Paramedic Quiz Chapter 20

If a partial thickness burn involves more than 30% of the body surface area, it is considered critical. This means that a large portion of the body has been affected by the burn, which can lead to serious complications such as fluid loss, infection, and impaired organ function. The extent of the burn is an important factor in determining the severity and potential risks associated with it.

When a vein rolls from side to side during a cannulation attempt, it indicates that the vein is not stable enough to be punctured. Applying downward manual traction below the venipuncture site helps to stabilize the vein in position, making it easier to successfully insert the IV needle. This technique ensures that the vein remains steady and minimizes the chances of the needle slipping or causing any damage. Applying a constricting band to a distal location or using a through the needle IV catheter may not address the issue of vein instability. Placing a chemical heat pack over the vein is not recommended as it may cause discomfort or potential burns.

Scald burns often cover large surface areas because liquids spread quickly. When hot liquids come in contact with the skin, they transfer heat rapidly, causing the burn to spread over a larger area. This is because liquids have the ability to flow and spread easily, increasing the contact area with the skin. As a result, scald burns can cover a larger surface area compared to other types of burns.

The correct answer is to carefully assess the scene for safety hazards. This is the first action that should be taken upon arriving at the scene of a man who has cut his hand with a chainsaw. Assessing the scene for safety hazards is crucial to ensure the safety of both the patient and the first responder. By identifying any potential dangers or hazards, appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate risks and provide a safe environment for providing medical care.

The correct answer is to apply an icepack to the hematoma and monitor his level of consciousness. This is the appropriate action because the icepack will help reduce swelling and pain in the affected area. Monitoring his level of consciousness is important to ensure that there are no signs of a more serious head injury, such as a concussion or brain bleed. Starting an IV and administering morphine is not necessary at this time as his vital signs are stable and his breathing is adequate. Placing him in a sitting position and applying a chemical heat pack may exacerbate the swelling and should be avoided.

The correct answer is determining if the scene is safe to enter. When assessing a patient who may have been exposed to radiation, it is crucial to ensure the safety of the healthcare provider and anyone else involved. This involves evaluating the scene for any potential hazards or ongoing radiation exposure before entering. By doing so, the healthcare provider can minimize their own risk and provide appropriate care to the patient. Thorough decontamination, moving the patient to a safe area, and evaluating airway, breathing, and circulation are all important steps in the assessment process, but they come after ensuring scene safety.

Based on the symptoms of jaw and neck stiffness, along with a history of a recent cut on the hand, the most likely explanation for the patient's condition is tetanus. Tetanus is caused by a bacterial infection from the Clostridium tetani bacteria, which can enter the body through a wound or cut. The bacteria produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Fever is also a common symptom of tetanus. Meningitis, a viral infection, and staph infection are less likely based on the given symptoms and history.

Burn shock is caused by fluid loss across damaged skin and volume shifts within the rest of the body. When the skin is burned, it loses its barrier function, leading to the loss of fluids and electrolytes. This fluid loss can result in a decrease in blood volume, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and inadequate tissue perfusion. Additionally, the body may undergo volume shifts, with fluid moving from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, further exacerbating the decrease in blood volume. These factors contribute to the development of burn shock.

The correct answer is to ask the physician to repeat the order. This is because the physician has ordered an inappropriate dose of atropine for the patient with symptomatic bradycardia. It is important to clarify the order with the physician to ensure the correct dose is administered. Contacting the medical director may also be necessary, but the immediate action should be to ask the physician for clarification.

The correct answer is "never rule out CO poisoning because of the absence of cherry red skin." This means that even if a person does not have cherry red skin, it does not necessarily mean that they are not suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. This is important because cherry red skin is not always present in cases of CO poisoning, and relying solely on this symptom can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Other symptoms and factors should also be considered when assessing for CO poisoning.

Radiation burns may appear hours or days after exposure, unlike chemical burns. This is because radiation damage takes time to manifest and may not be immediately apparent. The effects of radiation exposure can gradually develop and become visible on the skin over time. In contrast, chemical burns typically occur immediately upon contact with the harmful substance. Therefore, the correct answer is that radiation burns may appear hours or days after exposure.

