L.P. Book Medical / Lesson #9 Medical Emergencies

Emergency medical care is based on the patient's signs and symptoms because these are the indicators that help healthcare providers determine the severity and urgency of the situation. Signs are objective observations that can be measured or seen by others, such as a high fever or rapid heart rate. Symptoms, on the other hand, are subjective experiences reported by the patient, such as pain or dizziness. By assessing signs and symptoms, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about the appropriate course of action and prioritize patients based on the level of urgency.

Seizures are a sudden attack that occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This abnormal activity is typically caused by a nervous system disorder, such as epilepsy. Nervous system disorders can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and lead to seizures. Fractured bones, falls, and car accidents are not directly related to seizures and would not be the cause of a sudden attack.

When assessing behavioral emergency patients, it is important to assess their mental status. This can be done by evaluating their appearance, activity, and speech. Additionally, assessing their orientation to time, person, and place is crucial. This helps determine if the patient is aware of their surroundings and can provide valuable information about their cognitive functioning. Assessing pain level, pupils, and blood alcohol level may be relevant in certain situations, but they are not the primary indicators of mental status in behavioral emergency patients.

Convulsions are violent muscle contractions that can occur during a seizure. They are characterized by involuntary movements, jerking, and shaking of the body. Convulsions are a common symptom of epilepsy and can also be caused by other medical conditions such as fever, brain injuries, or drug withdrawal. During a convulsion, the muscles may become stiff or rigid, followed by rhythmic jerking movements. It is important to note that not all seizures result in convulsions, as there are different types of seizures that can manifest in various ways.

Seizures are often not life-threatening, but in some cases, they can be a serious emergency. This is because seizures can cause loss of consciousness, convulsions, and other potentially dangerous symptoms. If someone is experiencing a seizure, it is important to provide immediate medical attention and ensure their safety during the episode.

A behavioral emergency refers to a situation where a patient displays abnormal behavior that is considered unacceptable or intolerable by the patient, their family, or the community. This could include behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, or severe agitation. It is important to address behavioral emergencies promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient and those around them.

The 1st responder should access each patient to determine the patient's chief complaint and signs & symptoms. This is because the chief complaint provides information about the main reason the patient is seeking medical attention, while the signs & symptoms help in identifying the specific manifestations of the patient's condition. By assessing both the chief complaint and signs & symptoms, the 1st responder can gather comprehensive information about the patient's condition and provide appropriate medical care.

Patients can have an altered mental state due to various reasons such as fever, infections, poisoning, low blood sugar, insulin reactions, decreased oxygen levels in the brain, and psychiatric conditions. However, one specific cause that can lead to an altered mental state is a head injury. Head injuries can result in damage to the brain, leading to changes in cognitive function and consciousness. Therefore, out of the given options, the correct answer is head injury.

After completing the initial assessment and any necessary physical exams, the first responder's role at a behavioral emergency is to continue with an ongoing assessment. This means continuously monitoring the patient's condition, behavior, and any changes that may occur. It is important to gather as much information as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient and those around them. Restraining the patient immediately, not talking to them, or yelling at them can further agitate the patient and potentially escalate the situation. Therefore, the first responder should focus on ongoing assessment instead.

When restraining a patient, it is important to have the police present if possible to ensure the safety of both the patient and the medical staff. Additionally, getting approval from medical oversight is necessary to ensure that the use of restraints is justified and appropriate for the patient's condition. Therefore, the correct answer is "Both b & c."