07 Medical Emergencies Free Online FlashCards

What comes first in a systematic medical-emergency assessment?

Protect the scene first. Then assess and stabilize airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure, reassessing after each intervention.

What time should be documented when stroke is suspected?

Record the exact last-known-well time: when the patient was last known to be at their baseline, not when symptoms were discovered.

What should you avoid doing during a convulsive seizure?

Protect the patient from injury and time the event. Do not restrain them or put objects in their mouth.

When is oral glucose appropriate for hypoglycemia?

Give oral glucose only if the patient is sufficiently conscious and can protect their airway and swallow safely.

Does a lower-than-expected glucose rule out diabetic ketoacidosis?

No. Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur with glucose below the traditionally expected range, so one glucose result does not exclude it.

What is the immediate priority in suspected opioid toxicity with inadequate breathing?

Ventilate first when needed. Give naloxone under protocol and, when feasible, titrate it to restore adequate ventilation rather than precipitating severe withdrawal.

What should you not do as a first-aid response to poisoning?

Do not induce vomiting. For symptomatic or unstable patients, prioritize resuscitation and transport, and seek substance-specific guidance.

What is the first-line treatment for suspected anaphylaxis?

Intramuscular epinephrine is first-line treatment when anaphylaxis is suspected. Skin findings may be absent, and antihistamines do not replace epinephrine for airway or circulatory compromise.

Does the absence of fever rule out sepsis?

No. Fever may be absent, especially in older or immunocompromised patients; assess for organ dysfunction or poor perfusion as well.

What is a key immediate action for suspected heat stroke?

Move the patient from the heat and begin the most effective safe cooling available. Do not delay active cooling while arranging transport.

How should a patient with suspected hypothermia be handled?

Handle the patient gently, prevent further heat loss, remove wet clothing when practical, and insulate them; use protocol-directed rewarming.

What is a key care priority after a drowning or submersion event?

Prioritize ventilation and oxygenation because hypoxia is central to submersion events. Prevent heat loss and assess for trauma when suspected.