Patient Assessment
What does OPQRST stand for, and what is it used for?
Onset, provoke/palliate, quality, radiate, severity, time. Used to investigate the symptoms.
What is the difference between a mild allergic reaction and anaphylaxis?
Mild allergic reaction is localized to one body system. Anaphylaxis affects multiple body systems.
Describe the process of making a hypothermia wrap.
Lay out windproof and waterproof tarp
Place insulation layer on top of the tarp
Place patient in a sleeping bag or blankets on top of the insulation layer
Wrap tarp around the patient and insulation
List four signs and symptoms of early/compensated shock?
HR ↑, RR↑, skin: cool, sweaty, pale, anxiety or AMS, nausea, vomiting
What are Good Samaritan laws?
laws that protect bystanders who provide voluntary, unpaid emergency care to injured or ill persons from civil liability for "ordinary negligence"
What is the purpose of the initial assessment?
Identify stop and fix problems (airway, breathing, circulation, neurological deficits, expose injury/environment
What is the acronym BEFAST used for, and what does it stand for?
Used to help recognize strokes. Stands for balance, eyes, facial droop, arm drift, slurred speech, and time (document, call emergency services)
List and describe the three types of drowning events.
Drowning without injury (submersion event does not result in injury)
Drowning with injury (submersion event results in injury)
Drowning with death (submersion event results in death)
Define perfusion
The process of delivering oxygenated blood to body tissues and organs, allowing them to function properly while removing waste products
Foolish mortal- you've been feeding a squirrel and it bit your finger! What do you do?
- Control bleeding
- Clean wound
- Dress wound with wet-to-dry dressings
- Initiate rapid evacuation
Name the early-change vital signs.
HR, RR, Skin
Name three signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency.
AMS, weakness, hunger, slurred speech, altered gait, fruity/alcohol-like breath, HR↑, RR↑, thirst and frequent urination (hyperglycemia), moist skin (hypoglycemia)
Describe the difference in symptoms between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion: headache, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine output, increased thirst, dizziness when standing up, lethargy.
Heat stroke: disoriented, personality changes, red/hot skin, increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate, headache, seizures, decreased LOR
What is the difference between pneumothorax and hemothorax?
Chest wall trauma causes...
Pneumothorax: air enters pleural space
Hemothorax: blood enters plural space
What is the difference in onset between testicular torsion and epididymitis?
Testicular torsion is sudden onset (testicles twist and blood supply is cut off), epididymitis is a slow onset (usually caused by bacterial infection)
Name the late-change vital signs.
Blood Pressure, Pupils, Level of Responsiveness
List three ways to prevent gastroenteritis (upset stomach, inflammation of stomach and intestines, caused by viruses/bacteria).
Proper hand washing
Temperature-controlled food storage
Appropriate water treatment
Name three effects that lightning can have on the body and its systems.
Circulatory system: heart stops
Respiratory system: diaphragm may be paralyzed and stop breathing
Nervous system: sensory and nerve function
Skin: burns
Concussive trauma: ear drums, LOR
List and describe the causes of altered mental status.
Sugar: hypo & hyperglycemia (usually diabetes related)
Temperature: hypo & hyperthermia
Oxygen: lack of perfusion of the brain, poor oxygenation, and dysfunction of the brain tissue
Pressure: brain swelling, intracranial pressure
Electricity: seizures, lightning
Altitude: HACE (above 8,000 ft)
Toxins: poisonous substances (alcohol, drugs) by ingestion, injection, inhalation, or absorption
Salt: hyponatremia (not enough salt in the body/sodium becomes diluted)
Name 2 complications associated with submersion injury
What vital signs do we assess? List the “normal” range for an adult for each.
LOR (A&Ox4),
HR (60-100 BPM)
RR (12-20)
Skin (PWD)
BP (120/80)
Pupils (PERRL)
What is the treatment of acute coronary syndrome?
Stop physical exertion
Asprin 325 mg chewed by patient
Ask patients if they have prescription medications that they missed or should take based on their current condition
Initiate rapid evacuation
What is HACE, what are its symptoms, and what is the treatment?
High Altitude Cerebral Edema. Fluid build-up in the skull, affecting brain function.
Altered mental status, ataxia, decreased coordination, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Requires a rapid descent in elevation and hospital management. Use prescription medications if advised by medical oversight.
How do we treat open abdominal wounds?
1) Control active bleeding
2) Rinse wound with potable water
3) Cover with moist, non-adhering dressing and seal with a non-breathable barrier (like a plastic bag)
4) Initiate rapid evacuation, monitor, and change dressing as necessary.
List and describe the four components of the focused spine assessment?
Reliable patient
A&Ox 3 or 4
Sober
No distracting Injuries
Intact CSM in all distal extremities
Circulation
Sensation
Motion
No pain or deformity is present during palpation of spinal column
Patient able to flex, extend, and rotate spine 45 degrees in each plane, regardless of pain