Emergencies in the Medical Office and the Community

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering medical office emergency procedures, common conditions (Cardiac, Diabetic, Heat-related), and CPR/AED guidelines as described in Michelle Blesi's Medical Assisting, 10e.

Medical emergency

Any situation in which an individual suddenly becomes ill or injured or in circumstances calling for decided action.

Syncope

A brief episode of unconsciousness, commonly known as fainting.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A condition caused by an increased amount of sugar in the blood, characterized by symptoms such as extreme thirst, confusion, nausea, dry and flushed skin, and fruity breath.

Insulin Shock

A condition caused by an excess amount of insulin in the blood, leading to symptoms like anxiety, hunger, diaphoresis, pale and moist skin, and possible seizures.

Myocardial infarction

The medical term for a heart attack, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Heatstroke

An emergency characterized by a red, dry face, hot and dry skin, an elevated temperature, and a rapid pulse.

Heat Exhaustion

A condition where the victim's face is pale, cool, and moist with skin that is cool and clammy; treated by placing the patient in a recumbent position with the head lowered.

Heat Cramps

Muscle cramps and exhaustion resulting from long-time exposure to heat and diaphoresis causing depletion of water.

Arterial Hemorrhage

Bleeding characterized by bright red blood that comes out in spurts; can be fatal if it involves a large artery.

Venous Hemorrhage

Bleeding characterized by dark red blood in a steady flow.

Capillary Hemorrhage

Steady oozing of blood that often clots spontaneously.

Seizures

Severe involuntary contraction of muscles that causes the patient to become rigid followed by uncontrollable movements; also called convulsions.

Cerebrovascular accident

The medical term for a stroke, which results from a ruptured artery or occlusion.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)

The total, abrupt, and unexpected loss of heart function.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

A device used to analyze heart rhythm and recognize shockable rhythms, permitting life-saving intervention through lights, text, and voice prompts.

Adult Chest Compression Depth

$\text{At least } 2\,\text{inches}$ ($5\,\text{cm}$) but no more than $2.4\,\text{inches}$ ($6\,\text{cm}$).

CPR Compression Rate

$\text{At least } 100-120/min$.

Adult Compression to Ventilation Ratio

$30:2$ for either $1$ or $2$ rescuers.

Mandible

The jaw bone, where pain may radiate during a heart attack.

Ischemic Stroke treatment

An injection with a clot-dissolving drug, following a CT scan interpretation.

Diaphoresis

Profuse perspiration, often observed in insulin shock or heart attacks.

Ambu bag

A handheld tool used to provide positive pressure ventilation to a patient who is not breathing or not breathing adequately.

Ventilation rate with Advanced Airway

$1$ breath every $2-3\,\text{seconds}$ ($20-30\,\text{breaths/min}$).