Lesson 2.3: General Medical Emergencies

Question 1

Caused by prolonged seating of the patient in the supine position during treatment and then suddenly placing them in the upright position

Answer 1

Postural Hypotension (Type of shock)

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of a patient with Postural Hypotension

Answer 2

Light-headed and/or extreme dizziness; disorientation

Question 3

How to prevent Postural Hypotension

Answer 3

By slowly returning the patient to the upright position

Question 4

How to treat Postural Hypotension

Answer 4

By returning the patient to the supine position

Question 5

How to treat Postural Hypotension in pregnant patients

Answer 5

By positioning the patient on their left side

Question 6

Caused by the presence of an allergen; could be food, drug, venom or latex

Answer 6

Anaphylactic Shock

Question 7

TRUE OR FALSE:

Patients are at an increased risk if they have a history of allergies or had an anaphylactic response before

Answer 7

True

Question 8

Signs and symptoms of a patient with Anaphylactic Shock

Answer 8

1. Respiratory difficulty
2. Edema (swelling)
3. Hives
4. Cyanosis (blue skin)
5. Weak pulse
6. Nausea
7. A decrease in blood pressure

Question 9

TRUE OR FALSE:

Anaphylactic shock is NOT a life-threatening condition

Answer 9

False

Question 10

How to treat Anaphylactic Shock

Answer 10

1. Place the patient in the supine position
2. Call for help
3. Access the emergency kit
4. Administer Oxygen
   Note: You will monitor the patient’s vital signs during treatment

Question 11

The dose of epinephrine needed for patients with Anaphylactic Shock

Answer 11

3ml of 1:1,000 Epinephrine

Question 12

Decreased blood supply to the heart. It can be caused by extreme physical exertion or stress

Answer 12

Angina Pectoris (Angina)

Question 13

Signs and symptoms of Angina

Answer 13

1. Pain in the chest (substernal) lasting 3 to 8 minutes
2. Shortness of breath
3. Anxiety

Question 14

How to treat Angina

Answer 14

1. Place a nitroglycerin tablet sublingually or use a translingual spray
2. Administer oxygen

Question 15

How to treat Angina in a patient wearing a nitroglycerin patch

Answer 15

1. Administer Oxygen

2. Call for help if the condition does not improve or if it becomes worse

Question 16

The complete shutdown of both the circulatory and respiratory systems

Answer 16

Cardiac Arrest

Question 17

This is considered to be one of the most serious medical emergencies you can encounter

Answer 17

Cardiac Arrest

Question 18

Signs and symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Answer 18

1. Loss of consciousness

2. Lack of pulse and breathing

Question 19

Treatment of Cardiac Arrest

Answer 19

1. Activate the EMS system (Code Blue)

2. Administer CPR and retrieve the emergency cart

Question 20

An imbalance of insulin or glucose (sugar)

Answer 20

Diabetic Acidosis (Hyperglycemic Coma)

Question 21

Signs and symptoms of Hyperglycemic Coma

Answer 21

1. Acetone breath (fruity smell)
2. Rapid but weak pulse
3. May be unresponsive
4. May be unconscious
5. Dry mouth
6. A complaint of a sudden headache

Question 22

Treatment of Diabetic Acidosis

Answer 22

1. Ask conscious patient when they last ate or took insulin
2. Contact physician
3. If this condition is goes untreated, activate EMS

Question 23

This is caused by too much insulin in the system

Answer 23

Insulin Shock (Hypoglycemia)

Question 24

Signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Answer 24

1. Moist, clammy skin
2. Increased anxiety/confusion
3. Patient may complain of hunger
4. Patient may become unconscious

Question 25

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

Answer 25

1. If the patient is conscious, offer food containing glucose 2. Notify the patient's physician 3. Activate EMS and retrieve the emergency cart

Question 26

Who can intravenously administer dextrose (sugar) to a patient who is in Hypoglycemic Shock?

Answer 26

An Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider

Question 27

TRUE OR FALSE: | It's ok to force food or juice in an unconscious patient's mouth if they are in Hypoglycemic Shock

Answer 27

False

Question 28

A disorder characterized by convulsions or disturbances of consciousness

Answer 28

Epileptic Seizures

Question 29

Signs and symptoms of Epileptic Seizures

Answer 29

1. Having a warning aura | 2. Spasm/twitching of muscles

Question 30

Type of seizure that is mild and brief in duration; the patient may stare into space

Answer 30

Petit mal seizure

Question 31

Type of seizure that is severe; the patient loses consciousness followed by violent contractions of their muscles

Answer 31

Grand mal seizure

Question 32

Treatment of a patient having Epileptic Seizures

Answer 32

1. Protect them from self-injury by placing the patient on the floor and/or moving hazards away from them. 2. Contact EMS upon the onset of the seizure and active Code Blue procedures

Question 33

TRUE OR FALSE: | Never place anything in the patient's mouth as it may cause airway compromise

Answer 33

True