Lightning Strike Trauma Assessment

Questions and Answers

What trauma typically develops in a patient who experiences a lightning strike?

Trauma from air rushing out of and back in to the strike location

Which assessment finding should the EMT investigate further in an intoxicated patient struck by lightning who is conscious but confused?

Irregular heartbeat (correct)

Mobility

Pain level

Consciousness level

What would be your most appropriate reply to a patient asking if she is going to die from a snake bite?

"While you still need to get checked out, if venom was injected, the signs and symptoms of generalized reaction typically appear very quickly."

Which statement made by your EMT partner requires immediate correction when treating a patient with hypothermia?

We need to gradually rewarm the patient at a rate of 2-3° F per hour. Signup and view all the answers

What causes heat cramps?

"They are caused when the patient's electrolytes such as salt and calcium become deranged and are too low in the body." Signup and view all the answers

What should you emphasize in a presentation about cold-related emergencies?

Emergency responders play a critical role in caring for hypothermic patients since the most important phase of care occurs during the first 30 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What care should be provided for a patient bitten by an insect with tremendous pain and a reddened area?

Applying a cold pack to the site Signup and view all the answers

What priority care should the EMT provide for a patient struck by lightning who is in cardiac arrest but has a heartbeat after CPR?

Perform the jaw-thrust maneuver Signup and view all the answers

Who is experiencing generalized hypothermia?

A 21-year-old female who was trapped in cold water for 10 minutes before being rescued Signup and view all the answers

Which finding would present earliest in a patient with hypothermia?

Shivering Signup and view all the answers

What does shivering indicate in a cold hunter who has an open airway and is weak?

Shivering is a protective means by which the body is attempting to warm itself Signup and view all the answers

What is the best response when an EMR finds a patient with Alzheimer's who is not breathing and has no pulse?

"Let's perform the primary assessment again, and this time take longer to assess for breathing and a pulse." Signup and view all the answers

What item should be included in an emergency kit for patients stung or bitten by small marine life?

Vinegar Signup and view all the answers

The majority of snakebites involve poisonous snakes.

False Signup and view all the answers

What condition did a patient with hypothermia displaying confusion and arm pain experience?

Localized freezing cold injury to the arm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lightning Strike and Trauma

Patients struck by lightning experience brain injury due to high voltage and amperage.
Trauma from air rushing out of the strike location is a common consequence.

Assessment of Intoxicated Patients

An intoxicated 24-year-old female patient struck by lightning may present with confusion.
Irregular heartbeat should be prioritized for further investigation in her assessment.

Snake Bite Responses

A 44-year-old female bitten by a snake should be reassured that if venom injected, generalized symptoms typically appear quickly.
Recognizing puncture wounds and swelling is vital in the assessment following a snake bite.

Hypothermia Treatment Insights

Immediate rewarming of a hypothermic patient should not exceed 1-2°F per hour, contrary to incorrect statements of 2-3°F.
Emergency responders are crucial in the first 30 minutes of care for hypothermic patients.

Insect Bites Management

For insect stings, applying a cold pack to the affected area can help alleviate pain and swelling.

CPR and Unresponsive Patients

In cases of lightning strikes where patients are in cardiac arrest, performing the jaw-thrust maneuver is necessary to ensure airway management.

Identifying Hypothermia

Generalized hypothermia can be recognized in a 21-year-old female rescued after being trapped in cold water for 10 minutes.
Shivering is one of the earliest indicators of hypothermia, signaling the body's attempt to generate heat.

Assessing Confused Patients

For a conscious but confused patient with a weak radial pulse, cold skin, and shivering, recognize shivering as a protective response against cold.
A thorough re-assessment for breathing and pulse is crucial for patients who are unresponsive or potentially in critical condition.

Emergency Kits for Marine Life Stings

Vinegar should be included in emergency kits for individuals stung or bitten by small marine life, as it can help neutralize toxins.

Snakebite Facts

A substantial number of snakebites involve nonpoisonous species, highlighting the need for proper identification and assessment during treatment.

Additional Considerations for Hypothermia

For alert and confused hypothermic patients, localized cold injuries may be present, necessitating careful monitoring and specific care strategies.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts related to trauma assessment in patients who have experienced lightning strikes. It focuses on specific injuries and clinical signs that EMTs should prioritize during evaluation and treatment. Test your knowledge on these critical emergency care topics!