Health Science I First Aid Review

Health Sci I

Syncope

A temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain causing fainting.

Contusion

A closed wound characterized by bleeding underneath the skin, commonly known as a bruise.

Abrasion

An open wound caused by skin rubbing or scraping against a rough surface.

Laceration

An open wound that produces jagged, irregular, or torn tissue edges.

Incision

A clean, straight cut wound caused by a sharp instrument such as a scalpel or knife.

Puncture wound

A deep, narrow open wound caused by a pointed object, such as a needle or nail.

Avulsion

A wound in which body tissue is torn completely away or left hanging as a flap.

Five signs of wound infection

Redness, warmth to the touch, edema (swelling), pus, and an elevated temperature of $101^\circ\text{F}$ or higher.

Tetanus (Lockjaw)

A severe bacterial infection affecting the central nervous system that causes painful muscle contractions.

Initial priority in severe bleeding control

Apply firm direct pressure to the wound and elevate the injured extremity above the heart.

Four stages of external bleeding management

1. Apply direct pressure and elevate; 2. Pack the wound with gauze; 3. Apply a pressure bandage; 4. Compress pressure points or apply a tourniquet.

Proper handling of an amputated body part

Wrap the part in a cool, moist sterile dressing, seal it in a plastic bag, and place that bag inside an ice container (never place tissue directly on ice).

Two cardinal clinical signs of shock

Pale skin and cool, clammy skin.

Contraindications for inducing vomiting in poisoning

Victim is unconscious, having seizures/convulsions, has swallowed acids or alkalis, has ingested petroleum products, or shows burns on lips or mouth.

Grand Mal Seizure

A severe generalized convulsion often marked by tongue bleeding, body stiffness, and loss of bladder control.

Diabetic Coma (Hyperglycemia)

A critical condition caused by an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, often identifiable by fruity-smelling breath.

Insulin Shock (Hypoglycemia)

A medical crisis triggered by abnormally low blood sugar, treated emergently with a sweetened drink or fast-acting sugar.

Trendelenburg position

A supine position where the legs are elevated above the level of the heart, used to support circulation during shock or syncope.

First-degree burn

A superficial burn involving only the outer epidermis, characterized by redness and mild pain without blistering.

Second-degree burn

A partial-thickness burn affecting the epidermis and dermis, marked by intense pain, erythema, and blister formation.

Third-degree burn

A full-thickness burn extending through all dermal layers into underlying tissue, often painless at the center due to nerve destruction.

Immediate first aid for a minor burn

Flush or cool the affected area under clean, cool running water for $10$ to $20\,\text{minutes}$, avoiding butter or heavy ointments.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

A toxic inhalation injury caused by an odorless, colorless gas that prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen.

Heat stroke

A life-threatening hyperthermic emergency caused by prolonged high-temperature exposure leading to the breakdown of the body temperature regulation system.

Sprain vs. Strain

A sprain involves torn or stretched ligaments, whereas a strain is the overstretching or tearing of muscle or tendon fibers.

Dislocation

A joint injury where the articular end of a bone is forced out of its normal anatomical position.

RICE protocol

An acute injury treatment acronym: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, applied to sprains and strains.

Myocardial Infarction

A heart attack caused by an obstruction of blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A stroke resulting from an interruption of blood supply to the brain via a clot (ischemic) or vascular rupture (hemorrhagic).

Chain of Survival components

1. Early recognition and 911 activation; 2. Early CPR focused on chest compressions; 3. Rapid defibrillation with an AED; 4. Advanced cardiac life support; 5. Post-cardiac arrest care.

CAB sequence

The standard resuscitation priority order: Circulation (compressions), Airway, and Breathing.

Implied consent

The legal assumption that an unconscious, incapacitated, or critically ill person would consent to receive emergency care.

Fowler's positions and bed angles

Semi-upright to seated positioning: High Fowler's at $90^\circ$ (for respiratory distress), Semi-Fowler's at $45^\circ$, and Low Fowler's at $25^\circ$.

Prone position

Lying face down on the abdomen with the head turned to one side.

Supine position

Lying horizontally flat on the back facing upward.

Sims' (Left Lateral) position

Lying on the left side with the right knee flexed toward the chest, commonly used for rectal procedures and examinations.

Choking modification for pregnant or obese individuals

Administer chest thrusts in place of standard abdominal thrusts.

Tourniquet application guidelines

Secure the band $2$ to $3\,\text{inches}$ proximal to the wound on an extremity, never directly over an anatomical joint.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, rapid-onset, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction.