NREMT Medical and Trauma Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering signs, symptoms, and emergency medical treatments across cardiac, respiratory, neurological, endocrine, shock, trauma, pediatric, obstetric, and toxicological emergencies according to NREMT guidelines.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) / Myocardial Infarction (MI)

A cardiac condition characterized by chest pressure/pain, radiating arm/jaw pain, sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath; treated with rest, aspirin if indicated and allowed by protocol, assisting with prescribed nitroglycerin if indicated, oxygen if hypoxemic, and rapid transport.

Angina

Chest pain or pressure often triggered by exertion that usually improves with rest or prescribed nitroglycerin; treated with rest, assisting with prescribed nitroglycerin if indicated, monitoring, and transport.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A condition presenting with shortness of breath, crackles, difficulty lying flat, and leg swelling; managed by placing the patient upright, providing oxygen if indicated, CPAP if appropriate and allowed, and rapid transport.

Pulmonary Edema

A condition characterized by severe respiratory distress, crackles, frothy sputum, and anxiety; managed by an upright position, oxygen if indicated, CPAP if appropriate, and rapid transport.

Cardiac Arrest

A life-threatening state where the patient is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no definite pulse; treated with CPR, AED as soon as possible, and following resuscitation protocols.

Hypertensive Emergency

A condition characterized by very high blood pressure accompanied by possible chest pain, severe headache, confusion, or shortness of breath; treated by supporting ABCs, monitoring, and rapid transport.

Aortic Aneurysm / Dissection

A cardiovascular emergency presenting with sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain, with possible shock; managed by keeping the patient still, supporting ABCs, and rapid transport.

Asthma

A respiratory condition presenting with wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and prolonged exhalation; managed by assisting with a prescribed inhaler, oxygen if indicated, and CPAP if appropriate and allowed.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A chronic respiratory condition characterized by chronic cough, wheezing, prolonged exhalation, and shortness of breath; managed with a position of comfort, oxygen titrated per protocol, assisting with a prescribed inhaler, and CPAP if appropriate.

Emphysema

A respiratory disease characterized by a barrel chest, prolonged exhalation, pursed-lip breathing, and shortness of breath; managed by supporting breathing, oxygen per protocol, and assisting with a prescribed inhaler.

Pneumonia

A respiratory infection presenting with fever, cough, sputum, crackles, and shortness of breath; treated by supporting ABCs, oxygen if indicated, and transport.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A blockage in pulmonary circulation presenting with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid pulse, and possible coughing blood; treated with oxygen if indicated and rapid transport.

Pneumothorax

An accumulation of air in the pleural space causing sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and decreased breath sounds on one side; treated with oxygen if indicated and rapid transport.

Tension Pneumothorax

A life-threatening chest condition presenting with severe respiratory distress, decreased breath sounds on one side, shock, and possible JVD; treated with immediate rapid transport and ALS, alongside ABC support.

Epiglottitis

An upper airway infection characterized by drooling, difficulty swallowing, fever, tripod position, muffled voice, and stridor; managed by avoiding throat inspection or agitation, allowing a position of comfort, providing oxygen if tolerated, and rapid transport.

Croup

A pediatric respiratory condition characterized by a barking cough, hoarse voice, and inspiratory stridor; treated by keeping the patient calm, providing a position of comfort, oxygen if indicated, and transport.

RSV / Bronchiolitis

A respiratory condition in infants presenting with wheezing, cough, rapid breathing, and feeding difficulty; managed by supporting breathing, suctioning visible secretions if needed and appropriate, and oxygen if indicated.

Hyperventilation

A state of rapid breathing presenting with dizziness, tingling in hands/mouth, and anxiety; managed by assessing for medical causes and coaching calm breathing, never using a paper bag.

Stroke / CVA

A neurological emergency presenting with facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and sudden vision or balance problems; treated by noting last-known-well time, supporting ABCs, and rapid stroke-center transport.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary neurological event presenting with stroke-like symptoms that resolve; managed by treating as an emergency with rapid transport.

Seizure

An episode of abnormal electrical brain activity presenting with convulsions, altered awareness, and possible incontinence or confusion afterward; managed by protecting from injury, not restraining, placing nothing in mouth, and managing the airway afterward.

Status Epilepticus

A seizure lasting about $5\text{ minutes}$ or longer, or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness; treated by protecting the airway, oxygen/ventilation as needed, ALS, and rapid transport.

Syncope

A brief loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery; treated by assessing ABCs, checking for causes, monitoring, and transporting as indicated.

Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

A neurological condition presenting with altered mental status, headache, vomiting, unequal pupils, and late signs of abnormal respirations; managed by maintaining ABCs, avoiding hypoxia, and rapid transport.

