Pint-Sized Puzzles
Although adults tend to be larger then children, pediatric patients have this structure that tends to be proportionally larger in children, making airway obstructions more likely.
What is the tongue?
Geriatric patients are more susceptible to fractures because their bones are weakened by this condition.
What is osteoporosis?
EMTs should NEVER place a blood pressure cuff on the arm with this type of surgical access point.
What is a dialysis fistula or shunt?
I strike without warning, my signs are quite clear:
Sweaty, shaky, and pale is how I appear.
A glucose check will solve this plight,
But without it, I’ll bring quite the fright.
What is hypoglycemia?
This neuromuscular disease causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle function. EMS providers may need to assist with ventilation if respiratory muscles fail, as patients often rely on mechanical aids to breathe.
What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
When assessing pediatric patients, the pediatric triangle of assessment is used and composed of these 3 parts.
What is Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation?
This organ reduced function in elderly patients affects how medications are metabolized and eliminated from the body.
What is the liver?
This type of vascular device is used in dialysis patients to allow repeated access to the bloodstream.
What is an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft?
For some children, loud sirens cause fear,
A gentle voice is what they need to hear.
Nonverbal cues may help you connect,
Lights and sounds you’ll want to deflect.
What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
This is a condition that can occur after a stroke and is where patients have difficulty speaking but still can understand what is said.
What is expressive aphasia?
Unlike adults, children's bones are softer and more likely to sustain this specific type of fracture.
What is a greenstick fracture?
Many geriatric patients are at higher risk of serious bleeding from trauma because of these medications often used to prevent clots.
What are anticoagulants?
This specialized pump is surgically implanted in patients with advanced heart failure to assist with blood circulation.
What is a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)?
My name means “hardening,” and arteries I claim,
I limit blood flow and play a cruel game.
A stroke or heart attack I may bring near,
Lifestyle changes keep me in fear.
What is atherosclerosis?
This hereditary disorder causes patients to have excessive mucus in their lungs and digestive systems.
What is cystic fibrosis?
Rule of Nines is used to assess what percent of a patients body is burned. This body part makes up 18% of a pediatric patient's total body surface.
What is the head?
Geriatric patients are more likely to sustain severe injuries in falls due to this combination of age-related factors affecting balance and stability.
What are muscle weakness, decreased proprioception, and slower reflexes?
When transporting a patient with total parenteral nutrition (TPN), EMTs must take care to avoid disrupting this central line device.
What is a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line)?
I’m a fever that doesn’t burn but causes a shake,
In children under five, I’m often my stake.
Cool them gently, don’t let panic rise,
I’ll pass on my own; it’s not a surprise.
What is a febrile seizure?
This condition, characterized by a lack of muscle control, may require EMTs to work with caregivers to understand a patients baseline functioning.
What is cerebral palsy?
Pediatric patients maintain normal blood pressure longer than adults during shock but deteriorate quickly once this stage begins.
What is decompensated shock?
Geriatric patients are at higher risk for drug interactions because of this common phenomenon.
What is polypharmacy?
This device is surgically implanted and is used to help regulate severe seizures in patients with epilepsy.
What is a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS)?
I’m a syndrome that can baffle and stun,
I affect the young and old, but I’m a sneaky one.
Low blood pressure, a fever’s rise,
Confusion and chills are my disguise.
Find me fast, for time’s not on your side,
Fluids and antibiotics are EMS’s guide.
What is sepsis?
Patients with Down syndrome often have this physical characteristic that can complicate airway management.
What is a smaller oral cavity or large tongue?