Pre-Hospital Care & Treatment Flashcards

When treating a patient in hemorrhagic shock, which fluid resuscitation strategy is preferred in current EMS practice?

Answer: Permissive hypotension with small boluses to maintain a systolic BP of 80-90 mmHg

Permissive hypotension (systolic ~80-90 mmHg) minimizes clot disruption and dilution of clotting factors in hemorrhagic shock.

A diabetic patient is confused, diaphoretic, and tachycardic with a blood glucose of 42 mg/dL. The appropriate treatment is:

Answer: Administer glucagon IM if no IV access

Glucagon IM raises blood glucose when IV access is unavailable and the patient cannot swallow oral glucose.

Which sign is most specific for a basilar skull fracture?

Answer: Battle's sign (mastoid ecchymosis)

Battle's sign is retroauricular ecchymosis that specifically indicates basilar skull fracture.

A patient stung by a bee develops urticaria, throat tightness, and hypotension. The first-line treatment is:

Answer: Epinephrine 1:1000 0.3 mg IM in the thigh

Epinephrine IM is the first-line and life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis.

During extrication, a patient's leg is trapped and has been for over 4 hours. After release, the EMT should anticipate:

Answer: Crush syndrome with potential hyperkalemia and renal failure

Prolonged compression causes rhabdomyolysis and release of myoglobin and potassium upon reperfusion (crush syndrome).

Which position is preferred for a conscious patient in acute pulmonary edema?

Answer: Sitting upright with legs dependent

Sitting upright with legs dependent reduces venous return and eases the work of breathing in pulmonary edema.

A patient is found unresponsive with pinpoint pupils and slow, shallow respirations. This presentation is most consistent with:

Answer: Opioid overdose

Pinpoint pupils (miosis), respiratory depression, and altered consciousness are the classic triad of opioid toxidrome.