EMT 224 Flashcards

(76 cards)

1
Q

What is the definition of hypoglycemia?

A

Blood glucose < 70 mg/dL

Hypoglycemia can occur due to excess insulin, missed meals, overexertion, liver disease, or alcohol consumption.

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2
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?

A
  • Altered mental status
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Diaphoresis
  • Tachycardia
  • Anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Coma

These symptoms may vary in severity based on the degree of hypoglycemia.

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3
Q

What is the management for a conscious patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

A

Oral glucose

For an unconscious patient, IV dextrose or IM glucagon is administered.

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4
Q

What is the definition of a stroke (CVA)?

A

Interruption of blood flow to the brain

This can be due to ischemic (blockage) or hemorrhagic (ruptured blood vessel) causes.

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5
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

A
  • Facial droop
  • Arm drift
  • Slurred speech (FAST)
  • Hemiplegia
  • Altered level of consciousness

FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call emergency services.

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6
Q

What is the management for a stroke?

A
  • Rapid transport
  • Maintain ABCs
  • IV access
  • Stroke scale assessment (e.g., Cincinnati)
  • CT scan confirmation
  • tPA if within window

tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) is a clot-busting medication used in ischemic strokes.

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7
Q

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

A

Fertilized egg implanted outside the uterus

Most commonly occurs in the fallopian tubes.

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8
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

A
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Shoulder tip pain (Kehr’s sign)
  • Signs of shock if ruptured

Kehr’s sign refers to referred pain in the shoulder due to diaphragmatic irritation.

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9
Q

What is the management for an ectopic pregnancy?

A
  • Rapid transport
  • IV access
  • Treat for hypovolemic shock

Hypovolemic shock may occur if the ectopic pregnancy ruptures.

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10
Q

What is oliguria?

A

< 500 mL urine/day

Oliguria is often a sign of acute kidney injury (AKI).

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11
Q

What are the causes of oliguria in renal failure?

A
  • Ischemia
  • Nephrotoxic drugs
  • Dehydration

These factors can lead to decreased kidney function and urine output.

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12
Q

What are the symptoms of oliguria in renal failure?

A
  • Fluid overload
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Uremia
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • ECG changes

ECG changes can include peaked T-waves due to hyperkalemia.

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13
Q

What is the treatment for oliguria?

A
  • Manage fluid balance
  • Treat cause
  • Dialysis if needed

Dialysis may be required in cases of severe renal failure.

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14
Q

What are the etiologies of gastroenteritis?

A
  • Viral (norovirus)
  • Bacterial (Salmonella)
  • Parasitic

Gastroenteritis can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

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15
Q

What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?

A
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Cramping
  • Fever
  • Dehydration
  • Hypotension

Severe dehydration can lead to hypotensive crisis.

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16
Q

What is the management for gastroenteritis?

A

Fluid and electrolyte replacement, antiemetics

Antiemetics help manage nausea and vomiting.

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17
Q

What are the types of hepatitis?

A
  • Hep A: Fecal-oral, acute only
  • Hep B: Bloodborne, chronic possibility
  • Hep C: Bloodborne, chronic common

Each type of hepatitis has different transmission routes and long-term implications.

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18
Q

What are the symptoms of hepatitis?

A
  • Jaundice
  • RUQ pain
  • Fatigue
  • Elevated liver enzymes

RUQ pain is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

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19
Q

What is the treatment for Hepatitis A and E?

A

Supportive care

Hepatitis B and C may require antivirals.

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20
Q

What is a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)?

A

Temporary loss of brain perfusion; resolves within 24 hrs

TIAs are often warning signs of future strokes.

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21
Q

What are the symptoms of a TIA?

A

Stroke-like symptoms that fully resolve

Symptoms may include weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.

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22
Q

What is the management for a TIA?

A

Transport for full evaluation

Immediate medical evaluation is critical after a TIA.

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23
Q

What are the types of seizures?

A
  • Generalized
  • Focal
  • Absence

Each type of seizure has distinct characteristics and management.

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24
Q

What are the causes of seizures?

A
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Trauma
  • Toxins

Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.

