MID Term Flashcards
(174 cards)
1
Q
What is Compensated Shock?
A
The body is still trying to fix the problem (like low blood pressure or blood loss), so it increases heart rate and narrows blood vessels to maintain blood flow.
2
Q
What is Decompensated Shock?
A
The body’s efforts are failing. Blood pressure drops, organs don’t get enough blood, and it becomes life-threatening.
3
Q
What is Anaphylactic Shock?
A
A severe allergic reaction causes blood vessels to widen and airways to tighten.
4
Q
What is Cardiogenic Shock?
A
The heart can’t pump enough blood, often after a heart attack.
5
Q
What is Hypovolemic Shock?
A
Not enough blood or fluids in the body (like from bleeding or dehydration).
6
Q
What is Septic Shock?
A
A serious infection spreads, causing blood vessels to open up and drop blood pressure.
7
Q
What is Neurogenic Shock?
A
Damage to the spinal cord or brain causes blood vessels to lose tone and drop pressure.
8
Q
What is Obstructive Shock?
A
A blockage (like a blood clot or fluid around the heart) prevents blood from flowing properly.
9
Q
What is CPR?
A
Pushing hard and fast on the chest to keep blood moving when the heart stops.
10
Q
What is Rescue Breathing?
A
Giving breaths to someone who isn’t breathing to provide oxygen.
11
Q
What is an AED?
A
A device that checks heart rhythm and gives a shock if needed to restart the heart.
12
Q
What is Patient Lifting and Moving?
A
Using safe techniques and equipment to move patients without hurting them or the rescuer. Includes using stretchers, backboards, and lifting with proper posture.
13
Q
What are Ventilations?
A
The act of moving air in and out of the lungs (can be done manually or with a device).
14
Q
What are Respirations?
A
The actual process of breathing — taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. It includes both ventilations and gas exchange.
15
Q
What is The Six Right?
A
Right patient, Right medication, Right dose, Right time, Right route (like oral, injection), Right documentation.
16
Q
Nitroglycerin: Use/Effect
A
Treats chest pain (angina), relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow.
17
Q
Nitroglycerin: Contraindications
A
Very low blood pressure, recent use of erectile dysfunction meds (like Viagra), head injury.
18
Q
Nitroglycerin: Side Effects
A
Headache, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, flushing.
19
Q
Aspirin: Use/Effect
A
Pain relief, reduces inflammation, thins the blood (helps during heart attack).
20
Q
Aspirin: Contraindications
A
Allergy to aspirin, active bleeding or ulcers, children with viral infections (risk of Reye’s syndrome).
21
Q
Aspirin: Side Effects
A
Stomach upset, bleeding, bruising, ringing in the ears (at high doses).
22
Q
Epinephrine: Use/Effect
A
Treats severe allergic reactions, opens airways, raises blood pressure.
23
Q
Epinephrine: Contraindications
A
None in life-threatening allergic reactions (always give in emergencies).
24
Q
Epinephrine: Side Effects
A
Fast heart rate, shakiness, anxiety, high blood pressure.
25
Hemophilia: Definition
It's a bleeding disorder where blood doesn't clot properly.
26
Hemophilia: Symptoms
Easy bruising, joint swelling, prolonged bleeding.
27
Oral glucose: Use/Effect
Raises low blood sugar in conscious diabetics.
28
Oral glucose: Contraindications
Unconscious patient, unable to swallow.
29
Oral glucose: Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, high blood sugar (if too much is taken).
30
Albuterol inhalers: Use/Effect
Opens airways in asthma or COPD, relieves wheezing and shortness of breath.
31
Albuterol inhalers: Contraindications
Allergy to albuterol, use with caution in heart conditions.
32
Albuterol inhalers: Side Effects
Tremors, fast heartbeat, headache, nervousness.
33
Tylenol: Use/Effect
Pain relief, fever reducer.
34
Tylenol: Contraindications
Liver disease, risk of overdose with alcohol use.
35
Tylenol: Side Effects
Liver damage (in high doses), allergic reactions (rare).
36
Ibuprofen: Use/Effect
Pain relief, reduces inflammation and fever.
37
Ibuprofen: Contraindications
Stomach ulcers, kidney problems, allergy to NSAIDs.
38
Ibuprofen: Side Effects
Stomach pain, heartburn, kidney strain, increased bleeding risk.
