressure, and respiration rate to assess their cardiovascular status. Monitor for any signs of distress, such as an irregular pulse, rapid breathing, or extreme fluctuations in blood pressure. 3. Assess for additional symptoms: * Ask if the patient is experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating—other common signs of a heart attack. 4. Call 911 immediately: * Based on the symptoms (left jaw and arm pain), this is a potential cardiac emergency, so call for emergency medical assistance right away. Time is critical in cases of ischemic heart attacks. 5. Be prepared to administer CPR: * If the patient’s pulse or respiration ceases, you should immediately begin CPR and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available, until emergency medical personnel arrive. 6. Administer aspirin if appropriate: * If the patient is conscious and not allergic, you may offer them a chewable aspirin (usually 325 mg), as this can help thin the blood and limit the damage of a heart attack. However, this should only be done if recommended by your facility’s protocol or if instructed by emergency personnel. 7. Monitor the patient closely: * Stay with the patient, providing reassurance, and continue monitoring their vital signs until emergency help arrives.

Emergency handling From PPT and scenarios. exam 3 Flashcards

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