Special Patients Flashcards
(11 cards)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Usually diagnosed by age .
More common in males than females.
May have increased sensitivity to noise or physical stimulation.
Difficulty with eye contact and strangers.
Down Syndrome
aka trisomy 21
Characteristics: Flat occiput, epicanthal folds, and flat nasal bridge.
Complications: leukemia, congenital heat and thyroid defects
May have difficulty inserting airways.
Vision Loss
Determine extent of deficit.
Introduce yourself before entering and identify noises.
Take any aid devices or service animals with you.
Hearing Loss
Determine extent of loss.
Sensorineural deafness is caused by nerve damage.
Conductive hearing loss is caused by damage to inner ear that interferes with transmission of sound waves.
Cerebral Palsy
Damage to developing brain causing motor difficulties.
Causes: damage in utero or oxygen deprivation at birth.
Sx: Uncontrolled movements, poor posture, visual or hearing impairments, unsteady gait, difficulty communicating, seizure disorder, cognitive delay (sometimes)
Consideration: airway not as easily maintained
Spinal Bifida
Congenital defect involving malformation of spinal cord.
Causes lower extremity paralysis or loss of bowel/bladder control.
Other Related Condition: hydrocephalus (Increased fluid in brain), latex allergy
Paralysis
May affect lower/upper extremities or diaphragm (need external ventilator).
Medical Tech Devices
Tracheostomy Tubes: placed through stoma
Complications: build up of fluid, secretions, bleeding, or obstruction.
Home Oxygen Concentrator: takes ambient air and scrubs out nitrogen. (requires electricity) – ask baseline oxygen saturation and lpm
Artificial Ventilators: automatically assist breathing
Apnea Monitors: test chest expansion and blood oxygenation in premature infants.
Pacemaker/Defibrillator: maintains normal heart rate and rhythm
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): external pump taking over function of one or more ventricles. (in patients waiting for heart transplant)
External Defibrillator Vest: may shock patient if something is wrong.
Central Lines: long term venous access devices.
Gastrostomy Tubes (G-Tubes): placed into stomach for patients who cannot ingest fluids, food, or medication by mouth. — If dislodged stop flow of fluids, oxygenate, and suction
Ileostomy: small intestine collection bag
Colostomy: connects to large intestine
Urostomy: connects to urinary system
— Infection possible and dehydration if vomiting or diarrhea
Shunt: alleviate pressure in skull from excessive CSF
Vagal Nerve Stimulator: works like defibrillator for patients with seizure
Bariatric Patient
BMI > 30
Morbid > 35
Severe > 40
Complications: mobility difficulties, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease
Homeless or Impoverished Patients
Population Includes: patients with mental illness, prior brain trauma, domestic violence victims, addicts
Emergency Medical treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)
All health care facilities must provide assessment and treatment regardless of patient’s ability to pay according to federal law
