EMT Medical Study Guide PDF

**EMT Medical Study Guide** What is an arteriovenous shunt for a dialysis patient? It is a connection created through surgery between a vein and an artery that allows access for dialysis. What are some complications patients with dialysis may experience? Patients face many complications with dia...

**EMT Medical Study Guide** What is an arteriovenous shunt for a dialysis patient? It is a connection created through surgery between a vein and an artery that allows access for dialysis. What are some complications patients with dialysis may experience? Patients face many complications with dialysis such as nausea, low blood pressure, blood clots, and headaches. Name 10 differentials for a patient with altered mental status: Stroke, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, seizure, drug intoxication, hyperglycemia, meningitis, diabetes, dehydration, and hypercalcemia. What are the appropriate treatments for an opioid overdose? Naloxone. What is the number for poison control? 1-800-222-1222 Name 2 examples of stimulants a patient may take/overdose Patients may take/overdose stimulants such as Cocaine and crystal meth Define cholinergic overdose This is a condition where the body experiences overstimulation at the neuro-muscular junction due to too much acetylcholine. This results in things such as muscle paralysis, seizures, and respiratory failure. What are the signs and symptoms of the following conditions: - Appendicitis: Symptoms appendicitis are things such as pain around the navel, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea - GI Hemorrhage: Symptoms for GI hemorrhage can be things such as vomiting blood, feeling fatigue, dyspnea, and showing appearance of paleness. - Peritonitis: Symptoms of peritonitis can be experiencing things such as abdominal pain that increases with movement, swelling of the abdomen, fever, and thirst. - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurism can be experiencing things such as shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, clammy or sweaty skin, and severe pain in the abdomen, lower back or legs. - Diverticulitis: Symptoms of diverticulitis are things such as feeling pain or tenderness in the lower left abdomen, bloating, fever, nausea and vomiting. Define peristalsis. This is the involuntary muscle movement in the gastrointestinal tract that moves food in wave-like movements. What is the pathophysiology of an anaphylactic reaction? When the body experiences an overreaction against an allergen. The body's immune system causes mast cells and basophils to release chemical mediators such as histamine and Leukotrienes which lead to vascular permeability, vasodilation, and bronchoconstriction. What does epinephrine do in the setting of anaphylaxis? Epinephrine reverses anaphylaxis by opening up airways and reducing swelling. What differentiates an allergic reaction from an anaphylactic reaction? Anaphylaxis is different from an allergic reaction because it involves at least two body systems. For example, a patient with anaphylaxis can experience swelling in the airway and chest pain. How does insulin play a role in the body? Insulin moves glucose from the blood into the cells in order to be used for energy. What is DKA? What are its signs and symptoms? Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition where the body does not have enough insulin to move glucose from the blood to the cells. Signs and symptoms of DKA can be fatigue, headaches, being short of breath, and having fruity breath. What respiratory changes do we see in DKA patients? Why? Name the respiratory rhythm pattern. In DKA patients, they tend to have fast, deep breaths called Kussmaul respirations. The body does this in order to reduce the blood acidity caused the ketone build up as a product from fat burning. What are the signs and symptoms associated with sepsis? Signs and symptoms of sepsis can be things such as altered mental status, fast and shallow breathing, fever or hypothermia, and warm or sweaty skin. What are the 4 steps for shock treatment at the BLS level? The first step is to assess and manage the airway, the second step is to control any bleeding, the third step is to lay the down with legs in an elevated position, and the fourth step is to keep the patient warm by covering them with a blanket while assessing vitals and calling for ALS. What is sickle cell anemia? What symptoms do you see in patients with sickle cell crisis? A blood disorder that causes the red blood cells to have an abnormal shape. Symptoms in patients with sickle cell crises can be experiences of extreme pain throughout the body, fatigue, dizziness, and swelling of hands and feet. Name two medical conditions might a patient with sickle cell anemia be predisposed to? Stroke, and kidney problems. What is meningitis and what are the major signs and symptoms associated with it? What type of PPE should you wear with a meningitis patient? Meningitis is the inflammation of the area (fluid and tissue) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Major signs and symptoms can be headaches, stiff neck, fever, vomiting, and confusion. People should wear gloves, and a mask when dealing with a meningitis patient. What is the difference between a partial seizure and a generalized seizure? Partial seizure affects one area of the brain and generalized seizure affects both sides of the brain. What are the phases of a generalized seizure (there are 4) The 4 phases of generalized seizure are 1) Prodromal, 2) Early ictal (aura), 3) Ictal, and 4) Postictal. What is a syncope? List two causes of a syncopal episode? Syncope is a loss of consciousness for a short period of time. This can be caused by dehydration or anxiety. What PPE do you need to safely treat a patient with tuberculosis? You need a filtering face piece respirator (N95 mask) and gloves in order to treat a patient with tuberculosis. Define homeostasis. The body's ability to maintain stability in its biological systems regardless of the change in the outside environment. What is the difference between neglect and abuse? Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care to the patient, and abuse is the cause of harm to the patient physically, sexually, or emotionally. What is the difference between psychosis and delirium? Psychosis is more stable with the characteristic of auditory hallucinations and delirium fluctuates throughout the day and tends to cause visual hallucinations. What is assessed in a Cincinnati Stroke Scale? The Cincinatti stroke scale assesses facial paresis, arm drift, and abnormal speech. Define syncopal. A brief loss of consciousness due to a decrease in blood pressure. Define polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria. Polydipsia is an increase in thirst. Polyphagia is an increase in appetite. Polyuria is the increase in urination Define dysphasia, aphagia. Dysphasia is the inability to produce speech. Aphagia is the inability to understand speech. What is the pathophysiology of the following conditions: - Hemorrhagic Stroke: A type of stroke that occurs when there is a blood vessel rupture in the brain. - Ischemic Stroke: This is a type of stroke that happens when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain, therefore, affecting the blood flow to the brain. - Transient Ischemic Attack: This is the temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain due to a clot form the heart moving to the brain or a cholesterol buildup. As a result, transient ischemic attack mimics stroke symptoms such as slurred speech. What is the most important piece of information that EMS providers can obtain about a patient believed to be suffering from a stroke? The most important piece of information is when was the last time they were normal. What is the target scene time for a patient suffering from an acute stroke? 10 minutes True/ false: EMS providers should attempt to differentiate between a TIA and an acute stroke while the patient is still symptomatic? False.