39
Activated charcoal: Use/Effect
Absorbs toxins in certain poisonings or overdoses.
40
Activated charcoal: Contraindications
Unconscious patient, vomiting, ingestion of acids, alcohol, or metals.
41
Activated charcoal: Side Effects
Black stools, constipation, vomiting, risk of choking/aspiration.
42
Nexium: Use/Effect
Reduces stomach acid, treats GERD and ulcers.
43
Nexium: Contraindications
Allergy to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
44
Nexium: Side Effects
Headache, diarrhea or constipation, low magnesium or vitamin B12 (with long-term use).
45
Lasix: Use/Effect
Diuretic (“water pill”), removes excess fluid in heart failure or swelling.
46
Lasix: Contraindications
Low potassium levels, severe dehydration, kidney failure.
47
Lasix: Side Effects
Frequent urination, dizziness, low potassium, dehydration.
48
Adverse reactions of Heroin
Respiratory depression (slowed breathing), nausea and vomiting, itching, unconsciousness or coma, high risk of overdose and death.
49
Adverse reactions of Barbiturates
Drowsiness and confusion, slowed breathing and heart rate, risk of coma or death in high doses, dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
50
Adverse reactions of Nitroglycerin
Headache, low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness or fainting, flushing, reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate).
51
Adverse reactions of Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)
Extreme sedation, confusion and memory loss (especially blackouts), impaired coordination, respiratory depression, risk of abuse (known as a 'date rape' drug).
52
Adverse reactions of Ketamine
Hallucinations or dissociation ('out-of-body' experience), increased blood pressure and heart rate, nausea and vomiting, confusion or agitation, potential for abuse and long-term urinary issues.
53
Adverse reactions of Cocaine
Elevated heart rate and blood pressure, chest pain or heart attack, seizures, anxiety, paranoia, or hallucinations, risk of sudden death, especially with high doses.
54
Normal Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate for Infants (0–12 months)
Heart Rate: 100–160 bpm, Respiratory Rate: 30–60 breaths/min.
55
Normal Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate for Children (1–8 years)
Heart Rate: 70–120 bpm, Respiratory Rate: 18–30 breaths/min.
56
Normal Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate for Adults
Heart Rate: 60–100 bpm, Respiratory Rate: 12–20 breaths/min.
57
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
A genetic disease that causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs and digestive tract, leading to frequent lung infections and difficulty breathing.
58
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, causing muscle weakness, coordination issues, and fatigue.
59
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
A bacterial infection (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) primarily affecting the lungs, with symptoms like chronic cough, night sweats, and weight loss.
60
What is Pneumonia?
A lung infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal) causing cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
61
What is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?
A progressive lung disease (like emphysema or chronic bronchitis), leading to chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
62
What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Sores in the stomach lining or upper small intestine, often from H. pylori or NSAIDs, causing burning stomach pain.
63
What are Kidney Stones?
Hard mineral deposits in the kidneys causing severe flank pain, hematuria (blood in urine), and painful urination.
64
What is Diabetes?
A metabolic disorder where the body can't properly use glucose due to insulin issues, causing high blood sugar levels. Type 1 is autoimmune; Type 2 is often related to lifestyle.
65
What is Gastrointestinal Bleeding?
Bleeding anywhere along the GI tract, may present with vomiting blood (hematemesis), black/tarry stools (melena), or bright red blood in stool.
66
What is Acute Appendicitis?
Inflammation of the appendix, usually presents with right lower abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and possible rupture if untreated.
67
What is Aortic Aneurysm?
Weakening and bulging of the aorta wall, which can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Often presents with sudden, severe back or abdominal pain.
68
What is Meningitis?
Inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain/spinal cord, usually from infection. Symptoms include fever, neck stiffness, headache, and sensitivity to light.
69
What is Peritonitis?
Inflammation of the peritoneum (abdominal lining), usually from infection or organ rupture. Symptoms: severe abdominal pain, guarding, fever, and possibly sepsis.
70
What is Gonorrhea?
A bacterial infection (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), often affecting genitals, rectum, and throat.
## Footnote
Symptoms: Men: Painful urination, pus-like discharge; Women: Often asymptomatic, or may have vaginal discharge, pelvic pain; Complications: Can lead to infertility or PID if untreated.
71
What is Chlamydia?
The most common bacterial STD (Chlamydia trachomatis), often silent in early stages.
