Chapter 27

Medical Emergencies Review

Crash Cart

A rolling supply cart containing emergency equipment, checked monthly and used only in emergencies.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

An antihistamine used for allergic reactions and as a second-line drug for anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

A medication that increases heart muscle stimulation; used for anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and severe asthma.

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)

A soft flexible tube inserted in the nose to provide a patent airway, also known as a nasal trumpet.

Standard of Care

The level of care that a reasonably skilled healthcare professional would provide in similar circumstances.

Endotracheal Intubation

The procedure requiring a laryngoscope, ET tube, syringe, stylet, Ambu-bag, and stethoscope.

Intraosseous Needle

A needle inserted into the bone for IV fluids and medications when IV access is not possible.

Child Measurement Tape

A tool measuring children's length to determine medication dosages based on color categories.

Signs of Hypothermia

Symptoms include slurred speech, slow breathing, weak pulse, confusion, and cold skin.

Cold-Related Screening Questions

Questions about age, exposure duration, symptoms, and medical history.

Heat-Related Illness Risk Factors

Includes age extremes, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, medications, and alcohol use.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, cool skin, rapid pulse, fatigue, dizziness, nausea.

Causes of Burns

Burns can result from heat, cold, chemicals, sunlight, radiation, or electricity.

Second-Degree Burn

Also known as a partial-thickness burn, causing blisters and pain.

First-Degree Burn Symptoms

Include redness, tenderness, and sensitivity without scar formation.

First Aid for Major Burns

Seek medical attention, do not remove stuck clothing, monitor breathing, raise the affected area.

Body Surface Area for Burns

Child's back is 18%, left leg and foot is 13.5%.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, nausea, and unusual odors.

Epinephrine Injection

Administer IM in vastus lateralis; repeat every 5 to 10 minutes if necessary.

Bite Screening Questions

Include inquiries about the animal, allergies, wound appearance, and breathing difficulties.

Diseases Spread by Ticks

Include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, and Babesia infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Wounds

For fang punctures, bleeding, dirty wounds, or infections.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Causes

Results from insufficient insulin, excessive carbohydrates, illness, or illegal drug use.

First Aid for Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Call 911, monitor airway and pulse, and perform CPR if needed.

Treating Hypoglycemia

Give fruit juice, soda, glucose tablets, or glucagon subcutaneously or IM.

First Aid for Vertigo

Sit or lie down, avoid sudden changes, and increase fluid intake.

Ischemic Stroke

Occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, causing brain cells to die.

Cerebrovascular Accident Symptoms

Include confusion, speech difficulty, numbness, trouble walking, and severe headache.

Partial Airway Obstruction Signs

Include weak or forceful coughing, noisy breathing, and panic appearance.

Total Airway Obstruction Signs

Clutching throat, inability to breathe, cry, or speak; bluish skin color.

First Aid Actions for Shock

Call 911, check responsiveness, monitor vital signs, and raise legs if no head/neck injuries.

Chest Pain Protocol in Care Facility

Bring the patient to an exam room, notify provider, and start aspirin and nitroglycerin.

Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction

Include angina, discomfort in arms, back, or jaw, shortness of breath, and cold sweat.

Infant Airway Assessment Position

Open the airway by tilting the head to a neutral position.

Checking Pulse on an Infant

Feel for the brachial pulse on the inside upper arm.

Rescue Breathing for Children

Give 1 breath every 2-3 seconds.

Adult CPR Compressions and Ventilations

30 compressions to 2 ventilations ratio.

CPR Protocol for Adults

Check responsiveness, open airway, check pulse, and give chest compressions.

Atropine Uses

Increases heart rate, used for bradycardia.

Diazepam (Valium) Uses

Used for seizures and agitation by affecting brain chemicals.

Naloxone Uses

Blocks or reverses opioid effects; used for opioid overdoses.

Nitroglycerin Uses

A vasodilator used for congestive heart failure and angina.

Frostbite Symptoms

Pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, hard skin, and blisters.

Third-Degree Burn Symptoms

No pain due to destroyed nerve endings; skin appears charred or pale.

Second-Degree Burn Effects

Causes redness, blisters, and significant pain.

Hypovolemic Shock Causes

Due to heavy bleeding or dehydration, leading to low blood volume.

Eye Chemical Exposure First Aid

Flush with cool water for 15 minutes while protecting the other eye.

Lung Chemical Exposure Response

Move the person to fresh air immediately.