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25
What is the management for seizures?
* Protect airway * Benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam) * Identify and treat underlying cause ## Footnote Airway protection is essential to prevent aspiration.
26
What are the types of insulin?
* Rapid-Acting: Lispro, Aspart (15 min onset) * Short-Acting: Regular insulin (30-60 min onset) * Intermediate: NPH * Long-Acting: Glargine, Detemir (no peak) ## Footnote Each type of insulin has different onset and duration times.
27
What is Addison’s Disease?
Adrenal insufficiency (↓cortisol, aldosterone) ## Footnote This condition leads to various systemic effects due to low hormone levels.
28
What are the symptoms of Addison’s Disease?
* Fatigue * Weight loss * Hypotension * Hyperpigmentation ## Footnote Hyperpigmentation is often noticeable in areas exposed to the sun.
29
What is the treatment for Addison’s Disease?
* Steroid replacement (hydrocortisone) * Fluids ## Footnote Maintenance of fluid balance is crucial in managing this condition.
30
What is the role of histamine in allergic reactions?
Released during allergic reaction ## Footnote Histamine causes various physiological effects in response to allergens.
31
What are the effects of histamine?
* Vasodilation * Increased capillary permeability * Bronchoconstriction ## Footnote These effects contribute to allergy symptoms such as swelling and difficulty breathing.
32
What is the treatment for histamine reactions?
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) ## Footnote Antihistamines counteract the effects of histamine in the body.
33
What is cholecystitis?
Gallbladder inflammation, usually due to gallstones ## Footnote Cholecystitis can cause severe abdominal pain and requires prompt medical attention.
34
What are the symptoms of cholecystitis?
* RUQ pain * Worse after fatty meals * Murphy’s Sign: Pain on inspiration with palpation of RUQ ## Footnote Murphy’s Sign indicates irritation of the gallbladder.
35
What is the management for cholecystitis?
* Pain control * Antiemetics * Transport ## Footnote Management may require surgical intervention depending on severity.
36
What are the phases of the female reproductive cycle?
* Follicular * Ovulation * Luteal ## Footnote These phases are regulated by hormones such as FSH and LH.
37
What are the pregnancy hormones?
* hCG * Prolactin * Oxytocin ## Footnote These hormones play vital roles in maintaining pregnancy and initiating labor.
38
What is myxedema?
Severe hypothyroidism ## Footnote Myxedema can lead to significant metabolic disturbances.
39
What are the symptoms of myxedema?
* Hypothermia * Bradycardia * Altered LOC ## Footnote Altered level of consciousness can be life-threatening.
40
What is the management for myxedema?
* Thyroid hormone replacement * Supportive care ## Footnote Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent serious complications.
41
What is Crohn’s Disease?
IBD subtype; skip lesions, transmural ## Footnote Crohn's Disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
42
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
* Cramping * Diarrhea * Weight loss ## Footnote Symptoms can be exacerbated during flare-ups.
43
What are the complications of Crohn’s Disease?
* Fistulas * Abscesses ## Footnote These complications can require surgical management.
44
What is Graves’ Disease?
Autoimmune hyperthyroidism ## Footnote This condition results in excessive thyroid hormone production.
45
What are the symptoms of Graves’ Disease?
* Exophthalmos * Weight loss * Heat intolerance ## Footnote Exophthalmos is characterized by protruding eyes.
46
What is the treatment for Graves’ Disease?
* Antithyroid drugs * Beta-blockers ## Footnote Treatment aims to reduce thyroid hormone levels and manage symptoms.
47
What are the differences between DKA and HHNS?
* DKA: Glucose >250 mg/dL, Ketones present, Acidosis yes, Onset rapid (hrs), Type 1 diabetics * HHNS: Glucose >600 mg/dL, Ketones absent/trace, Acidosis minimal/no, Onset gradual (days), Type 2 diabetics ## Footnote Both conditions are serious complications of diabetes but have different presentations.
48
What is ulcerative colitis?
IBD subtype; continuous colonic involvement ## Footnote Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum.
49
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
* Bloody diarrhea * Abdominal pain ## Footnote Symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.