Meningitis

An infection presenting with fever, severe headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, and altered mental status; managed by supporting ABCs, using appropriate infection precautions, and rapid transport.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood glucose presenting with confusion, sweating, shakiness, weakness, and possible seizure or unconsciousness; treated with oral glucose only if awake and able to swallow, otherwise airway/ventilation support and ALS.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated blood glucose presenting with excessive thirst/urination, dehydration, weakness, and gradual altered mental status; treated by supporting ABCs, monitoring, and transport.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A complication of diabetes presenting with high glucose, dehydration, abdominal pain, vomiting, deep rapid Kussmaul respirations, and fruity breath; treated by supporting ABCs, oxygen if indicated, and rapid transport.

Anaphylaxis

A severe systemic allergic reaction presenting with difficulty breathing, wheezing/stridor, facial or tongue swelling, hives, and low blood pressure; treated by assisting with or administering epinephrine per protocol, supporting airway and breathing, and rapid transport.

Mild Allergic Reaction

An immune response characterized by itching, hives, and localized swelling without breathing difficulty or shock; managed by close monitoring, assisting with prescribed medication if allowed, and transport as indicated.

Hypovolemic Shock

Shock resulting from fluid/blood loss presenting with pale, cool, clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, rapid breathing, and altered mental status; treated by controlling bleeding, keeping warm, supporting ABCs, and rapid transport.

Cardiogenic Shock

Pump failure shock characterized by chest pain, shortness of breath, weak pulse, cool clammy skin, and possible crackles; managed by supporting ABCs, oxygen if indicated, and rapid transport.

Septic Shock

A distributive shock caused by infection, presenting with altered mental status, rapid pulse/breathing, abnormal skin temperature, and possible low blood pressure; managed by supporting ABCs, keeping warm, and rapid transport.

Anaphylactic Shock

Severe distributive shock from allergic exposure presenting with breathing difficulty, swelling, hives, and low blood pressure; treated with epinephrine per protocol, airway support, and rapid transport.

Neurogenic Shock

Shock caused by spinal injury presenting with low blood pressure, often a slow pulse, and warm/dry skin; treated with spinal motion restriction when indicated, supporting ABCs, keeping warm, and rapid transport.

Obstructive Shock

Shock caused by blocked physical circulation resulting in poor perfusion, possible JVD, chest pain, or severe breathing difficulty; treated by supporting ABCs and rapid transport.

Compensated Shock

An early shock state presenting with rapid pulse and breathing, anxiety, and pale/cool/clammy skin, where blood pressure may remain normal; treated by addressing the cause, keeping warm, and rapid transport.

Decompensated Shock

A late shock state characterized by falling blood pressure, worsening mental status, weak pulse, and poor perfusion; managed by immediate support of ABCs and rapid transport.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix presenting with abdominal pain often moving to the right lower quadrant, nausea, and fever; managed with nothing by mouth and rapid transport.

Peritonitis

Peritoneal inflammation characterized by severe abdominal pain, a rigid/tender abdomen, guarding, and fever; treated by supporting ABCs and rapid transport.

GI Bleeding

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage presenting with vomiting blood, black tarry stool, weakness, and signs of shock; managed by supporting ABCs, managing shock, and rapid transport.

Bowel Obstruction / Ileus

A blockage of the intestines presenting with abdominal distention, pain, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas; managed by giving nothing by mouth and rapid transport.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatic inflammation presenting with severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting; treated by supporting ABCs and rapid transport.

Opioid Overdose

A toxidrome presenting with slow or absent breathing, decreased consciousness, and possible pinpoint pupils; managed by ventilating first as needed, naloxone per protocol, and CPR/AED if indicated.

Alcohol Intoxication

A condition presenting with slurred speech, poor coordination, confusion, and vomiting; treated by monitoring airway and breathing, protecting from aspiration, and transport as indicated.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Inhalation toxicity presenting with headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion, potentially affecting multiple people; managed by removing from exposure only if safe, administering high-concentration oxygen per protocol, and rapid transport.

Organophosphate Poisoning

Toxic exposure presenting with excessive secretions, sweating, tearing, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, and pinpoint pupils; managed by avoiding contamination, using PPE, ALS, and rapid transport.

Anemia

A red blood cell deficiency presenting with fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath; managed by supporting ABCs, oxygen if indicated, and transport.

Sickle Cell Crisis

A painful vaso-occlusive episode presenting with severe pain, weakness, and possible shortness of breath; managed by supporting ABCs, keeping comfortable, and rapid transport.

Hemophilia

A bleeding disorder presenting with prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, and joint bleeding; managed by controlling external bleeding, gentle handling, and rapid transport if serious.

Heat Exhaustion

A heat-related illness presenting with heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, and cool/clammy skin; managed by moving to a cool area, cooling the patient, and providing fluids only if fully alert and able to swallow.

Heat Stroke

A life-threatening heat emergency presenting with altered mental status, very high body temperature, and hot skin (sweating may or may not occur); treated with immediate active cooling, supporting ABCs, and rapid transport.

