Environmental Emergencies Quiz

Lower core temperature by cold water immersion; use ice packs, cold fluids; monitor temperature and for dysrhythmias; administer 100% oxygen; prevent shivering; monitor urine output; watch for tea-colored urine (rhabdo and dehydration).

Remove cold clothes; use warm blankets; active warming (warm fluids, bear huggers); passive warming (blankets, warm room); monitor ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) and cardiac monitor; watch urine output (dehydration and acidosis); target body temperature 86-90°F.

Cold water slows processes, increasing chance of survival; treatment focuses on airway and breathing; administer oxygen; warm body if necessary.

Cause deep puncture wounds; high risk of infection; prophylactic antibiotics often required.

Often involve larger wound areas; high risk of infection, and concern for puncture wounds, especially those around joints, on hands or feet.

Wild animal bites require prophylactic rabies treatment; assess animal and vaccination status.

Heat exhaustion is less severe and sweat production can still occur; heat stroke is more severe, characterized by the body's inability to sweat.

Potential for pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to decreased lung surfactant.

Remove the stinger, assess allergies, administer epi, antihistamine, and steroids. Remove restrictive items.

Decontaminate (brush off, shower), prioritize ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), call Poison Control, consider charcoal use (with caution).

Characterized by pinpoint pupils, decreased alertness, slow/shallow breathing, monitor for seizures and hypoxia. Administer Narcan.

Obvious injuries like head lacerations and visible trauma from an incident, but a lot more is often unseen.

Hidden injuries like edema, ischemia, and inflammation that can lead to permanent damage and are frequently more serious than the initial injuries.

Loss of reflexes, sensation, and muscle function below the injury site. These may not present right away.

Males are more prone to spinal cord injuries due partly to riskier behaviors; car accidents are a common cause for this.

Spinal shock happens soon after the injury. Swelling takes days to weeks to go down, therefore full impact, extent and prognosis may not be known at first.

Trauma triage system with 5 levels, 1 being the most severe

Initial assessment focusing on immediate life threats (ABCDE)

Comprehensive assessment of the patient after the primary survey, looking for other injuries, including diagnostics (Lab, Monitoring, Oxygen, Pain Management, and additional tests

A dangerous complication of chemo where dying cancer cells release their contents into the bloodstream causing electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia and metabolic acidosis.

Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a body's response to an infection

Low white blood cell count increasing risk of infections.

Hydration! Making sure the patient is well-hydrated before chemo helps prevent the build-up of harmful substances in the blood.

A life-threatening condition where a tumor blocks blood flow in the superior vena cava, leading to swelling in the face, neck, and upper limbs.

Low platelet count increasing risk of bleeding

High calcium levels, often found in cancer patients

Back pain that gets worse when lying down (supine) and improves when sitting up.

Hyponatremia (low sodium levels), especially if less than 125 mEq/L, which can lead to serious issues like swelling in the brain and confusion.

Protects medical professionals from liability for actions during an emergency, when they stop to provide care after an accident

A life-threatening condition caused by damage to the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in decreased cardiac output, venous pooling, and temperature dysregulation, often with low blood pressure, warm flushed skin, and later cold, clammy skin.

Damage to the cervical spine (C3-C5) can impair diaphragm function, requiring respiratory support.

A serious condition in patients with T6 or above spinal cord injuries. Characterized by a severe headache, high blood pressure, nausea, and potentially life-threatening vasoconstriction.

A life-threatening condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing a shift in the mediastinum (trachea deviation) and affecting both respiration and cardiac function. Requires immediate treatment, such as needle decompression and chest tube insertion.

A chest injury characterized by multiple fractured ribs in a segment that can cause paradoxical chest wall movement.

A serious condition usually related in large bone fractures and crush injuries, causing significant swelling and pressure increase leading to tissue damage without proper treatment. The early symptom is often 5-P's, and can be a precursor to rhabdomyolysis.

An injury to the brain, which can have immediate and long-term effects. Outcomes vary, but severe TBI frequently lead to lifelong management requirements.

A rapid ultrasound test procedure specifically used for evaluating abdominal trauma. Usually abbreviated as FAST.