EMT Phase 6 Quick Study Sheet: Neurology, Abdominal Emergencies, and Allergic Reactions

Flashcards covering EMT Phase 6 review topics, including neurology, seizures, stroke, abdominal emergencies, GI bleeding types, allergic reactions, and essential assessment clues.

What is the clinical distinction between tonic and clonic seizure activity?

Tonic refers to continuous stiffening, while clonic refers to rhythmic jerking.

What characterizes the postictal phase following a seizure?

It is the recovery phase, characterized by confusion or sleepiness.

What is an absence seizure, and what was its older clinical term?

It involves a brief staring spell or lapse in awareness; its older term is petit mal.

How is status epilepticus defined?

A seizure lasting $\ge 5\text{ minutes}$ OR repeated seizures occurring without recovery in between.

What is the immediate priority after a patient experiences a seizure?

Protect the airway.

What do the letters in the AVPU scale represent?

Alert, Voice, Pain, and Unresponsive.

What is the total Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score for a patient who opens eyes to voice ($3$), makes incomprehensible sounds ($2$), and localizes pain ($5$)?

The total GCS score is $10$.

What underlying etiology should be suspected if a patient experiences a racing heart prior to fainting (syncope)?

A cardiac cause.

What are the key presentation clues for a stroke?

Sudden facial droop, speech difficulty, one-sided weakness, severe headache, and possible vomiting.

What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), and why does it require emergency evaluation?

A TIA consists of temporary stroke-like deficits that resolve; it remains an emergency because repeated episodes warn of stroke risk.

How do thrombosis, embolism, and hemorrhage differ in neurological emergencies?

Thrombosis is a clot that forms locally, an embolism is a clot that travels, and hemorrhage is active bleeding.

What do the neurological terms dysphasia/aphasia, paresthesia, and hemiplegia mean?

Dysphasia/aphasia is language difficulty, paresthesia is tingling, and hemiplegia is one-sided paralysis.

What does drooling indicate in a stroke patient, and what intervention is required?

Drooling suggests difficulty handling secretions; the airway must be protected.

What environmental comfort measure should be provided to a patient with a severe headache?

Dim the lights and watch for vomiting.

Where is pain from the gallbladder typically located, where does it radiate, and what commonly triggers it?

It presents as upper-right abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder, often occurring after eating fatty food.

What are the definitions of cholecystitis and peritonitis?

Cholecystitis is an inflamed gallbladder, and peritonitis is inflammation of the abdominal lining.

Where does pain from the appendix usually present?

Lower-right abdominal pain.

What condition should be suspected when a patient presents with sudden severe belly/back pain accompanied by shock?

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

What diagnosis should be considered if a patient presents with no stool along with serious illness or signs of shock?

Bowel obstruction.

What is the recommended position of comfort for abdominal pain, and how does side positioning assist with vomiting?

Side-lying with knees flexed provides comfort, while the side position helps protect the airway during vomiting.

How are hematemesis, melena, hematochezia, and hematuria defined?

Hematemesis is vomiting blood; melena is black, tarry stool (usually upper GI); hematochezia is red/maroon rectal blood (usually lower GI); hematuria is blood in urine.

What atypical bleeding patterns can cause melena and hematochezia?

Slow bleeding from the right colon can cause melena, while brisk upper GI bleeding can cause hematochezia.

What constitutes anaphylaxis, and what signs following exposure suggest it?

A life-threatening allergic reaction affecting airway, breathing, or circulation, suggested by exposure accompanied by tongue swelling, wheezing, weak rapid pulse, or collapse.

What must be reassessed immediately following the administration of epinephrine?

Reassess airway, air movement/lung sounds, blood pressure (BP), and pulse.

What atypical signs may indicate a heart attack occurring without chest pain?

Sweating, gray/pale skin, weakness, and breathing difficulty.

What clinical issue should be suspected and assessed in a vomiting child presenting with lethargy and a fast pulse?

Suspect dehydration and assess for shock.

At what angle should a patient's upper body be elevated when assessing for Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)?

Elevated about $45^\circ$.

When should the EMT check for a medical ID during patient management?

Look for a medical ID after addressing immediate ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) needs.

What is the proper protocol regarding the painful area when conducting a physical exam?

Explain exams beforehand and palpate or assess the painful area last.

How do pupils normally react to bright light?

Pupils constrict.