first step when treating an apneic patient
open the airway
is the pressure wave generated by the pumping action of the heart.
pulse
painful involuntary muscle spasms. They often occur after vigorous exercise, especially in hot weather
Heat Cramps
proportionally larger and can more easily block the airway
tongue
a decrease in the density of bone, and increase risk of broken bones
Osteoporosis
difficulty breathing with coughing, wheezing, and secretions in younger adults
Asthma
is the pressure of the circulating blood against the walls of the arteries.
blood pressure
occurs when the body is not able to produce enough energy to keep the internal (core) body temperature at a satisfactory level body temperature falls to a subnormal range
Hypothermia
3 parts of the PAT
Appearance
Work of Breathing
Circulation to the Skin
a term used that is common in older patients who may be confused or unresponsive for a wide variety of reasons showing a decreased responsiveness
Altered Mental Status
any patient that was choking and is now unresponsive needs
chest compressions
a state of collapse of the cardiovascular system that
results in inadequate delivery of blood to the organs.
Shock
heat-related illness with Dizziness, light-headedness Weak pulse Profuse sweating Nausea, vomiting
Heat Exhaustion
The best place to take the pulse in an infant
brachial
A severe, potentially life-threatening complication of infection
Sepsis
most common airway obstruction
tongue
a type of shock that occurs if the heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the needs of the body
Cardiogenic shock
Suffocation because of submersion in water or other fluids.
drowning
a high-pitched sound on inspiration in the upper airway
Stridor
As people get older, some of them experience a decrease in mental function. A pattern of decline in mental function is called
Dementia
The exchange of gases occurs in this part of the lungs
alveoli
type of shock is caused by fluid loss. Fluid loss caused by excessive bleeding
hemorrhagic or hypovolemic shock
occurs when the body is subjected to more heat than it can handle and the normal mechanisms for getting rid of the excessive heat, such as through sweating, are overwhelmed has flushed, dry skin that feels hot to the touch and unconscious
Heatstroke
most severe major respiratory condition with a severe inflammation of the epiglottis
Epiglottitis
Patients who have a terminal condition may have drawn up a document to instruct physicians and other medical caregivers regarding the care they want to receive if they are unable to make their own medical decisions
Advance Directives
DNR order