unit 10

Question 1

what are heat cramps, what do they look like, how do you treat

Answer 1

they are muscle spasms often occurring after vigorous activity in high temperatures. to treat, remove patient from sun and give fluids with electrolytes.

Question 2

what is heat exhaustion, what does it look like, how is it treated. who is lost at risk

Answer 2

increase in core body temperature. looks like profuse sweating, lightheadedness or dizziness, tiredness, confusion, nausea, weak pulse, or paleness. to treat remove from sun, give fluid with electrolytes. if necessary, transport to hospital for iv fluids. elderly, infants, people with preexisting medical conditions

Question 3

what is heat stroke, what does it look like, how to treat

Answer 3

dangerously high body temps. lack of sweating, red and hot skin, fast rise in temperature. could cause confusion, decreased LOR, lethargy, or unconsciousness. treated by removing from heat, call 911, provide fluids if conscious and be prepared for vomiting. cool the patient by wetting the skin and using a fan to mimic sweat. remove clothes and use cool compresses on pulse points

Question 4

what is the risk factor associated with heat strokw

Answer 4

patients are at an increased risk of seizure when their body temperature rises to 103 degrees or above

Question 5

what is frostbite

Answer 5

a localized cold emergency where superficial blood vessels constrict and limit circulation meaning tissue is unable to warm up and may freeze, leading to gangrene (tissue death)

Question 6

what does the superficial stage of frostbite look like

Answer 6

pale skin that reddens or dark skin that turns pale. lack of feeling or numbness

Question 7

what does the deep stage of frostbite look like

Answer 7

skin with waxy, white color. firm to the touch, mottled or blotchy, swollen or blistered. might be black or purple

Question 8

how do you treat frostbite

Answer 8

remove the patient from cold and stabilize the injury. remove wet or constricting items, in deep cases cover with a dry cloth. to rewarm superficial frostbite, submerge in lukewarm water.

Question 9

what is hypothermia and what might cause a patient to be predisposed

Answer 9

lower than normal body temperature. underlying medical conditions, drug or alcohol use, traumatic injury, age of patient

Question 10

signs of the early stages of hypothermia

Answer 10

shivering, clumsiness, confusion

Question 11

signs of late stages of hypothermia

Answer 11

no shivering, decreased LOR, lethargy, confusion, stiffness, unconsciousness

Question 12

how do you treat hypothermia

Answer 12

remove from cold, remove wet clothing, keep patient still and monitor vitals. use heat packs and cover with blanket.

Question 13

what do you do if a patient is hypothermic with no pulse

Answer 13

do CPR and use an AED until the body is warmed

Question 14

what is the definition of drowning. what are the stages?

Answer 14

suffocation due to water in the lungs which prevents gas exchange. panic, fatigue, inefficient breathing, laryngospasm caused by small amounts of water hitting the larynx, and then respiratory arrest causing cardiac arrest

Question 15

what is a submersion injury

Answer 15

injury to the lungs after drowning, which may have occurred even if the patient has been resuscitated

Question 16

how do you treat drowning

Answer 16

if the patient is breathing, place them in rescue position. if not, perform CPR. they must be transported even if they are resuscitated on scene.

Question 17

how do you safely rescue a person

Answer 17

reach, throw, row, go (for help)

Question 18

what are the risks of getting struck by lightning

Answer 18

it can cause cardiac arrest or arrhythmias

Question 19

how to treat lightning strikes

Answer 19

check LOR, CAB, and be prepared to give CPR or use an AED. patient must be transported to hospital.