test 3

Emergency Medical Services Program - Exam Three Review Sheet

Mnemonics

AVPU
  • Definition: A mnemonic used for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.
  • Components:
    • A - Alert
    • V - Verbal Response
    • P - Painful Response
    • U - Unresponsive
  • Usage: Used in initial assessments of a patient to quickly categorize their responsiveness and need for immediate intervention.
DCAP-BTLS
  • Definition: A mnemonic employed for a quick injury assessment in trauma patients.
  • Components:
    • D - Deformities
    • C - Contusions
    • A - Abrasions
    • P - Penetrations
    • B - Burns
    • T - Tenderness
    • L - Lacerations
    • S - Swelling
  • Usage: Utilized during secondary assessments to ensure thorough identification of injuries.
SAMPLE
  • Definition: A mnemonic for collecting a medical history from a patient.
  • Components:
    • S - Signs and Symptoms
    • A - Allergies
    • M - Medications
    • P - Past Medical History
    • L - Last Oral Intake
    • E - Events Leading to Present Illness/Injury
  • Usage: Helps provide comprehensive information during patient history taking and assessment.
OPQRST
  • Definition: A mnemonic for evaluating the nature of a patient’s pain or symptoms.
  • Components:
    • O - Onset
    • P - Provocation/Palliation
    • Q - Quality
    • R - Region/Radiation
    • S - Severity
    • T - Time
  • Usage: Aids in leading a thorough assessment to determine the characteristics of the patient's pain.

Steps in Patient Assessment

Primary Survey

  1. Scene Size-up:

    • Assess safety (ensuring the scene is safe for rescuers and patients).
    • Determine Mechanism of Injury (MOI) or Nature of Illness (NOI).
    • Identify number of patients involved.
    • Call for additional help if necessary.

  2. Initial Assessment:

    • General Impression: Form an overall impression based on the scene and patient.
    • Initial Patient Assessment: Focus on airway, breathing, circulation.
    • Initial Interventions: Implement critical interventions as needed (securing airway, controlling bleeding, etc.).
    • Prioritization: Determine the urgency of the patient’s condition and if transport is necessary.
Secondary Survey

  1. Focused History and Physical Exam:

    • Medical Assessment:
      • For responsive patients, ask directed questions regarding symptoms.
      • For unresponsive patients, gather information from bystanders or medical tags.
    • Trauma Assessment:
      • Significant MOI: Conduct detailed assessment indicating possible internal/external injuries.
      • Non-significant MOI: Direct focus on observable injuries and less severe symptoms.

  2. Interventions:

    • Perform necessary treatments or interventions based on findings.

  3. Detailed Physical Exam:

    • Conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient, documenting findings systematically.

  4. Radio Report:

    • Provide a thorough report of the patient’s condition, injuries, and vital signs to the receiving facility.

  5. Ongoing Assessment/Reassessment:

    • Continuously monitor vital signs and reassess for any changes in patient condition throughout transport and care.

Vital Signs

Normal and Abnormal Vital Signs
  • Key Vital Signs: Include heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, and level of consciousness.
  • Pediatric Values:
    • Normal ranges may vary and should be compared against pediatric norms according to patient age.

Skin Conditions

  • Assessment: Skin color, temperature, and moisture can indicate various health conditions.
    • Pale: May indicate shock or decreased circulation.
    • Cyanotic: Indicates hypoxia or reduced oxygen saturation.
    • Flushed: Can indicate fever or an allergic reaction.
    • Diaphoretic: Excess sweating may signal shock or stress.
Capillary Refill
  • Definition: Test to evaluate peripheral perfusion.
  • Normal Range: Typically less than 2 seconds in healthy individuals.
  • Procedure: Apply pressure to a nail bed until it blanches, then release and observe time to pink return.

Communication and Documentation Terminology

  • Importance: Clear documentation and communication amongst healthcare providers are essential for patient continuity and care effectiveness.
  • Key Terms: Understand common terms used in reports and patient care documentation formats.

Scenario-based Questions

  • Preparation: Students should familiarize themselves with practical applications of assessment procedures and mnemonic usages.
  • Strategy: Read scenarios carefully and apply relevant knowledge to determine appropriate responses and interventions based on training.