I have heart problems
What is the term used to describe swelling of the lower extremitites?
Pedal Edema
What is the best way to ensure that a breath delivered via BVM is adequate?
You visualize chest rise and fall
What level of HazMat training does the NREMT certification provide?
First Responder Awareness
What course of action is almost always needed in the event of an overdose or poisoning?
Contact Medical Direction or Poison Control
What is the first step in sorting patients at an MCI?
Ask anyone who is able to walk to move towards the CCP
What is the priority in treating a patient having a suspected MI who has become unconscious with a BP of 65/40?
Transport - This patient is exhibiting signs of cardiogenic shock and needs definitive treatment provided at a hospital.
Interventions such as airway adjuncts, BVM, attaching the AED etc. can all be done while the patient is being packaged and transported
What medication is in an inhaler prescribed for asthma, (generic and brand names)?
Albuterol (brand names Ventolin or Proventil)
What is a common cause of MVCs involving an ambulance?
The driver is speeding (passing cars, going through intersections without stopping, etc)
What are some expected symptoms of suspected opiate overdose? What is the treatment?
Pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, vomiting, AMS/decreased LOC
Naloxone (Narcan) 4 mgs delivered IN - repeat doses every 2-3 min until pt regains consciousness
Why does a patient with a suspected ectopic pregnancy require prioritized evacuation?
If the embryo ruptures the fallopian tube, the patient may experience an exsanguinating internal bleed and go into hypovolemic shock.
The only definitive treatment for this is surgical intervention.
What is the function of a beta blocker, and why might someone take one?
They block adrenaline, therefore lowering HR and BP. The goal is to reduce cardiac workload.
The drug names often end in -olol, ex: metoprolol, atenolol etc.
What are agonal respirations?
What is a volatile chemical? List some examples.
A chemical that vaporizes at a low temperature. These vapor can be inhaled and cause a poisoning.
Examples: paint, glue, cleaners, etc.
List 8 causes of Altered Mental Statues
Infection, blood loss, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, electrolyte imbalance, head trauma, hypothermia, hyperthermia, stroke, alcohol, drugs/overdose, shock, psychiatric, uremia, hypoxia, seizure
What are some key differences between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
Similarities?
Hypo: rapid onset, BGL < 70 mg/dL, pale and diaphoretic skin, hunger,
Hyper: slow onset, BGL > 125 mg/dL, red and dry skin, fruity breath, thirst, polyuria
Both: AMS, underlying DM (type 1 or 2), headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision
What is angina and how can it be distinguished from a myocardial infarction?
Chest pain, often brought on by exertion
Symptoms relieved with rest or nitroglycerin
Caused by increased demand for oxygen combined with narrowing in the coronary arteries
What is the priority treatment for an unconscious patient in respiratory failure due to anaphylaxis?
Insert an airway adjunct and provide ventilations with a BVM
In order to contain a chemical spill in a HazMat incident, what level of training is required?
Hazardous Materials Technician or above
What are the common signs/symptoms of epiglottitis and why is this disease more common in pediatrics?
SOB, drooling, tripod position, stridor, sudden onset, elevated RR, retractions
Pediatric patients have a much smaller airway, so inflammation/swelling of the epiglottis can become an obstruction more easily
A patient who is FAST positive has a ___% chance of having a stroke?
List the elements of a BEFAST exam.
70%
Balance - have the patient stand with eyes closed
Eyes - ask about any visual changes
Face - assess for facial droop with expressions
Arms - hold arms out to check for drift
Speech - have pt repeat a difficult phrase
Time - record their last known normal.
Why is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) often considered a respiratory illness, even though it originates with a problem with the heart?
The inability of the L side of the heart to pump oxygenated blood from the lungs to the body causes blood to back up in the lungs.
Fluid then leaks out of the vessels into the lung tissue causing fluid build up in the lungs.
Patients with CHF often take a "water pill" to get rid of excess water by increasing urination.
What medications may you give to a patient in anaphylaxis, and why would you give each of them?
Oxygen - high flow for respiratory distress and shock tx
Epinephrine - vasoconstriction and bronchodilation
Benadryl - longer half life than Epi, therefore a longer antihistamine effect
You are called to a scene and immediately suspect a HazMat incident has occurred. What are the next steps you should take?
If a pediatric patient is in respiratory failure and we provide ventilations with a BVM, what vital sign would we expect to improve and determine that our ventilations are adequate?
Pulse increases. Pediatric patients have a higher resting HR than adults, they are also more prone to airway compromise due to their small size. If in respiratory failure, we would expect their HR to decrease. Therefore providing ventilations would increase their HR.
What is the difference between a partial and a generalized seizures?
Which type of seizure is a tonic-clonic?
Partial seizures only affect one part of the body or one side of the brain.
General seizures affect both sides of the brain.
A tonic-clonic seizure is a type of generalized seizure that presents with a LOC and jerking muscle movements.