Management of Medical Emergencies

Question 1

symptoms: hives, itching, edema, erythema - skin, mucosa conjunctiva

Answer 1

mild or delayed allergic reaction symptoms

Question 2

what is the treatment for mild or delayed allergic reaction

Answer 2

1. discontinue all sources of allergy causing substances
2. administer diphenydramine PO
   Dosing: manufacture instructions based on child’s age/weight

Question 3

symptoms: itching, flushing, hives, rhinitis, wheezing/difficulty breathing, bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, weak pulse, marked fill in blood pressure, loss of consciousness

Answer 3

sudden onset/anaphylaxis allergic reaction symtpoms

Question 4

what is the treatment for sudden onset/anaphylaxis

Answer 4

true, life-threatening emergency
1. call for MES
2. administer epinephrine (1 mg/mL suspension)IM or subcutaneous
- 0.01 mg/kg q5min until recovery or help arrives
3. administer O2
4. monitor vitals
5. transport to emergency medical facility by advanced medical responders

Question 5

symptoms: shortness of breath, wheezing/coughing, tightness in chest, cyanosis, tachycardia

Answer 5

acute asthmatic attack symptoms

Question 6

what is the treatment for an acute asthmatic attack

Answer 6

1. sit pt upright or in a comfortable position
2. administer O2
3. administer bronchodilator (albuterol)
4. if bronchodilator ineffective –> administer epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg q15 min PRN)
5. call for MES with transportation for advanced care if indicated

Question 7

symptoms: light headedness, changes in vision and/or speech, metallic taste, changes in mental status, confusion, agitation, tremor, seizure, tachypnea, bradycardia, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest

Answer 7

local anesthetic toxicity symptoms

Question 8

treatment for local anesthetic toxicity

Answer 8

1. reassure patient
2. assess and support airway, breathing, and circulation
   (CPR if warranted)
3. Administer O2 (supplemental oxygen - mask)
4. monitor vitals
5. call EMS w/ transportation for advanced care if indicated

Question 9

symptoms: somnolence, confusion, diminished reflexes, respiratory depression, apnea, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest

Answer 9

benzodiazepine overdose symptoms

Question 10

treatment for benzodiazepine overdose

Answer 10

1. assess and support airway, breathing, and circulation (CPR if warranted)
2. administer O2
3. monitor vitals
4. If severe respiratory depression, establish IV access
   Reverse with flumazenil - 0.01 mg/kg (max 0.2 mg)
   Can repeat @ 1 min intervals x5
   *do not exceed 0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg
   May be given IM if IV access is unavailable
5. monitor recovery for at least 2 hours after the last dose of flumazenil
   Call EMS w/ transportation for the advanced care if indicated

Question 11

symptoms: decreased responsiveness, respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest

Answer 11

narcotic overdose symptoms

Question 12

treatment for a narcotic overdose

Answer 12

1. assess and support airway, breathing, and circulation (CPR if warranted)
2. administer O2
3. monitor vitals
4. If severe respiratory depression,
   Reverse with naloxone - 0.01 mg/kg up to 2 mg (IV, IM, or subcutaneous)
5. monitor recovery for at least 2 hours after the last dose of flumazenil
   Call EMS w/ transportation for the advanced care if indicated

Question 13

symptoms: warning aura - disorientation, blinking or blank stare, uncontrolled muscle movements or rigidity, unconsciousness, postictal phase: sleepiness, confusion, amnesia, slow recover

Answer 13

seizure symptoms

Question 14

treatment for seizures

Answer 14

1. recline and position to prevent injury
2. ensure open airway and adequate ventilation
3. monitor vitals
4. if status epilepticus –> give diazepam or midazolam
5. call EMS w/ transportation for advanced care if indicated

Question 15

symptoms: feeling of warmth, pale and moist skin, pulse rapidly initially –> gets slow and weak, hypotension; cold extremities, loss of consciousness

Answer 15

syncope symtpoms