Medical Conditions & Ongoing Care Flashcards

A snowboarder is found unresponsive with gurgling respirations. After ensuring scene safety, what is the immediate priority?

Answer: Open and suction the airway

Gurgling indicates fluid in the upper airway; suctioning or positioning to clear the airway is the immediate priority to prevent aspiration.

Which vital sign trend during ongoing assessment is most concerning in a patient with a suspected closed head injury?

Answer: Rising blood pressure with falling heart rate (Cushing's reflex)

Cushing's reflex (hypertension + bradycardia) signals rising intracranial pressure and is a late, ominous sign of brain herniation.

A patient with sickle cell disease on a ski trip complains of severe bone pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. What crisis is most likely?

Answer: Vaso-occlusive (pain) crisis with possible acute chest syndrome

Cold temperatures and altitude-related hypoxia can trigger a sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis; acute chest syndrome adds serious respiratory compromise.

When performing a focused physical exam on a medical patient, in what order should the OEC technician proceed?

Answer: From head to toe

A systematic head-to-toe approach ensures no injuries or abnormalities are missed during a structured physical assessment.

A 60-year-old cross-country skier collapses with chest pain. You apply an AED and it advises 'No shock recommended.' Your next step is:

Answer: Check for pulse; if absent, begin CPR and reanalyze every 2 minutes

A no-shock AED advisory may indicate a non-shockable rhythm; if pulseless, CPR should be started and the rhythm reassessed every 2 minutes.

What is the purpose of the SAMPLE history in OEC patient assessment?

Answer: To gather systematic information about the patient's medical history and context of the emergency

SAMPLE (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last intake, Events) systematically collects key patient information to guide treatment decisions.

A patient treated for hypoglycemia with oral glucose recovers fully. Before releasing them to a responsible adult, you should:

Answer: Have them eat a complex carbohydrate snack and recheck blood glucose to ensure stability

A follow-up snack with complex carbohydrates prevents rebound hypoglycemia, and a stable blood glucose confirms safe disposition.