Emergency Medical Services Respiratory Assessment & Medical Emergencies Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key EMS clinical concepts, respiratory sounds, toxicology, behavioral management, GI emergencies, renal conditions, and opioid toxicity.

Stridor

High-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration, caused by upper airway obstruction in the larynx or trachea.

Wheezing

High-pitched musical sound, usually heard on expiration, caused by narrowed lower airways (bronchi/bronchioles).

Crackles (Rales)

Fine, wet crackling sounds like velcro being pulled apart, caused by air passing through fluid-filled or collapsed alveoli.

Ronchi

Low-pitched, continuous rumbling sounds caused by air passing through airways with thick secretions.

Gurgling

Wet, bubbling sound from the upper airway caused by fluid or secretions in the mouth, pharynx, or upper trachea, requiring immediate suctioning.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs' air sacs (alveoli), most commonly caused by heart failure.

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing when lying flat.

Activated Charcoal

A substance that binds to toxins in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent absorption into the bloodstream, most effective within 1-2 hours of ingestion.

Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb)

A compound created when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin 200x stronger than oxygen, preventing oxygen transport to tissues.

Therapeutic Reassurance

A communication strategy in behavioral emergencies where the provider acknowledges the patient's feelings without arguing with their hallucinations.

Positional Asphyxia

A dangerous restriction of breathing caused by restraining a patient in the prone position; avoided by restraining patients strictly in the supine position.

Coffee Ground Emesis

Vomit with a coffee-ground appearance, caused by stomach acid partially digesting blood from upper GI bleeding.

Melena

Dark, tarry, foul-smelling stools caused by digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A life-threatening condition where a pregnancy develops outside the uterus (usually in the fallopian tube), presenting with lower abdominal pain, missed period, and vaginal bleeding.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas causing severe, constant epigastric pain that radiates to the shoulder and back, often relieved when the patient leans forward.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder presenting with right upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder/back, often triggered by fatty meals.

Hernia

Bulging of an internal organ through a muscle wall, which can become incarcerated or strangulated.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Weakening and bulging of the abdominal aorta that can cause massive internal hemorrhage; characterized by sudden severe tearing back pain, uneven pulses, and a pulsatile abdominal mass.

Bruit

An abnormal sound heard over blood vessels using a stethoscope, indicating turbulent blood flow.

Thrill

A tangible vibration felt over a blood vessel site with turbulent blood flow.

Sickle Cell Disease

A genetic disorder affecting red blood cells, causing them to become crescent-shaped, fragile, and block blood vessels, leading to severe pain crises and organ damage.

Opioid Overdose Triad

The classic presentation of opioid toxicity consisting of: 1. Altered level of consciousness, 2. Depressed respirations, and 3. Pinpoint pupils.