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Paramedic Class Ashift > Medical Emergencies Test 1 > Flashcards

Medical Emergencies Test 1 Flashcards

(56 cards)

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1
Q

What percentage of EMS calls are related to respiratory emergencies?

A

25%

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2
Q

Q: How many deaths per year are linked to respiratory issues in the U.S.?

A

Over 200,000

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3
Q

What are the intrinsic risk factors for respiratory issues?

A

Genetic predispositions and cardiac conditions

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4
Q

What are the extrinsic risk factors for respiratory issues?

A

Smoking and airborne pollutants

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5
Q

What are the functions of the nasal turbinates?

A

A: Filtration, humidifying, and warming of air

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6
Q

What structure is the most common cause of airway obstruction?

A

The tongue

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7
Q

What are the sections of the pharynx?

A

Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Hypopharynx

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8
Q

What is the role of the tonsils and adenoids?

A

Filter bacteria; commonly infected

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9
Q

What is the “Adam’s Apple” anatomically known as?

A

The thyroid cartilage

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10
Q

What protects the airway during swallowing?

A

The epiglottis

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11
Q

What is the narrowest part of the adult airway?

A

Glottic opening

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12
Q

What structure is used as a landmark for intubation?

A

Arytenoid cartilag

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13
Q

Where is the Sellick maneuver performed?

A

Cricoid ring

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14
Q

Where is a surgical airway placed?

A

Cricothyroid membrane

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15
Q

What do Type I alveolar cells do?

A

Facilitate gas exchange

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16
Q

What do Type II alveolar cells do?

A

Secrete surfactant

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17
Q

What is the function of the trachea?

A

Conduct air from glottic opening to bronchi

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18
Q

What is the difference between ventilation and respiration?

A

Ventilation is air movement; respiration is gas exchange

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19
Q

What regulates breathing?

A

Chemoreceptors and CNS centers

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20
Q

Name a cause of upper airway obstruction.

A

Trauma or epiglottitis

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21
Q

Name a cause of diffusion impairment.

A

Pulmonary edema

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22
Q

Name a cause of perfusion problem.

A

Pulmonary Embolism

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23
Q

What is included in the general impression during assessment?

Study These Flashcards
A

Position, color, mental status, ability to speak

24
Q

What does the SAMPLE history stand for?

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A

Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Meds, Past history, Last intake, Events

25
What are abnormal breath sounds?
Wheezes, rales, rhonchi, stridor
26
What does normal EtCO2 range from?
35–45 mmHg
27
What does capnography measure?
Carbon dioxide in expired air
28
What does peak flow assess?
PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate)
29
What is Cheyne-Stokes breathing?
Cyclic breathing with apnea, seen in stroke and CHF
30
What is Kussmaul’s breathing?
Deep, rapid breathing due to metabolic acidosis
31
What is apneustic breathing?
Deep gasping followed by long exhalation, seen in brainstem damage
32
How is respiratory distress managed?
Oxygen, bronchodilators
33
How is respiratory failure managed?
Assisted ventilation, intubation, IV meds
34
What are CPAP and BiPAP used for?
Non-invasive airway support in CHF, COPD, and asthma
35
What are common respiratory causes of dyspnea?
Aspiration, Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Pneumonia, Pleuritis, Pulmonary edema (non-cardiac), Pleural effusion, Pulmonary embolism, Toxic inhalation
36
Name upper airway causes of dyspnea.
Foreign body, Croup, Epiglottitis, Ludwig’s Angina
37
What are cardiovascular causes of dyspnea?
Cardiac dysrhythmias, CHF, Myocardial infarction
38
Name neuromuscular diseases that cause dyspnea.
Muscular dystrophy, Guillain-Barre, Myasthenia gravis, ALS
39
Asthma pathophysiology
Chronic inflammatory disorder with bronchial hyperreactivity. Trigger → histamine release → bronchoconstriction & edema → late immune response causes more swelling.
40
Key asthma exam findings
Dyspnea, wheezing, cough, use of accessory muscles, tachycardia, pulsus paradoxus
41
Define Status Asthmaticus
Severe, prolonged asthma unresponsive to bronchodilators. Breath sounds diminished. Imminent respiratory arrest.
42
Meds used in asthma management
Oxygen, Albuterol, Levalbuterol, Epinephrine, Terbutaline, Ipratropium, Methylprednisolone, Magnesium sulfate
43
Physical interventions for asthma
A: CPAP, intubation (possibly RSI), saline/albuterol bullets, chest percussion
44
Emphysema: Pathophysiology
Alveolar wall destruction from irritants; leads to reduced surface area, air trapping, and pulmonary hypertension
45
Emphysema signs (Pink Puffers)
Barrel chest, prolonged expiration, thin, pursed lips, pink skin, use of accessory muscles
46
Chronic bronchitis (Blue Bloaters): Signs
Overweight, productive cough, rhonchi, JVD, ankle edema, cyanosis, frequent infections
47
Pneumonia key features
Fever, chills, productive cough, rales/crackles, decreased air movement. Risk: smoking, alcohol, extremes of age
48
Lung cancer key facts
S/S vary; includes hemoptysis, dysphagia, altered mentation. High mortality. Often related to smoking.
49
CO poisoning: S/S and treatment
S/S: Headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures Tx: Remove from source, high-flow oxygen, hyperbaric chamber
50
Pulmonary embolism signs
Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis, hypotension, JVD. Risk: surgery, immobility, pregnancy
51
Pneumothorax signs & management
SOB, chest pain, decreased breath sounds. Severe: cyanosis, hyperresonance. Tx: Oxygen, needle decompression if tension present
52
Hyperventilation Syndrome: Causes & S/S
A: Causes: Anxiety, pain, fever, CHF, pregnancy S/S: Chest pain, paresthesia, tachypnea, carpopedal spasms
53
ARDS: Causes & management
Causes: Sepsis, trauma, aspiration Tx: PEEP, oxygen, treat underlying cause, possible corticosteroids
54
Pulmonary edema: Cardiogenic vs Non-cardiogenic
Cardiogenic: AMI, CHF Non-cardiogenic: ARDS, inhalation, trauma S/S: Rales, frothy sputum, dyspnea
55
Neuromuscular causes of respiratory distress
ALS, Muscular Dystrophy, Guillain-Barre, Myasthenia Gravis – all impair respiratory muscles
56
Upper airway obstruction causes and treatment
Causes: Tongue, foreign object, trauma, allergy Tx: Encourage coughing, Heimlich, CPR if unconscious

Paramedic Class Ashift (3 decks)

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