Lecture 5: First Aid of Medical Emergencies

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the initial indicators of shock?

Cyanosis

Weak pulse

Rapid breathing

Pale and cold skin (correct)

What should you do first in case of shock?

Raise the casualty’s legs above heart level. (correct)

Call for emergency services.

Monitor vital signs.

Loosen the casualty's clothing.

Which of the following actions can help prevent dehydration during vomiting and diarrhea?

Administer sugary drinks.

Provide solid food immediately.

Restrict fluid intake.

Give frequent sips of water. (correct)

What is a possible cause of neurogenic shock?

Spinal cord injury Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of shock is the heart likely to stop?

As the brain’s oxygen supply weakens Signup and view all the answers

What color indicates cyanosis in a casualty?

Grey-blue skin Signup and view all the answers

Diarrhea and vomiting are primarily caused by what?

Irritation of the digestive system Signup and view all the answers

What is a common preventive measure against infectious diarrhea?

Frequent hand washing Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of seizures?

Epilepsy Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical sign of a seizure during its onset?

Sudden loss of responsiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the appropriate action after convulsive movements have stopped in a seizure?

Open the airway and check for breathing. Signup and view all the answers

What physical changes may occur during a seizure?

Breathing that may become noisy Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to protect a person experiencing a seizure?

Make space and remove dangerous items. Signup and view all the answers

What can be observed if a person has bitten their lip or tongue during a seizure?

Saliva may show bloodstains. Signup and view all the answers

What should not be done immediately after a seizure?

Apply a cold compress to their forehead. Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition called when the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord become inflamed?

Meningitis Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is specifically associated with the development of meningitis?

Drowsiness Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible outcome of untreated meningitis?

Rapid deterioration of the patient Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if meningitis symptoms are suspected?

Seek urgent medical advice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of shock?

A mild headache Signup and view all the answers

How much blood loss can lead to shock?

1.2 liters Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates that the casualty may be developing meningitis?

Sensitivity to light Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main roles of the circulatory system that may be impaired in shock?

Distributing oxygen to body tissues Signup and view all the answers

What should be done while waiting for medical help in case of suspected meningitis?

Check for signs of a rash and monitor vital signs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 5: First Aid of Medical Emergencies

Seizures (Convulsions): Involuntary muscle contractions due to brain electrical activity disturbance. Common causes include epilepsy, head injury, brain diseases, low oxygen/glucose, and poison intake (alcohol, drugs).
Seizure Recognition: Often follows a pattern, including sudden loss of responsiveness, back rigidity and arching, noisy/difficult breathing (grey-blue tinge), convulsive movements, saliva (potentially blood-stained), possible loss of bladder/bowel control, then muscle relaxation and normal breathing. The casualty may be dazed and fall into a deep sleep after.
Seizure First Aid: Create space, remove hazards, protect the head, monitor the time the seizure started, place soft padding, open airway and check breathing once the seizure stops. Place in recovery position if breathing. Monitor and record vital signs (breathing, pulse, level of response) and the seizure duration.
Meningitis: Condition where the brain and spinal cord linings become inflamed. Caused by bacteria or virus, affecting all age groups. May cause quick deterioration. Urgent medical assistance is vital.
Meningitis Symptoms (Recognition): Flu-like illness (high fever), cold hands/feet, joint/limb pain, mottled skin. As infection develops symptoms can include severe headache, neck stiffness (cannot touch chin to chest), vomiting, sensitive eyes (to light), drowsiness, and a distinctive rash of red or purple spots that don't fade.
Meningitis First Aid: Seek urgent medical advice immediately, treat fever, check for rash, reassure and keep casualty cool, monitor vitals (breathing, pulse, level of response).
Shock: Life-threatening condition caused by circulatory system failure, depriving vital organs (heart, brain) of oxygen. Can be worsened by fear and pain. Common causes are severe blood loss (>1.2 liters), vomiting, diarrhea, serious burns, heart conditions, infection, allergic reactions or spinal cord injuries.
Shock Recognition (Initially): Rapid pulse, pale and cold skin, sweating. As shock develops: rapid breathing, weak pulse, grey-blue skin (cyanosis), weakness, dizziness, thirst, nausea, possibly vomiting. If brain's oxygen supply weakens, the casualty becomes unresponsive. Eventually heart will stop.
Shock First Aid: Treat the cause, encourage casualty to lie down on a blanket (protect from cold), raise and support legs above the heart level to improve blood supply to the vital organs, loosen tight clothing, keep warm, monitor and record vitals.
Vomiting and Diarrhea: Usually due to digestive system irritation from viruses, bacteria, parasites, contaminated food/water or other irritants. Can lead to dehydration, especially in infants, children, and elderly.
Vomiting and Diarrhea Recognition: Nausea, vomiting, later diarrhea, stomach pains, fever.
Vomiting and Diarrhea First Aid: Reassure casualty, wipe face, give sips of water/unsweetened fruit juice slowly when vomiting stops, give easily digestible foods (pasta, bread, potatoes) after eating stops.

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Description

This quiz covers essential first aid procedures for medical emergencies, focusing on seizures and meningitis. It discusses recognition signs, immediate care steps, and how to assist effectively during such situations. Gain knowledge to respond confidently in emergencies and potentially save lives.