Emergency
What should be placed in the mouth of someone having a seizure?
Nobody should try to force anything into the mouth of a person who is having a seizure. The goal of a caregiver is to keep the resident safe.
What is it called when organs and tissues in the body do not receive adequate blood supply?
Shock
What is it called when a person has a sudden drop in blood pressure when they sit or stand up?
Orthostatic hypotension
What are the terms for no heartbeat and no breathing?
Asystole
Apnea
What is the name of the device that can be used with CPR to analyze a heart rhythm and give a shock if necessary?
AED (Automated external defibrillator)
If a person is not alert or aware of their surroundings and does not respond to your voice our touch they are said to be....
unconscious
Having an obstructed airway is another name for what common term?
Choking
This word means difficulty breathing.
Dyspnea
Explain an insulin reaction.
a complication of diabetes that can result from either too much insulin or too little food; also known as hypoglycemia.
This is a warning sign of a CVA/stroke resulting from a temporary lack of oxygen in the brain; symptoms may last up to 24 hours.
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
How would a NA help control bleeding if a resident is experiencing epistaxis?
Put on gloves. Apply firm pressure on both sides of the nose, on the soft part, up near the bridge. Squeeze the sides with your thumb and forefinger. Have the resident do this until you are able to put on gloves.
(May put ice on both sides of the nose to decrease bleeding)
Name 3 symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.
•Increased hunger or thirst
•Increased urination
•Abdominal pain
•Deep or labored breathing
•Breath that smells fruity or sweet
•Headache
•Weakness
•Rapid, weak pulse
•Low blood pressure
•Dry skin
•Flushed cheeks
•Drowsiness
•Nausea and vomiting
•Shortness of breath or air hunger
•Unconsciousness
If on the phone with dispatch, when should you hang up?
it is important not to hang up until the dispatcher hangs up or says to hang up.
What information should you give to dispatch if you are calling to report an emergency? (Name 3 of the 4)
•Phone number and address, including directions, landmarks, and location in building
•Victim’s condition, including any known medical background
•NA’s name and position
•First aid given
Name 3 typical complaints of a woman having a heart attack.
•Women can have MI without chest pressure. They are most likely to have shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, stomach pain, sweating, fatigue, and back, neck or jaw pain. Some women’s symptoms are more flu-like, and women are more likely to deny that they are having MI.
Where and what type of pressure should be placed on a bleeding wound?
Directly on the wound and firm pressure.
Name 3 signs of shock?
•Pale or cyanotic skin
•Staring
•Increased pulse and respiration
•Low blood pressure
•Extreme thirst
What does DNR stand for and what should be done for a person if their heart stops and they have a DNR order?
Do Not Resuscitate
**You are not to do CPR. This is a legal document that the person has decided they do not want to have CPR done.
Name 4 things a NA should do if a resident faints or feels faint?
1.Notify the nurse immediately.
2.Have the person lie down or sit down before fainting occurs.
3.If the person is in a sitting position, have him bend forward. He can place his head between his knees if he is able. If the person is lying flat on his back, elevate his legs about 12 inches.
4.Loosen any tight clothing.
5.Have the person stay in position for at least five minutes after symptoms disappear.
6.Help the person get up slowly. Continue to observe him for symptoms of fainting. Stay with him until he feels better. If you need help but cannot leave him, use the call light.
7.If a person does faint, lower him to the floor or other flat surface. Position him on his back. If he has no head, neck, back, spinal, or abdominal injuries, elevate his legs eight to 12 inches. If unsure about injuries, leave him flat on his back. Loosen any tight clothing. Check to make sure the person is breathing. He should recover quickly, but keep him lying down for several minutes. Report the incident to the nurse immediately. Fainting may be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
8.Report and document the incident properly.
What is the acronym and what does each letter mean as related to responding to a stroke (CVA)?
•Face – Is one side of the face drooping or is the person’s smile uneven?
•Arms – Is one arm numb or weak?
•Speech – Is the person’s speech slurred? Can the person repeat a simple sentence?
•Time – Time is of the utmost importance when responding to a stroke. Report to the nurse immediately if the person shows any of these signs.
What are the steps in responding to an emergency?
•Assess the situation. Make sure you are not in danger and note the time.
•Assess the victim. Check the victim’s level of consciousness.
•Call for help or send someone to get help.
•Remain calm and confident.
After the emergency is over, complete an incident report.
What are the 3 types of burns from least harmful to most harmful.
•First-degree (superficial)
•Second-degree (partial-thickness)
•Third-degree (full-thickness)
myocardial infarction (MI)
a condition that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen because blood flow to the heart is blocked
1.Notify the nurse immediately. Victims of shock should always receive medical care as soon as possible.
2.If controlling bleeding, put on gloves first. This procedure is described later in the chapter.
3.Have the person lie down on her back. If the person is bleeding from the mouth or vomiting, place her on her side. Elevate the legs about eight to 12 inches unless the person has a head, neck, back, spinal, or abdominal injury; breathing difficulties; or fractures.
4.Check pulse and respirations if possible (see Chapter 14). Begin CPR if breathing and pulse are absent and if you are trained to do so.
5.Keep the person as calm and comfortable as possible.
6.Maintain normal body temperature. If the weather is cold, place a blanket around the person. If the weather is hot, provide shade.
7.Do not give the person liquids or food.
8.Report and document the incident properly.
What are 3 steps in treating a burn (if it is minor).
1.Notify the nurse immediately. Put on gloves.
2.Use cool, clean water to decrease the skin temperature and prevent further injury. Do not use ice or ice water, as ice may cause further skin damage. Dampen a clean cloth with cool water, and place it over the burn.
3.Once the pain has eased, you may cover the area with a dry, clean dressing or nonadhesive sterile bandage.
4.Remove and discard gloves. Wash your hands.
5.Never use any kind of ointment, salve, or grease on a burn. (don't remove any burned clothing over a severe burn)