Medical Emergencies

Pulmonary Embolus

Blood Clot in Lung

Thrombus

Blood clot that has formed within a vessel

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein

Hirschsprung’s Disease

Involves the large intestine. Patients have problems passing stool.

Hepatitis

Liver Disease

Intussusception

when part of the bowel telescopes into the adjacent bowel

Ascites

Large amount of fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Diverticulosis

Pouches or sacs in the Colon

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the abdominal cavity

Pneumothorax

Air enters the pleural space

Atelectasis

Left bronchial is blocked causing a partial collapse of the lung

Tracheotomy

Surgically opening the trachea to free the air passageway

Bronchial Asthma

a hypersensitivity to various allergens

Aphasia

Loss of Speech

Compound Fracture

When a fracture fragment has broken through the skin

Venous Catheter

Used to administer nutrition and long term chemotherapy

MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet

Provides direction for handling precautions, safe use of the
product, cleanup, and disposal of biohazardous materials. Located in the Department.

Neutropenia

Have a decrease in white blood cell count resulting in an increase in vulnerability to
infections. This patient will use a form of isolation called "reverse isolation".

Syncope

Fainting

Shock Symptom

Accelerated pulse; cool, clammy, pale skin, systolic blood pressure less than 30 mm
Hg – Body’s pathological reaction to illness, trauma, or severe physiologic or emotional stress. Patient should be placed in a Trendelenburg position

Hypovolemic Shock

Due to loss of blood or tissue fluid

Anaphylaxis Shock

Allergic reaction to foreign proteins – Contrast Reactions

Cardiogenic Shock

Due to cardiac disorders (Failure of the heart to pump enough blood to the orans.)

Distributive Shock

Due to the bold vessels inability to constrict and assist in the return of blood to the
heart. (3 types of Distributive shock)

Obstructive Shock

Due to pathological conditions that interfere with the normal pumping action of
the heart. Prevents blood from flowing from the cardiovascular system.

Anaphylactic Shock Mild

Itching, Sneezing, Nasal congestion, tightness of the chest

Anaphylactic Shock Moderate

Edema of the airway and Dyspnea, cough and wheezing and symptoms of the mild
reaction too.

Anaphylactic Shock Severe

Decreased BP, Seizures, Cardiac Arrest, Dysphasia

Medications for Anaphylactic Shock

Epinephrine, Hydrocortisone, Aminophylline, Diphenhydramine

Diabetes

A chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. Caused by insufficient production of insulin
and inadequate utilization of insulin.

Hypoglycemia

Too much insulin in body tissue

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Not enough insulin in body tissue

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome

coma

Stroke

Caused by occlusion of the blood supply to the brain or rupture of a cerebral artery.

Symptoms of Stroke

Muscle weakness of face or extremity usually on one side of the body.
Confusion, difficult speech and demonstrated by CT

Hemorrhagic Stroke

When a blood vessel ruptures

Cardiac Arrest

When the heart fails to beat effectively. Call 911 – Could be due to an occluded
Coronary Artery

Respiratory Arrest

Noisy and labored breathing, Diaphoresis (Excessive sweating)
Cyanosis of lips and nail beds

Airway Obstruction

Caused by a foreign object which blocks the main bronchi

Seizure

Abrupt alteration of the brain function

Orthostatic Hypotension

When the blood pressure drops as when a person stands up.

Beneficence

All acts must be meant to attain a good result or to be beneficial. The radiographer
must always plan patient care to ensure safe outcomes and avoid harmful consequences

Autonomy

The patient has a right to make their own healthcare decisions without external pressures.

Tort

Involves personal injury or damage resulting in civil action.