50
What is the management for ulcerative colitis?
* Anti-inflammatories * Immunosuppressants ## Footnote Management may vary based on the severity of symptoms.
51
What is Murphy’s Sign?
Positive in cholecystitis ## Footnote A positive Murphy’s Sign indicates gallbladder irritation.
52
What are autoimmune disorders?
* MS: Demyelination of CNS; weakness, vision changes * Lupus: Systemic inflammation; rash, joint pain, organ involvement ## Footnote Both conditions require long-term management strategies.
53
What is diverticulitis?
Inflammation of diverticula in colon ## Footnote It can lead to complications such as abscesses or perforation.
54
What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?
* LLQ pain * Fever * Constipation or diarrhea ## Footnote Symptoms may vary based on the severity of the inflammation.
55
What is the treatment for diverticulitis?
* Antibiotics * Fluids * Possible surgery ## Footnote Surgical intervention is considered in severe cases.
56
What are the characteristics of respiratory diseases?
* Asthma: Bronchoconstriction * COPD: Chronic bronchitis + emphysema ## Footnote Both conditions have distinct pathophysiological mechanisms.
57
What is cystitis?
Bladder infection (UTI) ## Footnote Cystitis is more common in females due to anatomical differences.
58
What are the symptoms of cystitis?
* Dysuria * Frequency * Urgency * Hematuria ## Footnote Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in urine.
59
What is the treatment for cystitis?
* Antibiotics * Hydration ## Footnote Adequate hydration helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
60
What are peptic ulcers caused by?
* H. pylori * NSAIDs ## Footnote Both factors can lead to the erosion of the stomach lining.
61
What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?
* Epigastric pain * GI bleeding ## Footnote GI bleeding can manifest as hematemesis or melena.
62
What is the treatment for peptic ulcers?
* PPIs * Antibiotics * Lifestyle changes ## Footnote Lifestyle changes include dietary modifications and stress management.
63
What is uremic frost?
Urea crystals deposited on skin in ESRD ## Footnote Uremic frost is a sign of severe kidney dysfunction.
64
What are the symptoms of uremic frost?
Itchy, white frost-like appearance ## Footnote This condition indicates high levels of waste products in the bloodstream.
65
What is disequilibrium syndrome?
Occurs in hemodialysis patients ## Footnote Rapid fluid/electrolyte shifts during dialysis can cause this syndrome.
66
What are the symptoms of disequilibrium syndrome?
* Nausea * Headache * Seizures * Altered mental status ## Footnote Symptoms develop due to abrupt changes in fluid balance.
67
What is minute volume?
Formula: Tidal Volume (TV) x Respiratory Rate (RR) ## Footnote Minute volume is a measure of ventilation effectiveness.
68
What is the example calculation for minute volume?
500 mL x 12 = 6000 mL/min ## Footnote This example illustrates how to calculate total ventilation in a minute.
69
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Cause: Excess cortisol (often steroid overuse or tumor) ## Footnote Cushing's Syndrome can lead to various systemic effects.
70
What are the symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome?
* Moon face * Buffalo hump * Hyperglycemia * Hypertension ## Footnote These symptoms are due to metabolic changes caused by excess cortisol.
71
What are the key topics in cardiology?
* MI * CHF * Arrhythmias * ECG interpretation ## Footnote These topics are fundamental for understanding cardiovascular emergencies.
72
What is the treatment for cardiology emergencies?
* ACLS * Pharmacology * Defibrillation * Pacing ## Footnote Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) protocols are critical in emergencies.
73
What is the formula for medication math?
(Desired Dose / Have) x Volume = Volume to Administer ## Footnote This formula is essential for accurate medication administration.
74
What is the formula for drip rates?
gtt/min = (volume x drop factor) / time (min) ## Footnote This formula is used to calculate infusion rates.
75
What is the origin and function of the phrenic nerve?
Originates C3-C5; innervates diaphragm ## Footnote Damage to the phrenic nerve can lead to respiratory compromise.
76
What happens if the phrenic nerve is damaged?
Causes respiratory compromise ## Footnote The diaphragm is essential for effective breathing.