## Footnote
Symptoms: Men: Burning during urination, discharge; Women: Vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods; Complications: Can cause PID and infertility.
72
What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?
Not an STD itself, but often caused by untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia.
## Footnote
Symptoms: Lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sex; Complications: Scarring of reproductive organs, infertility, ectopic pregnancy.
73
What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
An imbalance of normal vaginal bacteria, not always sexually transmitted, but more common in sexually active women.
## Footnote
Symptoms: Thin, gray/white discharge with a fishy odor, especially after sex; Complications: Increased risk of STDs, PID, and pregnancy issues.
74
What is an NPA?
Inserted through the nose, used for patients with a gag reflex, helps maintain an open airway.
75
What is an OPA?
Inserted through the mouth, used only on unconscious patients without a gag reflex, helps prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
76
What are the steps in patient assessment?
Scene size-up, primary assessment (airway, breathing, circulation), patient history (SAMPLE), vital signs, secondary assessment (focused physical exam), reassessment.
77
What is a chief complaint?
The primary issue the patient reports or the reason EMS was called, stated in the patient’s own words when possible, helps guide assessment and treatment.
78
When should restraints be used?
When a patient is a danger to themselves or others.
79
How should restraints be used?
Use approved restraint devices, apply with enough personnel for safety, secure all four limbs, reassess frequently.
80
What should be done after using restraints?
Monitor airway, breathing, circulation, document everything, involve law enforcement if needed.
81
What are the dangers/complications of using restraints?
Aspiration, positional asphyxia, circulatory restriction, legal risk.
82
What are the indications for using restraints?
Combative, violent, or severely altered mental status patients posing a risk to themselves or others.
83
What do arteries do?
Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except pulmonary arteries), thick and muscular.
84
What do veins do?
Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart (except pulmonary veins), have valves to prevent backflow.
85
What are venules?
Small veins that collect blood from capillaries and drain into larger veins.
86
What are capillaries?
Tiny vessels where oxygen and nutrient exchange occurs between blood and tissues.
87
What are generalized seizures?
Full-body shaking, loss of consciousness, postictal phase.
88
What are absence seizures?
Brief staring spells, common in children.
89
What are focal (partial) seizures?
Affects one part of the body or consciousness.
90
What are febrile seizures?
Caused by fever in young children.
91
What is status epilepticus?
Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without regaining.
92
What does AVPU stand for?
Alert, Verbal, Painful, Unresponsive
93
What is Expressed Consent?
When a patient gives clear, verbal or written permission to receive care. Applies to competent adults who understand the risks and benefits.
94
What is Implied Consent?
Assumed when a patient is unconscious, confused, or unable to communicate, and needs immediate care to prevent serious harm or death.
95
What is Informed Consent?
A type of expressed consent where the patient is informed of the nature, risks, and benefits of a procedure before agreeing to it.
96
What is Involuntary Consent?
Applies when a patient is mentally incompetent, under arrest, or poses a danger to themselves or others. Consent may be granted by legal authority or law enforcement.
97
What are the symptoms of Meningitis?
Nausea or vomiting, altered mental status or confusion, cold hands and feet, limb pain, pale or mottled skin, severe headache, fever.
98
What is the Anterior Fontanelle?
Located at the top of the head, diamond-shaped, usually closes by 18–24 months.
99
What is the Posterior Fontanelle?
Located at the back of the head, triangular, usually closes by 2–3 months.
100
What is the maximum score for Eye Opening (E) in GCS?
Max 4 points
## Footnote
4 = Spontaneous, 3 = To voice, 2 = To pain, 1 = None
101
What is the maximum score for Verbal Response (V) in GCS?
Max 5 points
## Footnote
5 = Oriented, 4 = Confused conversation, 3 = Inappropriate words, 2 = Incomprehensible sounds, 1 = None
102
What is the maximum score for Motor Response (M) in GCS?
Max 6 points
## Footnote
6 = Obeys commands, 5 = Localizes pain, 4 = Withdraws from pain, 3 = Flexion to pain (decorticate), 2 = Extension to pain (decerebrate), 1 = None
103
When should you start CPR on an adult?
Start CPR when the adult is unresponsive, not breathing, or only gasping (agonal breathing), and no pulse is felt within 10 seconds.
104
When should you start CPR on a child?
Start CPR if the child is unresponsive, not breathing, or only gasping, and no pulse or a pulse <60 bpm with signs of poor perfusion.
