MSAT 201: Exam 3 Flashcards (final)

Supine Hypotensive Syndrome

- Occurs in pregnant women when lying flat compresses the inferior vena cava.

- Reduces blood return to the heart → lowers cardiac output → hypotension.

- Symptoms: dizziness, nausea, pallor, hypotension.

- Treatment: position patient on left side to relieve pressure.

Angina

Chest pain from ischemia; relieved by rest/nitro.

Heart Attack

• a.k.a myocardial infarction

• S&S: crushing chest pain, nausea, SOB, nausea, diaphoresis

• treat with oxygen, aspirin, transport, and prepare for CPR if needed

CHF

• congestive heart failure

• fluid overload & crackles

• treat with upright position and oxygen

Arrhythmia

palpitations and syncope

monitor vitals and transport

MI presents atypically in TWO populations

women

diabetics

AED

automated external defribllator

analyzes heart rhtym and delivers shock for ventricular fibrillation or pulseless V-tach

use ASAP in cardiac arrest

resume CPR immediately after shock

Blood Flow Thru Heart

RA → RV → lungs (via pulmonary artery) → LA → LV → body (via aorta).

Valves of the Heart

tricuspid

pulmonary

mitral

aortic

Pulmonary Circulation Occurs on Which Side

right

Systemic Circulation Occurs on Which Side

left

Oxygenated blood returns from lungs to

left atrium

Cardiological Medications

aspirin

nitroglycerin

epinephrine

oxygen

Cardiology Medications: Aspirin

 adult dose 324 mg PO; reduces clotting

Cardiology Medications: Nitroglycerin

For chest pain; sublingual; lowers BP; contraindicated in hypotension

Cardiology Medications: Epinephrine

 In cardiac arrest or anaphylaxis; IM or IV; increases HR and BP

Cardiology Medications: Oxygen

If SpO₂ < 94% or signs of hypoxia

Decreased Responsiveness

Causes: hypoxia, hypoglycemia, stroke, seizure, trauma, drugs.

Assess ABCs, check glucose and pupils, AVPU/GCS.

Manage airway, give oxygen, consider transport to stroke center.

Seizure

S&S: convulsions, incontinence, postictal state.

Protect patient, clear area, do not restrain; monitor ABCs.

Stroke

S&S: facial droop, arm drift, slurred speech (FAST exam).

Ischemic most common; hemorrhagic may involve headache or vomiting

FAST

• F - Face drooping: Check for facial asymmetry.

• A - Arm weakness: See if one arm is weak or drifts downwards when raised.

• S - Speech difficulty: Listen for slurred speech or inability to speak clearly.

• T - Time to call 911: Emphasizes the importance of immediate action.

Headache

Can be benign (migraine, tension) or serious (stroke, meningitis).

Red flags: sudden onset, "worst headache," neuro deficits.

Treatment: supportive care, pain management, rule out stroke.

AVPU Scale

Alert, Verbal, Painful, Unresponsive

Quick way to assess LOC across all age groups

Infants may not verbalize —- assess alertness by responsiveness to environment

Positioning of Stroke Patients

Position semi-Fowler’s unless hypotensive

Protect airway, prevent aspiration

Do not give anything by mouth

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Eye (4), Verbal (5), Motor (6) = max 15, min 3

Used for trauma, stroke, seizure, altered LOC

DKA

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

fruity breath, altered mental status, dehydration

hyperglycemia with acidosis

Blood Glucometry

used for altered mental status or diabetic patients

normal range: 80-120 mg/dL

<80 = hypoglycemia , >120 = hyperglycemia

Polyphagia, Polydipsia, and Polyuria are signs of

diabetes

Polyphagia

excessive hunger

Polydipsia

excessive thirst

Polyuria

excessive urination

Kussmaul’s Respirations

deep, rapid breathing

seen in DKA

Hypoglycemia

S&S: confusion, combativeness, diaphoresis, rapid pulse, seizures

Hyperglycemia

Long-term: wounds don’t heal, numbness, blindness.

Acute: dehydration, lethargy, fruity breath, rapid breathing.

Components of Blood

RBCs: Carry oxygen.

WBCs: Fight infection.

Platelets: Help with clotting.

Plasma: Liquid that carries cells/nutrients.

Oral Glucose

used for hypoglycemic patients

three forms: gel, tablets, or liquid

contraindication: unresponsive or cannot swallow

side effects: nausea & risk of aspiration

Narcotics

Depress central nervous system and respiratory drive.

Common examples: heroin, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone.

Risk of overdose and respiratory arrest.

Pupils typically pinpoint.

S&S of OD

Slow, shallow, or absent respirations.

Altered mental status or unresponsiveness.

Pinpoint pupils.

Bradycardia, cyanosis, possible needle marks.

Ingestion

Sources: cleaners, meds, plants, food, chemicals.

S&S: mouth burns, GI pain, vomiting, seizures.

Monitor airway and breathing, gather history (what/when/how much)

Absorption

Chemicals absorbed through skin (e.g., pesticides).

S&S: rash, burns, dizziness, systemic symptoms.

Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with water.

Carbon Monoxide Overdose

Odorless, colorless gas → binds to hemoglobin.

S&S: headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, cherry-red skin (late).

Use CO detector or suspect if multiple people sick indoors.

Treat with high-flow oxygen, rapid transport.

Accidental Poisoning Common in What Age Group

Under Age 6

Delirium

acute confusion, disorientation, often due to medical issue

often has medical cause

Agitation

restlessness, aggressive behavior, usually from mental or substance issues

may be psychiatric or drug-related

Anaphylaxis

Life-threatening allergic reaction affecting airway, breathing, circulation

S&S: hives, swelling (angioedema), wheezing, stridor, hypotension

May also cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Allergic Reaction

Immune response to allergen: pollen, food, insect bite, etc.

S&S: itching, rash, hives, watery eyes, sneezing.

Treatment: remove allergen if possible, monitor for escalation.

Antihistamines may help in minor cases.

Referred Pain

 Pain felt at a location other than the source.

Example: MI causing jaw or arm pain; gallbladder pain felt in shoulder.

Caused by shared nerve pathways.

Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra, often due to infection.

S&S: burning urination, urgency, discharge.

May be sexually transmitted.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Infection of bladder, urethra, or kidneys.

S&S: painful urination, frequent urge, cloudy/foul urine, fever.

Can cause confusion in elderly.

Renal Calculi

a.k.a Kidney Stones

Crystals formed in kidneys, can obstruct urine flow.

S&S: severe flank or abdominal pain, hematuria, nausea.

Pain may radiate to groin; patient often writhing.

Melena

black, tarry stool → upper GI bleed

Hematochezia

bright red blood in stool → lower GI bleed

Gall Bladder

Stores and concentrates bile.

Releases bile to aid in fat digestion.

Spleen

Found in LUQ & no digestive role

Filters blood, recycles RBCs, supports immune function

Kidneys

Filter blood, produce urine

Regulate fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance

Appendix

Small pouch near junction of small and large intestines.

No known vital function, may become inflamed (appendicitis)

Large Intestine

Absorbs water from stool.

Forms and stores feces.

Small Intestine

Major site for nutrient absorption.

Receives digestive enzymes from pancreas and bile from liver.

Liver

Produces bile, processes nutrients.

Detoxifies blood and stores glucose.

Stomach

Main digestive organ.

Breaks down food with acid and enzymes.

Meaning of Suffix: “-itis”

inflammation