Substance Management
What are symptoms of alcohol intoxication?
Slurred speech, impaired balance, confusion, smell of alcohol
What are symptoms of a mild allergic reaction?
rash, itching, localized swelling to the area
What is low blood sugar?
when your blood sugar drops below a normal level, possibly from a missed meal or a higher level of insulin
What does a seizure look like?
Jerking movements, muscle stiffness, staring spells, loss of consciousness or awareness
Why can falls be dangerous?
Can cause major injuries to limbs or head. The main danger is head injury which can cause concussion, loss of consciousness, or seizure
How is Narcan used?
Insert into one nostril and push the plunger to instill the naloxone. Can administer a second dose after 2 minutes into the other nostril
What are symptoms of severe allergic reaction?
trouble breathing, swelling of lips/face/tongue/throat, nausea/vomiting, severe itching/hives
can you give diet soda to treat low blood sugar?
No!! Sugar replacements/alternatives like stevia, aspartame, etc do not contain sugar and are not processed the same by the body. Diet or zero sugar sodas will not provide the necessary increase in blood sugar. Only give regular soda or juice.
No!! This can cause them to choke on the object or break their teeth. It is better to take the risk of them biting their own tongue and manage the injury
List all locations of the AEDs
basement rotunda, wall by nurse's office, wall by room 5 and client phone
What are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
shakiness/tremors, sweating, irritability, confusion, seizures, nausea
What are the steps to treat an animal or human bite?
wash wound with soap and water, control bleeding, cover with clean dressing as indicated, seek medical evaluation due to possibility of rabies. All animal bites must be reported to Minnesota Department of Health and/or local animal control.
Explain high and low blood pressure
Low blood pressure is when blood pressure is lower than normal. Low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to brain and other vital organs, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, blurred vision.
High blood pressure is when the force of blood flow is too high, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, or organ damage over time. Symptoms include headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, visual disturbances or blurred vision.
*note that low blood pressure causes acute symptoms and high blood pressure causes chronic symptoms*
What causes a seizure?
Lots of things! Can be a diagnosed disorder like epilepsy, causing abnormal electrical activity, or a head injury or alcohol withdrawal
What is the acronym of important things to look for in a stroke?
FAST
Face drooping
Arm weakness (especially one sided)
Speech difficulty or slurred
Time to call 911 (sooner the better)
What are the steps to follow if a client experiences an overdose?
1- assess level of consciousness, breathing, and pulse. Start CPR if no pulse.
2- Call 911 if client is not breathing/abnormal breathing or unconscious or if you plan to give Narcan
3- Give narcan as directed, repeat as needed
4- Stay with client until EMS arrive, monitor breathing and responsiveness while waiting
What is the difference between minor bleeding and major bleeding and how are they treated?
Difference is in the amount of blood loss and the time needed for the bleeding to stop
Minor bleeding treated by cleaning the area and applying clean bandage
Major bleeding treated by calling 911, clean area, apply firm pressure, apply gauze bandage to area and elevate limb if possible. Major bleeding may induce signs of shock.
What are the symptoms of low oxygen and how is it treated?
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, blue tint to lips or fingernails, feeling cold, or rapid breathing. Call 911 if O2 level is less than 92%, severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if nailbeds or lips are blue
*People Incorporated does not keep oxygen on hand as it is a fire hazard. This is not a treatment method PI is able to provide or support for low O2 which is why 911 is important*
What are the steps to help someone having a seizure?
Call 911 if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, seizure is from withdrawal, first time seizure
Document start time, duration, and characteristics of seizure (shaky limbs, eyes roll back, etc)
Clear area of hard or sharp objects, place something soft under head, do not put anything in mouth. Basically sit back and watch the seizure. Get clients out of the area if possible.
What could happen if you move someone with a suspected head injury?
Moving the person can potentially cause more damage to the head, neck, and spine, leading to possible paralysis or death
Where is the Narcan located? (List all 10 locations)
Nursing office, AED basket, back staff office, supervisor (intake) office, both staff offices upstairs, first aid kit in the linen closet, upstairs staff desk, rounds board, front desk drawers
What is in a bloodborne pathogen cleanup kit and where are they located?
Contents include fluid absorbent powder, gloves, red biohazard bags, disposable gown, face shield, shoe covers, towels and wipes
Located in the nursing office under the sink and in the clear plastic drawers at the front desk
What is the blood sugar level that requires a call to 911?
under 70 or over 400 mg/dL
List at least 2 types of seizures
Grand mal (tonic clonic or epileptic), absence seizures, PNES (psychogenic non-epileptic seizures), focal seizures
What are the differences in heart attack symptoms in men vs women?
Men experience chest discomfort, fatigue, sweat, shortness of breath, pain radiating to arm or jaw
Women can experience these symptoms but also tend to experience fatigue, nausea, and back/neck/jaw pain. Cardiac symptoms often present as gastrointestinal in women