Chapter 53: Emergencies in the Medical Office and the Community (FLASHCARDS)

When a patient expires in the office, who is typically notified to pick up the body for postmortem examination?

coroner

When a patient goes into cardiac arrest, each minute of ventricular fibrillation results in an approximate ___ percent decrease in survival.

10

When a patient goes into cardiac arrest, CPR is necessary ____ using an AED.

before and after

A subtle condition is one that:

is hidden, not apparent, and treacherous

When injuries are ____, multiple sites are usually involved and considerable medical attention is required.

severe

When patients experience diaphoresis, they are in danger of losing a large amount of:

body salt

Bleeding from a vein will produce:

a steady flow of dark red blood

An abdominal thrust is used to relieve an obstructed airway in adults and children over the age of:

one year

Trained personnel usually provided by the police and/or fire departments:

first responders

This should include guidelines to follow when dealing with emergencies

office policy manual

Total, abrupt, and unexpected loss of heart function is called:

sudden cardiac arrest

Used in addition to CPR if the heart is in arrest

automated external defibrillator (AED)

Mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing is called:

artificial respiration

Any situation in which an individual suddenly becomes ill or has an injury or circumstances calling for decided action is called a(n):

medical emergency

Contains the supplies and equipment necessary to handle medical emergencies that may arise in the medical office

crash cart

Required to establish the cause of death that is recorded on the death certificate if the patient has not been examined by a provider within a fairly recent time frame

autopsy

Designed by the American Medical Association as a way for individuals with certain medical conditions to alert health care workers of their conditions when they are unable to

universal emergency medical identification symbol

Pads placed on a patient’s chest when using an AED

electrodes

device placed around the nose when administering oxygen to a patient

nasal cannula

Excessive, uncontrolled bleeding is termed:

hemorrhage

Performed to remove an object that has been dislodged from a patient’s airway but has not been expelled from the mouth

finger sweep

Medical term for fainting

syncope

condition that causes a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries

atherosclerosis

Result of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain or an occlusion of a blood vessel

cerebrovascular accident

Medical term for a heart attack

myocardial infarction

Occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in a dangerously low body temperature

hypothermia

Severe, involuntary contraction of muscles that first causes a patient to become rigid and then to have uncontrollable movements

seizure

A strong-smelling inhalant used to revive a person who has fainted

ammonia

An abnormal deep stupor from which a person cannot be aroused by external stimuli

coma

To exert force against/press against

compression

A combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Condition that continues for a long time, is returning; or is not acute

chronic

condition having a rapid onset, severe symptoms, and short course

acute

The path that air follows to get into and out of the lungs

airway

Extreme fatigue is termed:

exhaustion

A group that provides out-of-hospital acute medical care and/or transport to definitive care to patients experiencing a medical emergency

emergency medical services (EMS)

Painful, brief muscle cramps that occur during exercise or work in a hot environment; muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily

heat cramps

Profuse sweating is called:

diaphoresis

Severe condition caused by impairment of the body’s temperature-regulating abilities, resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive heat and characterized by cessation of sweating, severe headache, high fever, hot dry skin, and in serious cases collapse and coma

heat stroke

Sudden reddish coloration of the skin is called:

erythema

An unexpected occurrence or situation demanding immediate action

emergency

A complication of diabetes that occurs when the body cannot use sugar (glucose) as a fuel source because the body has no insulin or not enough insulin, and fat is used instead

diabetic ketoacidosis

A condition where localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold

frostbite

Any injury, physical or mental is termed:

trauma

anything requiring immediate attention is:

urgent

Happening without warning or in a short space of time

sudden

Increase of blood sugar, as in diabetes

hyperglycemia

Insertion of a tube into the larynx for entrance of air

intubation

Deficiency of sugar in the blood

hypoglycemia

A substance that, if taken internally or applied externally, is a threat to life

poison

Used to describe diseases or conditions where the likelihood of death is high

life-threatening

A condition of excess insulin or lack of blood sugar

insulin shock

The CPR procedure is easily remembered by applying the A-B-Cs. Correctly identify the A-B-C in CPR.

airway, breathing, circulation

True or False The primary goal of CPR is to maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until normal heart rhythm can be restored.

True

True or False Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are only used by trained physicians and should not be operated by medical assistants.

False

True or False A stroke (CVA) may present with symptoms such as facial drooping, inability to move an arm, or slurred speech.

True

True or False Emergency evacuation plans should include procedures for assisting patients with limited mobility or special needs.

True

True or False During a medical office emergency, the first priority is to secure the building before assisting patients.

False

True or False A myocardial infarction (heart attack) can present with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and radiating pain to the arm or jaw.

True

True or False The Heimlich maneuver is used for patients who are unconscious and not breathing

False

True or False Emergency preparedness in the medical office includes having posted evacuation routes, designated assembly areas, and staff roles

True

True or False CPR can be remembered by the A-B-C steps: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

True

True or False Emotional effects such as anxiety, confusion, or panic are common among both patients and staff during emergencies

True