Drowning Types and Complications Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which type of drowning accounts for the majority of cases?

Wet drowning (correct)

Dry drowning

Secondary drowning

Near drowning

What complication is associated with secondary drowning?

Inflammatory and immune responses (correct)

Instant pulmonary edema

Immediate loss of consciousness

Aspiration of water

What is the primary effect on red blood cells during fresh water drowning?

They swell and may rupture (correct)

They rapidly multiply

They become dehydrated

They collapse due to surfactant loss

What should be done if someone is experiencing cold water drowning?

Begin pulmonary resuscitation in the water if possible Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of heat stroke?

Brain damage Signup and view all the answers

Which symptoms are indicative of heat stroke?

Altered level of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate first step in managing a heat stroke patient?

Remove the patient from the heat source Signup and view all the answers

What is considered 'near drowning'?

A patient recovering from a drowning episode Signup and view all the answers

Which age group has the highest drowning rate according to the provided data?

Children under 5 years old Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of drowning incidents involve children playing or walking near water?

76% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines secondary drowning?

Death due to complications of submersion after 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What initial treatment method is recommended for cooling a heat stroke patient?

Irrigation saline and cold packs to specific areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when handling a patient with hypothermia?

Avoid rough handling to prevent arrhythmias Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with severe hypothermia?

Cold, stiff body Signup and view all the answers

What should you NOT do when treating frostbite?

Massage the frostbitten area for better blood flow Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step if a patient is hypothermic and in VSA?

Initiate CPR and analyze once Signup and view all the answers

Which type of frostbite affects the dermis and shallow subcutaneous layers?

Superficial frostbite Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of 2nd-degree frostbite?

Formation of clear fluid-filled blisters Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of chilblains?

Chronic exposure to damp, non-freezing temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if frostbite occurs?

Wrapping the area without rubbing Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored in a hypothermic patient when possible?

Core temperature and cardiac rhythm Signup and view all the answers

How should one treat immersion foot effectively?

Avoid prolonged exposure to cold water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary intervention for a patient with frostbite before transport?

Remove wet or restrictive clothing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for attempting to estimate blood loss during an emergency?

To evaluate the need for intravenous fluids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended when managing frostbite?

Rewarm the extremity immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with heat cramps?

Muscular spasms Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT recommended regarding impaled objects during trauma management?

Remove the object immediately to clean the wound Signup and view all the answers

How does the body primarily maintain core temperature?

By regulating metabolic processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical problem associated with heat exhaustion?

Dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hypothalamus play in temperature regulation?

It acts as a thermostat controlling metabolic activities Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first when treating a patient experiencing heat exhaustion?

Cool the patient and remove them from the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common co-morbid factor that increases the risk of hyperthermia?

High ambient temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about metabolism is correct?

It includes all chemical processes that support bodily functions. Signup and view all the answers

During a rapid trauma survey, what should be done regarding clothing or jewelry?

Remove any that may compromise the injury site Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms indicates the most severe form of heat illness?

Heat stroke with cessation of perspiration Signup and view all the answers

How does high relative humidity affect the body’s ability to cool down?

It reduces the ability to lose heat through evaporation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of environmental heat on the body?

Heat flows from the environment to the body if the environment is warmer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key step involved in the General Trauma Standard during an emergency?

Perform a rapid primary survey Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary physiological response to initial exposure to cold?

Immediate vasoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

How does mild hypothermia affect shivering?

Shivering is uncontrolled Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is associated with moderate hypothermia?

Loss of fine motor coordination Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism accounts for the largest heat loss in cold conditions?

Radiation Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs in the heart rate as body temperature decreases?

Decreases to bradycardia Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hypothermia on glucose stores in the body?

Depletes glucose stores Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms indicates severe hypothermia?

Pale skin and muscle rigidity Signup and view all the answers

In hypothermia, how does the respiratory rate typically change?

Decreases sensitivity to CO2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign of hypothermia?

Increased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What results from the left shift of the Oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve in hypothermia?

Decreased oxygen delivery to tissues Signup and view all the answers

How does the body initially compensate cardiovascularly during hypothermia?

Increasing heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What skin change is observed in later stages of hypothermia?

Cyanotic and stiff skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended initial response when addressing someone with generalized hypothermia?

Safety first and prevent heat loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for heat loss in still air?

