chapter 3

Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, Twelfth Edition

Author Information

  • Copyright © 2021 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company.

  • Website: www.jblearning.com

Scenario Description

  • You are dispatched to a sick person and upon arrival, you find:

    • Conscious patient.

    • Reports:

    • Fever

    • Night sweats

    • Cough

    • History: Tuberculosis

Observations

  • You notice the following about your partner:

    • Not wearing standard precautions (no personal protective equipment).

    • Displays disinterest in work.

    • Arrives late, takes unnecessary risks.

    • Isolates from other team members at the station.

Stress Factors

  • The job has become increasingly stressful due to:

    • Increased call volume.

    • Rare downtime between calls.

Assessment Questions

Standard Precautions

  1. What standard precautions should your partner have taken with this patient?

    • Options:

      • A. Gloves only

      • B. Gloves and surgical mask

      • C. Gloves and HEPA mask

      • D. Gloves, mask, and gown

    • Correct Answer: C. Gloves and HEPA mask

Mode of Transmission

  1. If your partner becomes infected with this patient’s illness, what type of transmission would this occur through?

    • Options:

      • A. Vector-borne

      • B. Foodborne

      • C. Indirect contact

      • D. Airborne

    • Correct Answer: D. Airborne

Exposure Reporting

  1. Because your partner did not use standard precautions, he has potentially been exposed to an infectious disease. What should he do?

    • Options:

      • A. Ignore it because the risk of contamination is small.

      • B. Report it to the hospital staff so they can isolate the patient.

      • C. Report it to the infection control officer.

      • D. Sanitize any equipment that was in contact with the patient.

    • Correct Answer: C. Report it to the infection control officer.

Stress Reactions

  1. On the basis of your partner’s actions, what is he most likely experiencing?

    • Options:

      • A. Acute stress reaction

      • B. Cumulative stress reaction

      • C. Posttraumatic stress disorder

      • D. Delayed stress reaction

    • Correct Answer: B. Cumulative stress reaction

Signs and Symptoms of Stress

  1. Which of the following signs and symptoms are NOT usually associated with stress?

    • Options:

      • A. Headaches

      • B. Risk taking

      • C. Night sweats

      • D. Isolation

    • Correct Answer: C. Night sweats

Stress Management Recommendations

  1. How can you help your partner to manage his stress?

    • Options:

      • A. Suggest that he relax and have a few drinks after his shifts.

      • B. Suggest a vacation.

      • C. Suggest that the supervisor give him time off.

      • D. Suggest that he participate in physical activity away from the workplace.

    • Correct Answer: D. Participating in physical activity away from work may help to reduce stress.

Stress Management Practices

  1. Which of the following is NOT a recommended way to manage stress?

    • Options:

      • A. Alcohol

      • B. Exercise

      • C. Proper diet

      • D. Sleep

    • Correct Answer: A. Alcohol is not a recommended way to manage stress.

Long-term Effects of Stress

  1. What are the long-term physical effects of stress?

    • Answer: Long-term physical effects of stress include:

      • Changes in appetite

      • Gastrointestinal problems

      • Backache

      • Headaches

      • Fatigue

  2. What are the long-term psychological effects of stress?

    • Answer: Long-term psychological effects include:

      • Fear

      • Dull or nonresponsive behavior

      • Depression

      • Guilt

      • Oversensitivity

      • Anger

      • Irritability

      • Frustration

Implications of Actions

  1. Discuss the implications of your partner’s actions in this scenario.

    • Answer:

      • Failure to take standard precautions can adversely impact:

      • His health

      • The health of his family

      • Risk of exposure to an airborne disease which could be spread to:

      • Other coworkers

      • Patients

      • His family

Conclusion

  • This scenario highlights the importance of adhering to company protocols and the potential consequences of neglecting standard precautions in emergency care settings. The student's understanding of stress and personal safety is crucial for effective teamwork and patient care.