6 Emergency Scenarios and Care Handoffs Free Online FlashCards

What should guide the first assessment in an emergency?

Assess responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation, major bleeding, and mental status. Treat life threats first and reassess frequently.

What pregnancy context should be checked without delaying urgent care?

Ask whether the patient is pregnant or has been pregnant in the past year, if known. Do not delay urgent care to establish pregnancy status.

Which situations call for early emergency help?

Summon emergency help early for instability, severe pain, seizure, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, fainting, or birth that appears imminent.

How should transport be handled for an unstable patient?

An unstable patient needs emergency transport to an appropriate receiving facility. Do not delay departure for a complete history or nonessential procedures.

What are the priorities for heavy bleeding after birth?

Treat heavy or increasing bleeding after birth as possible postpartum hemorrhage and shock. Call for help, assess ABCs and mental status, monitor vital signs, keep the patient warm, and arrange urgent obstetric-capable care.

How should a seizure be managed while awaiting help?

Protect the patient from injury; do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth. After the seizure, reassess breathing and responsiveness.

Can contraception use or no known pregnancy rule out ectopic pregnancy?

Do not rule out pregnancy based on the patient’s expectation, contraception use, or lack of a known pregnancy.

Which signs with pelvic pain and bleeding raise concern for ectopic pregnancy?

Pelvic or abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding may signal ectopic pregnancy. Weakness, dizziness, fainting, or shoulder pain are especially concerning for life-threatening internal bleeding.

What should you do when birth may be imminent?

Call EMS, communicate that birth may be imminent, and do not leave the patient alone. Avoid an unplanned move if birth appears imminent; follow dispatcher instructions and local training.

When does pelvic pain or bleeding outside pregnancy need urgent assessment?

Severe or worsening pelvic pain, fainting, fever with significant illness, or heavy bleeding with weakness or other blood-loss symptoms warrants urgent emergency assessment. Do not delay transport to identify the exact cause.

What does Situation communicate in an SBAR handoff?

Situation identifies yourself and the patient, then states the main problem and its urgency.

What information belongs in the Background of an SBAR handoff?

Background gives relevant pregnancy or birth history, symptoms and onset, medical history, known medications or allergies, and key events.