Radiation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergencies PARA 3500

BLS v3.4 standards are referenced for various emergencies
Specific standards for Trauma, Burns, Cold, Electrocution, and Submersion are detailed in the provided materials

General Trauma Standard

Ask the victim to stay still
Extricate or move the victim if necessary and safe to do so.
Survey the scene for any dangers.
Perform a rapid primary survey.
Perform a rapid trauma survey.
Consider SMR (Specific Medical Requirements)

Additional Trauma Standard Procedures

Estimate blood loss
Leave impaled objects in place unless interfering with airway or CPR.
Assess injuries using CLAPS D TICS (a mnemonic for injury assessment).
Complete a secondary survey if major or multiple trauma is present or suspected.
Remove clothing/jewelry that compromises the injury site.

Temperature Regulation

Core temperature of deep structures (liver) differs from peripheral body tissues.
Normal core temperature is 98.6°F (37°C) , with a variation of 1°–2°.
The body maintains core temperatures through metabolism.
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical processes in an organism that produce energy (heat as a byproduct).
Internal heat comes from cellular metabolism, amplified by shivering and strenuous exercise.
Environmental heat transfer occurs via the thermal gradient (difference in temperature).
The hypothalamus regulates temperature like a thermostat.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition where heat loss exceeds heat gain, resulting in abnormal low body temperature.
Hypothermia is measured as a core temperature below 35°C.
Heat loss mechanisms include radiation, convection, conduction, and evaporation.
Windchill and water immersion amplify heat loss.
Stages of hypothermia are classified based on core temperature (mild, moderate, and severe).

Exposure to Cold

Generalized hypothermia is a significant decrease in body temperature.
Local cold injury is damage to body tissues in a specific part or parts of the body.

Hypothermia Stages

Mild: 34°C–36°C, characterized by shivering that's not under voluntary control, but the victim can walk and talk.
Moderate: 30°C–34°C, marked by decreased consciousness (dazed), impaired motor coordination, slurred speech, severe shivering, and often irrational behavior.
Severe: ≤30°C, marked by cessation of shivering, unconsciousness, rigidity, and slowed or absent vital signs (bradycardia).

Pathophysiology of Hypothermia

Immediate vasoconstriction
Catecholamine release
Increased heart rate and respiration and shivering
Decreased antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Increased urine output
Depleted glucose and shivering stops
Rapid cooling
Decreased or stalled heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure
Leftward shift of oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve
Decreased oxygen release to tissues
Depression of insulin release
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Cardiac arrest

Predisposing Factors for Generalized Hypothermia

Cold environments
Immersion in water
Age (elderly and very young)
Alcohol abuse
Shock
Head or spinal cord injury
Burns
Generalized infection
Diabetes
Hypoglycemia
Some medications and poisons

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia

Cool or cold skin temperature, abdomen changes, decreasing mental or motor function, poor coordination, memory disturbances, reduced or lost sensation to touch, mood changes, less communicative, dizziness, and difficulty speaking.

Signs and Symptoms (continued...)

Stiff or rigid posture, muscular rigidity, shivering (present or absent), rapid or shallow breathing, slowly responding pupils, rapid or slow and weak pulse.
Low or absent blood pressure, poor judgment (i.e., removing clothing), joint and muscle stiffness, initially skin may be red but becomes pale, cyanotic, stif and hard.

ECG Changes in Hypothermia

Mainly occurring late
Bradycardia that is unresponsive to Atropine (a substance that increases the heart rate)
Small or absent P waves on the ECG
Abnormal ST and T waves on the ECG.
Development of Osborne or J waves.

Windchill

Windchill measurements are provided in a table format that correlates wind speed and air temperature with the resulting windchill.
Low temperatures combined with wind can result in rapid heat loss, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

Immersion in Cold Water

A table shows expected time intervals for death/injury according to water temperature.
An antiexposure suit can increase survivability time.

