Review Questions: Environmental Emergencies

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition because it occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails, leading to a dangerous increase in body temperature. This can result in damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs, and if left untreated, it can be fatal. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature, confusion, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications and potential death.

Being confused can indeed be a symptom of both heat stroke and low body temperature. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes overheated and is unable to cool down, leading to symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, and disorientation. On the other hand, low body temperature, also known as hypothermia, can cause confusion and cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is true that being confused can be a symptom of both heat stroke and low body temperature.

When performing CPR on someone who has been poisoned, it is important to use a mask, if possible, to give breaths. This is because certain poisons can be harmful or toxic when inhaled or ingested. By using a mask, it helps to protect the person performing CPR from any potential exposure to the poison, ensuring their safety while providing the necessary breaths to the victim.

It is important to wash the bite area with soap and water when someone has a bite to prevent infection. Soap helps to remove dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from the wound, while water helps to flush out any remaining debris. This simple act of cleaning can help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. Therefore, the statement "When someone has a bite, be sure to wash the bite area with a lot of soap and water" is true.

The correct answer is by using tweezers. Tweezers provide a precise and controlled grip on the tick, allowing it to be removed completely without leaving any parts behind. This method is recommended by healthcare professionals as it reduces the risk of infection or transmission of diseases. Using a hot matchstick or your hands can lead to injury or cause the tick to release more saliva, increasing the chance of disease transmission. Alcohol may irritate the tick and cause it to inject more saliva into the skin.

When someone is bitten by an insect or bee, they may experience an allergic reaction. It is important to monitor them for a certain amount of time to ensure that the reaction does not worsen. The correct answer is 30 minutes because this is the recommended duration to observe the individual for any signs of anaphylaxis or other severe allergic symptoms. During this time, any potential symptoms can be identified and appropriate medical attention can be sought if necessary.