Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following historical factors would MOST increase a patient's susceptibility to heat emergencies?
Which of the following historical factors would MOST increase a patient's susceptibility to heat emergencies?
- Regular vigorous exercise routine without muscle cramping.
- Very old age coupled with the use of certain medications. (correct)
- Limited exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Consistent exposure to moderate humidity levels.
A patient presents with hot, dry skin, altered mental status, and hypotension. These signs and symptoms are MOST indicative of which condition?
A patient presents with hot, dry skin, altered mental status, and hypotension. These signs and symptoms are MOST indicative of which condition?
- Heat cramps
- Dehydration
- Heat stroke (correct)
- Heat exhaustion
When evaluating a patient suspected of suffering from a heat-related emergency, which of the following exam components is MOST crucial?
When evaluating a patient suspected of suffering from a heat-related emergency, which of the following exam components is MOST crucial?
- Detailed orthopedic examination.
- Thorough dermatological evaluation for unrelated skin conditions.
- Comprehensive neurological and mental status assessment. (correct)
- Focused abdominal auscultation.
Which medication types would MOST likely contribute to an elevated body temperature, potentially exacerbating a heat emergency?
Which medication types would MOST likely contribute to an elevated body temperature, potentially exacerbating a heat emergency?
Which finding is MOST indicative of heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion?
Which finding is MOST indicative of heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion?
Why is it important NOT to apply ice packs directly to a patient's skin during active cooling for hyperthermia?
Why is it important NOT to apply ice packs directly to a patient's skin during active cooling for hyperthermia?
An athletic trainer is actively cooling a hyperthermic athlete using cold water immersion and has obtained a rectal temperature of $102.2^ ext{o} F (39^ ext{o} C)$. What is the MOST appropriate next step, assuming no emergent airway issues?
An athletic trainer is actively cooling a hyperthermic athlete using cold water immersion and has obtained a rectal temperature of $102.2^ ext{o} F (39^ ext{o} C)$. What is the MOST appropriate next step, assuming no emergent airway issues?
A patient is experiencing intense shivering during active cooling for heatstroke. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A patient is experiencing intense shivering during active cooling for heatstroke. What is the MOST appropriate action?
Flashcards
Heat Emergency Signs/Symptoms
Heat Emergency Signs/Symptoms
Hot, dry, or sweaty skin; AMS/coma; hypotension/shock; seizures; or nausea.
Heat Cramps
Heat Cramps
Muscle cramping due to dehydration, without elevated temperature.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion
Dehydration, salt depletion, dizziness, fever, AMS, headache, cramping.
Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke
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Active Cooling Measures
Active Cooling Measures
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Heat Emergency Risk Factors
Heat Emergency Risk Factors
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Drugs Elevating Body Temp
Drugs Elevating Body Temp
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AMS + High Temp = ?
AMS + High Temp = ?
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Study Notes
- History factors: Age, exposure to heat/humidity, past medical history/medications, time and duration of exposure, poor PO intake, extreme exertion, and fatigue/muscle cramping.
Signs and Symptoms
- Altered Mental Status (AMS)/coma
- Hot, dry, or sweaty skin
- Hypotension or shock
- Seizures
- Nausea
Differential Diagnosis
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Medications
- Hyperthyroidism
- DTs
- Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke
- CNS lesions or tumors
Pearls
- Recommended exam includes: Mental Status, Skin, Heart, Lung, Abdomen, Extremities, Neuro.
- Very young or old individuals are more prone to heat emergencies.
- Cocaine, amphetamines, and salicylates can elevate body temperatures.
- Sweating generally disappears when body temperatures exceed 104°F (40°C).
- Intense shivering may occur as the patient is being cooled.
- Active cooling methods: cold packs or ice (not directly on skin), fanning, air conditioning.
- Cold saline should not be administered for hyperthermia unless directed by a telemetry physician.
- Cold water immersion is the preferred active cooling method, often initiated by certified athletic trainers/event personnel before EMS arrival.
- Patients undergoing cold water immersion for documented hyperthermia should remain immersed until their rectal temperature reaches 102.2°F (39°C) or mental status improves, unless airway management or other critical issues necessitate removal.
Heat Cramps
- Benign muscle cramping from dehydration without elevated temperature.
Heat Exhaustion
- Dehydration, salt depletion, dizziness, fever, AMS, headache, cramping, nausea/vomiting (N/V).
- Vital signs: tachycardia, hypotension, elevated temperature.
Heat Stroke
- Dehydration, tachycardia, hypotension, temperature exceeding 104°F (40°C), and AMS.
Active Cooling Measures
- Cold packs
- Ice (avoid direct skin contact)
- Fanning
- Air Conditioning
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Description
Explore factors, signs, and symptoms of heatstroke, including altered mental status and hot skin. Review differential diagnoses like fever and hyperthyroidism. Learn key exam elements and cooling strategies.
