EMT Chapter 17 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following would be the MOST compelling reason to disagree with a patient's refusal of transport after experiencing a seizure?

He is young and healthy

He has no prior history of seizures

He is currently not prescribed any medications (correct)

He is conscious and answering questions appropriately

A patient who is possibly experiencing a stroke is NOT eligible for thrombolytic therapy if he or she:

Has high blood pressure

Has a history of strokes

Has bleeding within the brain (correct)

Is younger than 18

What does a patient with slurred speech likely experience?

Dysarthria

What does altered mental status indicate?

Not thinking clearly or is incapable of being aroused. Signup and view all the answers

During the primary assessment of a semiconscious patient, what should you ensure?

A patent airway and support ventilation as needed. Signup and view all the answers

What signs are considered early indications of increased intracranial pressure?

Headache, vomiting, altered mental status, and seizures. Signup and view all the answers

What condition can mimic symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Stroke Signup and view all the answers

Interruption of cerebral blood flow may result from all of the following, EXCEPT:

Cerebral vasodilation Signup and view all the answers

What do patients with a subarachnoid hemorrhage typically complain of?

A sudden severe headache. Signup and view all the answers

What does the left cerebral hemisphere control?

The right side of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST significant risk factor for a hemorrhagic stroke?

Hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What is a principal difference between a patient who has had a stroke and a patient with hypoglycemia?

Mental status. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three major parts of the brain?

Cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. Signup and view all the answers

When assessing arm drift of a suspected stroke patient, what should you ask the patient to do?

Close his or her eyes during the assessment. Signup and view all the answers

What results when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off by a blockage inside a blood vessel?

An ischemic stroke. Signup and view all the answers

What should you be MOST alert for when caring for a patient with documented hypoglycemia?

A seizure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST important information to determine when obtaining medical history from the family of a suspected stroke patient?

When the patient last appeared normal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would be the LEAST likely to mimic the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

Hypovolemia Signup and view all the answers

Which condition would MOST likely affect the entire brain?

Respiratory failure or cardiopulmonary arrest Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following MOST accurately describes a simple partial seizure?

A seizure that begins in one extremity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following MOST accurately describes what the patient will experience during the postictal state that follows a seizure?

Confusion and fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms would lead you to believe that a patient's headache is caused by sinus congestion?

The pain is worse when bending over Signup and view all the answers

If a patient with slurred speech has a history of TIAs and hypertension, which area of the brain is likely affected?

Left hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

What should treatment for a patient with sudden onset of left-sided paralysis include?

Recovery position and transport. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do for a child experiencing a seizure after a high fever?

Transport the child to the hospital and reassure the mother en route. Signup and view all the answers

What Glasgow Coma Scale score should be assigned if a patient opens his eyes, moans, and pulls away when you pinch his trapezius muscle?

8 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seizures

A generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure may lead to refusal of transport, especially if the patient is not on any medications.
Confusion and fatigue are common in the postictal state after a seizure.
A simple partial seizure originates in one extremity.

Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated in patients with bleeding within the brain.
Conditions mimicking stroke symptoms include hypoglycemia, which can lead to altered mental status.
Sudden severe headaches are typical complaints in subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Mental status differentiation is crucial between stroke and hypoglycemia patients.
Symptoms like slurred speech indicate dysarthria.

Brain Function and Health Risks

The left cerebral hemisphere governs the right side of the body.
Hypertension is the most significant risk factor for hemorrhagic strokes.
An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
Key brain components include the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.
Respiratory failure or cardiopulmonary arrest can impact the entire brain.

Patient Assessment

During arm drift assessment for stroke, ask the patient to close their eyes.
Assessing when the patient last appeared normal is essential for emergency care.
Symptoms that worsen when bending over may indicate sinus congestion.

Specific Case Management

For a semiconscious patient, ensure airway patency and support ventilation.
Positioning in recovery is critical for stroke patients with stable respiratory status.
After finding a patient with slurred speech and a history of TIAs, the left hemisphere is likely affected.

Pediatric Considerations

In the case of a seizing child with a high fever, transport to the hospital while reassuring the family is necessary.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A patient who opens eyes, moans, and withdraws from a painful stimulus would have a GCS score of 8.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards about emergency medical situations, specifically focusing on Chapter 17. Each card presents a scenario to evaluate the best course of action in emergency care. Great for EMT students preparing for assessments.