Medical Conditions & Ongoing Care Flashcards

A skier complains of sudden severe headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. Which condition should you suspect?

Answer: Meningitis

Sudden severe headache, nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), and photophobia are classic signs of meningitis, a life-threatening emergency.

During ongoing assessment of a diabetic patient who has received oral glucose, you notice no improvement after 15 minutes. What is the most appropriate next action?

Answer: Reassess blood glucose and consider ALS activation

If a diabetic patient shows no improvement 15 minutes after oral glucose, reassess blood glucose and activate ALS since IV dextrose may be needed.

A patient with a known history of epilepsy has a seizure lasting 5 minutes and then stops. They are now in a postictal state. What is the priority of care?

Answer: Protect airway, position laterally, and monitor closely

Postictal patients are confused and have compromised airway reflexes; lateral positioning protects the airway and close monitoring is essential.

Which finding during ongoing assessment best indicates worsening of a patient's respiratory condition?

Answer: Increasing use of accessory muscles with declining SpO2

Increased accessory muscle use combined with falling oxygen saturation indicates progressive respiratory failure requiring immediate intervention.

A backcountry skier experiences sudden chest pain radiating to the left arm and diaphoresis at altitude. What should the OEC technician suspect first?

Answer: Acute myocardial infarction

Classic AMI presentation includes chest pain radiating to the left arm with diaphoresis; physical exertion at altitude increases cardiac demand.

When performing ongoing assessment, how frequently should you reassess a stable patient's vital signs in the backcountry?

Answer: Every 15 minutes

Stable patients should be reassessed every 15 minutes to detect any changes in condition during transport or prolonged care.

A patient with COPD is found in respiratory distress. Which oxygen delivery consideration is most relevant for this population?

Answer: Titrate oxygen to maintain SpO2 around 88–92% to avoid suppressing hypoxic drive

Some COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive; targeting SpO2 of 88–92% delivers necessary oxygen without fully abolishing their respiratory stimulus.