First Aid: Hypothermia and Heat Stroke Management

Questions and Answers

Which of these findings would present earliest in a patient with hypothermia?

Shivering

What should the EMT state about the spider bite encountered at the residence?

"You really need to go because the bite of that spider does not heal very well and will put you at risk for infection."

How should the EMT assess the skin temperature of a patient exposed to cold?

Places the back of his hand on the patient's abdomen

What is the appropriate care for a confused teenage boy in the heat with a weak pulse?

Place him supine on the stretcher with feet elevated Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant mechanism by which the body can lose heat?

Radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the best option for providing oxygen to a patient with a core temperature of 95 degrees F?

Warmed and humidified oxygen delivered through a nonrebreather mask Signup and view all the answers

What statement would be most appropriate for a patient refusing care after tick removal?

"Tick bites can result in bacterial infections, which can be very serious." Signup and view all the answers

What finding is of most concern when cooling a patient with possible heat stroke?

Determining that the patient is now shivering after having cold packs applied to the neck Signup and view all the answers

What action would be most beneficial to an unresponsive patient with hot, dry skin?

Place cold packs to the patient's groin and armpits Signup and view all the answers

What finding is most concerning in a confused patient exposed to high temperatures?

Hot and dry skin Signup and view all the answers

What will most likely occur without treatment in an 18-month-old with a temperature of 105.2 degrees F?

Cellular dysfunction or seizures Signup and view all the answers

What statement made by a patient after rewarming a freezing cold injury is concerning?

"There is no pain when I rub my fingers with my other hand." Signup and view all the answers

What question should be asked when obtaining a history of a 5-year-old boy with generalized hypothermia?

"How long was he out in the cold?" Signup and view all the answers

What instruction is most appropriate when moving a patient with severe generalized hypothermia?

"I want everyone to take extra care in moving the patient very gently to the stretcher. We do not want her to go into cardiac arrest." Signup and view all the answers

Which thermometer should be utilized by an EMT when assessing the temperature of a patient with hypothermia?

Medical-grade thermometer in the patient's rectum Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hypothermia and Temperature Regulation

Shivering is the earliest finding in patients with hypothermia, indicating the body's response to cold.
Skin Temperature Assessment: Use the back of the hand to assess patient's abdomen for accurate skin temperature.
Heat Loss Mechanism: The most significant way the body loses heat is through radiation.

Spider Bite Management

A brown recluse spider bite may lead to serious complications, such as infection, which necessitates medical attention despite the absence of immediate pain.

For a patient exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (pale, cool, moist skin), placing them supine with elevated feet can improve circulation.
When treating heat stroke, the presence of shivering after cold packs are applied is a concerning sign, indicating the body is trying to rewarm itself.
In a case of heat stroke with unresponsive patient and hot, dry skin, applying cold packs to the groin and armpits can help lower body temperature effectively.

Pediatric Temperature Concerns

An 18-month-old with a fever of 105.2°F is at risk for cellular dysfunction or seizures if untreated.

Tick Bite Risks

Informing patients about the risk of bacterial infections from tick bites is crucial, even if they refuse treatment.

Cold Injury Management

Following rewarming of a freezing injury, lack of pain when rubbing fingers together can indicate serious nerve damage.
During the transport of a patient with severe hypothermia, emphasize gentle movement to prevent cardiac arrest.

Assessment and Observation

When assessing a young child with generalized hypothermia, prioritize asking, "How long was he out in the cold?" to understand exposure duration.
Use a medical-grade thermometer to check rectal temperature for accurate readings in hypothermic patients.

Elderly Considerations

Be alert to confusion and coldness in elderly patients, especially those who have been immobile for extended periods, as they are at higher risk for hypothermia.

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Description

Test your knowledge on managing hypothermia and heat-related illnesses, including spider bite management. This quiz covers vital signs, treatment protocols, and patient assessment techniques. Learn how to recognize and respond to emergencies related to temperature regulation.