105
What are the pupil characteristics in an opioid overdose?
Pinpoint
106
What is the breathing pattern in an opioid overdose?
Depressed/slow/shallow
107
Can Narcan be administered in an opioid overdose?
Yes
108
What are the pupil characteristics in a stimulant overdose?
Dilated
109
What is the breathing pattern in a stimulant overdose?
Fast/hyperventilating
110
Can Narcan be administered in a stimulant overdose?
No
111
What are the pupil characteristics in a benzodiazepine overdose?
Normal/slight constriction
112
What is the breathing pattern in a benzodiazepine overdose?
Depressed
113
Can Narcan be administered in a benzodiazepine overdose?
No
114
What are the pupil characteristics in a hallucinogen overdose?
Dilated
115
What is the breathing pattern in a hallucinogen overdose?
Normal or fast
116
Can Narcan be administered in a hallucinogen overdose?
No
117
What are the pupil characteristics in an anticholinergic overdose?
Dilated
118
What is the breathing pattern in an anticholinergic overdose?
May be fast or normal
119
Can Narcan be administered in an anticholinergic overdose?
No
120
What are the pupil characteristics in a cholinergic overdose?
Pinpoint
121
What is the breathing pattern in a cholinergic overdose?
Airway secretions/difficulty
122
Can Narcan be administered in a cholinergic overdose?
No
123
What are intercostal muscles?
Muscles between the ribs that help with breathing.
124
What do external intercostal muscles do?
Help with inhalation by lifting the ribcage up and out.
125
What do internal intercostal muscles do?
Help with forced exhalation by pulling the rib cage down.
126
What is an upper GI bleed?
Bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
127
What are the appearances of an upper GI bleed?
Dark, tarry stool (melena) and vomiting blood (hematemesis).
128
What is a lower GI bleed?
Bleeding from the small intestine, colon, or rectum.
129
What are the appearances of a lower GI bleed?
Bright red blood in stool (hematochezia) and rectal bleeding.
130
What is a hernia?
A push through a weak spot in muscle or tissue.
131
What are Kussmaul respirations?
Deep, rapid breathing.
132
What are Biot's respirations?
Irregular pattern: quick, shallow breaths followed by apnea.
133
What are Cheyne-Stokes respirations?
Crescendo-decrescendo pattern: breathing gradually gets deeper, then shallower, then apnea.
134
What is Lupus (SLE)?
Lupus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues, causing joint pain, fatigue, butterfly rash, and inflammation in organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. It comes in flares and remissions.
135
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s Disease is chronic inflammation of the GI tract, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. It can affect anywhere from mouth to anus and may require surgery.
136
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is infection and inflammation of colon pouches (diverticula), causing lower left abdominal pain, fever, and bowel changes. It can lead to abscess, perforation, or peritonitis.
137
What is Sickle Cell Crisis?
Sickle Cell Crisis is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped and block blood flow, causing severe pain, fever, and risk of stroke or organ damage. It is common in individuals of African descent.
138
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV/AIDS is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it hard to fight infections. It spreads through blood, sexual fluids, and from mother to baby. Advanced stages are referred to as AIDS, with a high risk of serious infections and cancers.
139
What is Hemophilia A?
Hemophilia A is a genetic disorder where the body lacks clotting factor VIII, causing uncontrolled bleeding from even minor injuries. Common symptoms include joint swelling, bruising, and prolonged bleeding.
140
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses (A, B, C). It can lead to liver damage, jaundice, fatigue, and in chronic cases, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Spread varies by type: A is spread through food/water, B and C through blood/body fluids.
141
What is shock?
Shock = inadequate tissue perfusion → not enough oxygen to cells → organ failure → death if untreated.
142
What are common signs of shock?
Low BP (hypotension), Tachycardia (↑ heart rate), Tachypnea (↑ respiratory rate), Altered mental status, Cool, pale, clammy skin (except in distributive shock), Weak or absent peripheral pulses, Delayed capillary refill.
143
What is hypovolemic shock?
Cause: Blood/fluid loss (trauma, dehydration, GI bleed). Vitals: ↓ BP, ↑ HR, ↑ RR. Skin: Cool, pale, diaphoretic. Tx: Control bleeding, fluids.
144
What is distributive shock?
Vessels lose tone → massive vasodilation.
## Footnote
Includes septic shock, anaphylactic shock, and neurogenic shock.
145
What is septic shock?
