Environmental
What is the first step in treating a patient suspected of heat exhaustion?
Move the patient to a cooler environment and hydrate with fluids.
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
To carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and return carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
What is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia?
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
What are the common vital signs with a patient in sepsis?
Fever, increased heart rate, and confusion.
What is the antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
Which of the following is a key sign of hypothermia?
Not Shivering, confusion, and slurred speech.
What is a common complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Pulmonary embolism.
What is a key indicator of a bacterial versus viral infection in a febrile patient?
Persistent high fever and localized symptoms, such as chest pain or productive cough, suggest bacterial infection.
What is the first line of treatment for suspected sepsis in a pre-hospital setting?
Administer intravenous fluids and consider antibiotics if indicated.
Which of the following is a key symptom of opioid overdose?
Respiratory depression.
What is the primary cause of altitude sickness?
Reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes.
What condition is associated with a decreased platelet count and increased risk of bleeding?
Thrombocytopenia.
What type of isolation is typically required for a patient with tuberculosis?
Airborne isolation.
In a patient with sepsis, which organ system is most likely to show dysfunction first?
The cardiovascular system (hypotension)
What is the primary treatment for a patient who has ingested a toxic dose of organophosphate pesticide?
Atropine and pralidoxime (2-PAM).
What is the treatment for a patient with severe hypothermia and cardiac arrhythmias?
Active rewarming, defibrillation if necessary, and advanced airway management.
What is the primary treatment goal for a patient with sickle cell anemia experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis?
Pain management and hydration, along with oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation and prevent further sickling.
How does the presence of neutropenia affect the presentation and treatment of infections in immunocompromised patients?
Neutropenia limits the body’s ability to fight infection, making patients more susceptible to severe infections with atypical presentations and a delayed inflammatory response.
How do lactate levels relate to the severity of sepsis?
Elevated lactate levels are a sign of tissue hypoxia and indicate more severe sepsis or septic shock.
How do you treat a cyanide poisoning patient in the pre-hospital setting?
Administer sodium thiosulfate or hydroxocobalamin, and provide supportive care for airway and breathing.
How does the body compensate for heat stroke, and why is it ineffective in severe cases?
The body initially sweats to cool itself, but in severe heat stroke, sweating ceases, and the body's core temperature rises uncontrollably.
How does disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) present in a critically ill patient, and what are its primary treatment options?
DIC presents with widespread clotting followed by bleeding. Treatment includes managing the underlying cause, blood product transfusions, and possibly heparin therapy to control clotting.
What is the most effective way to prevent hospital-acquired infections in a pre-hospital setting?
Strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and early identification of infection risks.
What is the significance of the SIRS criteria in the diagnosis of sepsis, and what limitations does it have?
SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) helps identify possible sepsis, but it can be present in non-sepsis conditions, leading to over-diagnosis.
In a patient exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, why is pulse oximetry unreliable, and what is the definitive treatment?
Pulse oximetry cannot differentiate between oxygen and carboxyhemoglobin. The definitive treatment is administering 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask or hyperbaric oxygen therapy if available.