BLS 3.4 Cold Injury Standard

Move the affected person as soon as possible after primary assessment to prevent additional heat loss.
Consider life-saving threats.
Determine exposure duration and type.
During secondary survey, only expose what is needed to be examined. Remove wet or constrictive clothing, jewelry

Emergency Medical Care for Generalized Hypothermia

SAFETY! Remove the patient from the environment and protect from further heat loss or wind-chill
Remove wet clothing
Avoid rough handling as it triggers arrhythmias
Do not let the patient exert themselves
Administer warmed oxygen if possible
Monitor core and cardiac rhythm

Mild to Moderate Hypothermia Treatment

Wrap the patient in blankets (and then a foil blanket for further warmth retention if available)
Use external re-warming techniques (e.g., hot packs to groin, axillary, and cervical regions)
Keep your patient's compartment warm.

Severe Hypothermia Treatment

Wrap the patient in blankets (and foil blanket for further warmth)
Avoid vigorous suctioning or airway management.

Frostbite: Treatment

Wrap the affected area in blanket and foil blanket
Do NOT rub or massage the area
Leave blisters intact
Dress digits separately

Frostbite - Deep Cold Injury: Treatment

Remove jewelry
Cover the area with loose, dry clothing or dressings
Do not break blisters, rub, massage, or apply heat directly.
Do not rewarm
Do not allow patient to smoke, drink alcohol or use affected extremity.

Heat Emergencies

Heat gain exceeding heat loss, leads to hyperthermia.
High ambient temperatures and humidity limit heat loss (reducing evaporation).
Exercise and activity increase heat production, leading to electrolyte loss from sweat.

Heat Cramps

Most common heat-related illness.
Muscular spasms due to electrolyte loss from sweating.
Important to correct electrolyte imbalances.

Heat Exhaustion

Dehydration due to sweating without sufficient fluid/electrolyte replacement.
Symptoms include headache, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting (often mild to moderate elevations in body temperature).

Heat Stroke

Potentially life-threatening condition.
Body fails to regulate temperature.
Symptoms are severe and include deep and rapid breathing, dilated pupils, rapid pulse, decreased blood pressure, altered levels of consciousness, hot red skin, possible seizures, and coma.

Drowning and Near Drowning

Drowning: Death by suffocation following submersion.
Near Drowning: Recovery from a drowning episode
Secondary Drowning: death from complications arising after the submersion episode
Causes: exhaustion, loss of support, getting caught in debris, poor judgment, drug/alcohol use, hypothermia, trauma, diving accidents.
Factors Affecting Survival Rates: Water cleanliness, submersion time, victim health conditions (co-morbid factors), water temperature.

Drowning and Near Drowning—Treatment

Safety! Assess for spinal injury in diving accidents , conduct full assessment
Perform CPR and AED as needed
Do NOT use Heimlich maneuver
If possible, start resuscitation in the water.

Drowning and Near Drowning—Prevention

Never attempt a rescue unless you are a good swimmer and trained, wearing a life vest, and accompanied by other rescuers.

Flat Water Drowning Locations

Provides the percentage of drowning incidents for various locations (i.e., swimming pools, buckets, tubs, fish ponds, etc.)

Factors Affecting Survival

PFD (Personal Flotation Device) usage is critical to prevent boating accidents.
Water temperature, Hypothermia, and the Mammalian Diving Reflex directly affect survival rates.

In-Water Patient Immobilization

This is a step-by-step procedure that includes stages, assuring adequate personnel and equipment are available from a safety perspective, and maintaining a protective approach.
Stages include: maintaining the airway (C-spine stabilization) by a primary rescuer. A secondary rescuer secures the patient. Securing and immobilizing in a board. Moving the patient out of the water and onto land.

Moving Water Rescue Techniques

For deep or dangerous water conditions, use reach, throw, row, or go techniques.
Moving water (currents), water hazards (obstacles), and safety precautions.
Special precautions are necessary in cases of rapid currents and eddies, as well as locations of submerged objects.

Obstructions to Flow

Explains how low-head dams and other similar hazards can create dangerous currents, with diagrams

Strainers

Obstructions in water. (Downed trees, grates, and mesh filter water.)
Explain dangerous implications of strainers to people in flowing water.

Foot/Extremity Pins

Hazards of walking in moving water, over depths greater than knee level.
People might get trapped or knocked below the surface of the water by its force.

Moving Water Self-Rescue

Self rescue techniques for those with little training in an active water scenario are covered.

Local Cold Injury

Includes generalized and specific types of cold injuries.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the different types of drowning and their complications. This quiz covers essential topics such as secondary drowning and the effects on red blood cells. Learn how to respond in cold water drowning situations as well.