Medical Emergencies Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering medical emergency equipment, medications, procedures, and conditions ranging from burns to cardiovascular events.

Crash cart

An emergency supply container that must be checked monthly to verify expiration dates and ensure no supplies are missing.

Laryngoscope

A device with a curved or straight blade and a light source used to assist in the insertion of an endotracheal tube.

Endotracheal (ET) Tube

A tube used for airway management; adult sizes are typically cuffed and range from $7.5$ to $8.5$, while children's sizes are uncuffed and range from $2.5$ to $3.5$.

Stylet

A metal or flexible plastic wire inserted into the ET tube to create a firm, curved shape for easier insertion; it is removed once the tube is in place.

Ambu-bag

A device attached to an ET tube with oxygen tubing used for manual administration of rescue breathing.

Defibrillator

A device with two handheld paddles or portable pads that delivers an electrical shock to the heart muscle to restore a normal heartbeat.

Amiodarone

A crash cart medication used to slow the heart rate ($HR$).

Atropine

A crash cart medication used to increase the heart rate ($HR$).

Epinephrine

A medication used to stimulate the heart; it acts as both a vasoconstrictor and a bronchial relaxant.

Glucagon

A hormone that stimulates the liver to release glucose into the blood during diabetic emergencies.

Naloxone

A crash cart medication used to block or reverse the effects of an opioid.

Nitroglycerin

A medication that acts as a vasodilator, often used during cardiovascular emergencies.

Broselow tape

A color-coded measuring tape placed from the top of the head to the heel of a child to determine appropriate equipment sizes and medication doses.

Hypothermia

A cold-related emergency where the body's core temperature drops below $95^{\text{ degrees Fahrenheit}}$; severe cases occur below $82^{\text{ degrees Fahrenheit}}$.

Heat Stroke

A serious heat-related illness where the body is unable to sweat or cool down, resulting in a temperature greater than $103^{\text{ degrees Fahrenheit}}$.

First-degree burn

A superficial injury to the epidermis characterized by erythema (redness).

Second-degree burn

A partial-thickness injury to the epidermis resulting in blisters and possible scarring.

Third-degree burn

A full-thickness injury involving the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, characterized by deep red, brown, gray, or black eschar and a lack of pain due to nerve damage.

Rule of nines

A method used by healthcare providers to estimate the percentage of total burn surface area on a patient's body.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction with symptoms such as dyspnea, throat swelling, palpitations, and shock.

Hypoglycemia symptoms

Signs of low blood sugar including blurry vision, palpitations, irritability, headache, shaking, and sweating.

Hyperglycemic symptoms

Signs of high blood sugar including polydipsia, polyuria, nausea, dry mouth, and shortness of breath.

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Also known as a stroke; types include ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack ($TIA$).

FAST

Acronym for stroke assessment: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call $911$.

Hyperventilation

Rapid and deep overbreathing; first aid focuses on raising the carbon dioxide level in the blood.

Syncope

The medical term for fainting or passing out.

Myocardial infarction (MI)

Commonly known as a heart attack; symptoms include chest pain, cold sweats, and heartburn.

Recovery Position

A lateral position used for unconscious patients to keep the airway clear and prevent choking by supporting the head and using the knee to prevent rolling.