Cause: Infection → systemic inflammation. Vitals: ↓ BP, ↑ HR, ↑ RR, maybe fever. Skin: Warm early, cool later. Tx: O₂, fluids, antibiotics (hospital).
146
What is anaphylactic shock?
Cause: Severe allergic reaction (bee sting, food, meds). Vitals: ↓ BP, ↑ HR, ↑ RR. Skin: Flushed, itchy, hives, swelling. Tx: Epi IM, O₂, fluids, antihistamines.
147
What is neurogenic shock?
Cause: Spinal cord injury → loss of vessel tone. Vitals: ↓ BP, ↓ HR (only shock with bradycardia). Skin: Warm, dry, flushed. Tx: C-spine, O₂, fluids, vasopressors.
148
What is cardiogenic shock?
Cause: Heart fails as pump (MI, CHF). Vitals: ↓ BP, ↑ HR, ↑ RR. Skin: Cool, pale, cyanotic. Other: Chest pain, pulmonary edema (crackles). Tx: O₂, position of comfort, assist meds, transport.
149
What is obstructive shock?
Something is blocking blood flow to/from heart.
## Footnote
Includes tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, and pulmonary embolism.
150
What is tension pneumothorax?
Vitals: ↓ BP, ↑ HR, ↑ RR. Skin: Pale, cyanotic. Other: Tracheal deviation, JVD, decreased lung sounds. Tx: Needle decompression (ALS).
151
What is cardiac tamponade?
Vitals: ↓ BP, ↑ HR, ↑ RR. Skin: Pale, cool. Other: Beck’s Triad → JVD, muffled heart sounds, narrowing pulse pressure. Tx: Rapid transport, ALS.
152
What is pulmonary embolism?
Vitals: ↓ BP, ↑ HR, ↑ RR. Skin: Cool, cyanotic. Other: Sudden SOB, chest pain, coughing blood. Tx: O₂, rapid transport.
153
What is tuberculosis?
A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that spreads through airborne droplets.
154
What is an ischemic stroke?
Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel, with symptoms including sudden weakness, speech difficulty, and vision changes.
155
What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain, presenting with a sudden severe headache, vomiting, altered mental status, and possibly seizures.
156
What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
A TIA is a mini stroke where symptoms resolve within 24 hours, serving as a warning sign of a possible full stroke.
157
What are common deficits from a left stroke?
Speech/language problems, slow behavior, and memory gaps.
158
What are common deficits from a right stroke?
Spatial/perception issues, impulsivity, poor judgment, and neglect of the left side.
159
What is schizophrenia?
A chronic psychotic disorder causing hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and flat affect.
160
What is bipolar disorder?
A mental health condition involving extreme mood swings between mania and depression.
161
What are clues that chest pain from panic disorders/anxiety is non-cardiac?
Pain reproducible with palpation or movement, fleeting stabs lasting seconds, relief with slow breathing or distraction, normal ECG and troponins, episodes linked to stress rather than exertion, younger age with few cardiac risk factors.
162
What does altered mental status (AMS) describe?
Any change in how a patient thinks or behaves, including confusion, agitation, disorientation, hallucinations, bizarre speech, or memory gaps.
163
What does altered level of consciousness (LOC) refer to?
A change in how awake or arousable the patient is, ranging from drowsiness to coma.
164
What should you do with liquid chemicals on the skin?
Remove saturated clothing fast, flood the skin with plain water for at least 15 minutes, then wash with mild soap if the product is water-soluble.
165
How should you handle powder chemicals?
Brush or blot the dry material off first, then begin low-pressure water rinse. Wetting powders immediately can activate heat or deeper penetration.
166
What effect does hyperventilation have on CO₂ and pH?
Hyperventilation lowers CO₂ and raises pH.
167
What is the purpose of dialysis and shunts?
Connections between an artery and vein that allow for dialysis treatments.
168
What is the order of heart valves?
Tricuspid → Pulmonic → Mitral → Aortic.
169
What is tort law?
An intentional act that harms a patient.
170
What is libel?
Written defamation.
171
What is slander?
Spoken defamation.
172
What do Good Samaritan laws provide?
Limited protection to off-duty providers who render care in good faith.
173
What is an emergency move?
Life over spine. You drag, pull, or rapid-extricate when the scene is unsafe.
174
What is an urgent move?
Spine and life together. The scene is safe but the patient’s condition is unstable.