Hypothermia

A low core body temperature condition presenting with cold skin, shivering, confusion, and slowed breathing/pulse in severe cases; treated by gentle handling, preventing further heat loss, gradual rewarming, and rapid transport if moderate/severe.

Frostbite

Localized cold injury presenting with numb, pale/waxy skin, and hard tissue; treated by protecting the area, not rubbing, preventing refreezing, and transport.

Drowning / Submersion Injury

Water submersion incident presenting with respiratory distress, coughing, hypoxia, and altered mental status; treated by ensuring scene safety, supporting ventilation and oxygenation, and CPR/AED if indicated.

Panic Attack

A behavioral episode characterized by intense fear, rapid breathing, palpitations, tingling, and dizziness; managed with calm reassurance, assessment for medical causes, and breathing support.

Suicidal Ideation

Statements or behaviors indicating possible self-harm risk; managed by ensuring scene safety, not leaving the patient alone, and seeking appropriate emergency support.

Eclampsia

A severe pregnancy complication defined by seizures during pregnancy or postpartum, often accompanied by high blood pressure or headache; managed by protecting the airway, supporting ABCs, and rapid transport.

Preeclampsia

High blood pressure during pregnancy accompanied by headache, visual changes, swelling, or upper abdominal pain; treated with rapid transport and ABC support.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Abnormal implantation of a pregnancy presenting with abdominal/pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and possible shock; managed by supporting ABCs and rapid transport.

Placenta Previa

An obstetric condition presenting with painless vaginal bleeding during pregnancy; managed by placing nothing in the vagina and rapid transport.

Placental Abruption

Premature separation of the placenta presenting with painful vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and possible shock; managed by supporting ABCs and rapid transport.

Febrile Seizure

A seizure associated with fever occurring in a young child; treated by protecting the patient from injury, supporting ABCs, and transport.

Pediatric Dehydration

Fluid volume depletion in children presenting with dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, absence of tears, and lethargy; managed by supporting ABCs, giving oral fluids only if alert and able to swallow, and transport as indicated.

Sepsis

A systemic infection response presenting with altered mental status, rapid pulse/breathing, weakness, and possible low blood pressure; treated by supporting ABCs and rapid transport.

COVID-19 / Influenza

Viral respiratory illnesses presenting with fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, and shortness of breath; managed using appropriate PPE, supporting ABCs, and providing oxygen if indicated.

Tetanus

A bacterial neurological disease presenting with muscle stiffness, jaw tightness, and painful spasms; managed by supporting ABCs and rapid transport.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Brain trauma presenting with altered mental status, headache, vomiting, unequal pupils, and possible loss of consciousness; managed by maintaining ABCs, preventing hypoxia, and rapid transport.

Spinal Injury

Trauma to the spinal column/cord presenting with neck/back pain, weakness, numbness, paralysis, and altered sensation; managed by minimizing movement, applying spinal motion restriction when indicated, and supporting ABCs.

Flail Chest

A chest injury where a segment of the chest wall moves opposite to the rest of the chest, causing severe pain and respiratory distress; managed with oxygen/ventilation as indicated and rapid transport.

Hemothorax

Blood accumulation in the pleural space following chest trauma, presenting with decreased breath sounds and shock signs; treated by supporting ABCs, oxygen if indicated, and rapid transport.

Cardiac Tamponade

Pericardial fluid accumulation following chest trauma presenting with low blood pressure, JVD, and possible muffled heart sounds; managed by supporting ABCs and rapid transport.

Crush Injury

A compression trauma presenting with severe pain/swelling and possible shock or muscle damage; managed by supporting ABCs, rapid transport, and following local protocol.

Burns

Tissue trauma presenting with redness, blisters, or charred skin, with potential airway injury noted by facial burns, soot, or hoarseness; treated by stopping the burning process, cooling minor burns appropriately, covering with a clean dry dressing, prioritizing airway injury, and rapid transport.

Fractures

Bone injuries presenting with pain, swelling, deformity, bruising, and possible crepitus; managed by immobilization and checking distal circulation, sensation, and movement before and after splinting.

Respiratory Distress

Inadequate oxygenation/ventilation characterized by increased work of breathing, accessory muscle use, and abnormal breath sounds; managed with a position of comfort, oxygen if indicated, and assisting ventilation if inadequate.

Respiratory Failure

A critical state characterized by exhaustion, decreasing mental status, slow/ineffective breathing, and poor air movement; treated by assisting ventilations with BVM and oxygen.

Airway Obstruction

Blockage of the breathing passage presenting with inability to speak or cough effectively, poor air movement, and possible cyanosis; treated with age-appropriate choking care, and CPR if unresponsive and indicated.

NREMT Assessment Priority Sequence

The standard sequence of operational priorities: Scene safety → general impression → responsiveness → ABCs → treat immediate life threats → focused assessment/history → transport decision.