Damage to the skin following a burn injury can lead to various complications. One of the least significant complications is the decreased melanin granules. Melanin is responsible for giving color to the skin and protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun. While decreased melanin granules may affect the appearance of the skin, it is not a major concern compared to other complications such as disturbances in fluid balance, difficulty with thermoregulation, and susceptibility to bacterial invasion, which can have more significant impacts on the overall health and well-being of the individual.

Steam burns are the most commonly associated type of thermal burn with inhalation injury. When steam comes into contact with the skin, it transfers its heat rapidly, causing severe burns. In addition to causing skin damage, inhalation of steam can also lead to damage in the respiratory system. Steam burns are often seen in situations where there is exposure to hot liquids or steam, such as in industrial accidents or kitchen mishaps. The high temperature and moisture content of steam make it particularly damaging to the skin and respiratory system.

When standing by at the scene of a structural fire, it is important to remember that toxic gases are often present, even after the fire is out. This is crucial because these gases can be harmful and pose a risk to the health and safety of individuals at the scene. It is necessary to take necessary precautions and ensure the proper use of protective equipment to prevent exposure to these toxic gases.

Epinephrine is a medication that acts as a sympathomimetic, meaning it mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and dilation of the airways. Epinephrine is commonly used in emergency situations, such as anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest, to stimulate the sympathetic response and counteract the effects of an allergic reaction or cardiac failure. Therefore, the correct answer is sympathomimetic.

Alpha radiation particles have minimal penetrating energy compared to beta radiation particles. This means that alpha particles are less able to penetrate through solid materials and travel far in air. Additionally, alpha particles are more dangerous if they are ingested, as they can cause damage to living tissue.

The correct answer is to ensure that the constricting band has been removed. The constricting band may be preventing the flow of the IV by obstructing the blood flow. By removing the band, the flow should be able to resume. Manipulating the catheter may cause damage or dislodgement, so it is not the appropriate action. Discontinuing the IV and reestablishing it in the other arm would be unnecessary if the issue is simply the constricting band. Using a pressure infuser device may be a potential solution, but it should not be the first step taken before ensuring the constricting band has been removed.

Partial-thickness burns are usually extremely painful for the patient. This is because these burns involve damage to both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer of skin (dermis). The nerve endings in the skin are affected, leading to pain and sensitivity. Unlike superficial burns, which only affect the epidermis and are less painful, partial-thickness burns cause significant discomfort and can be quite painful for the patient.

Full thickness circumferential burns to the chest may cause significant restriction of respiratory excursion. This means that the burns can limit the ability of the chest to expand and contract during breathing, leading to difficulty in breathing properly. This restriction can be due to the tightness and stiffness of the burned skin. It is important for paramedics to be aware of this potential complication and provide appropriate interventions to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation for the patient.

Moist dressings are not recommended for a patient with full thickness burns surrounded by areas of superficial and partial-thickness burns. Moist dressings are typically used for superficial and partial-thickness burns to promote healing and prevent infection. However, in the case of full thickness burns, the skin is completely destroyed and requires a different approach to treatment, such as surgical intervention or specialized dressings. Therefore, moist dressings would not be appropriate in this situation.

The most likely explanation for the edema developing on the opposite side of the extremity after inserting the IO catheter at a 45 degree angle is extravasation due to an inappropriate angle of IO catheter insertion. This means that the catheter was not inserted correctly, causing the fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue instead of entering the vein. This can result in swelling and edema on the opposite side of the extremity.

Upper airway damage following a burn is most often caused by the inhalation of superheated gases. When a person inhales superheated gases, such as those produced during a fire, the high temperature can cause severe damage to the upper airway. The heat can cause burns to the lining of the airway, leading to swelling, inflammation, and potential obstruction. This can result in difficulty breathing, coughing, and other respiratory symptoms. In contrast, exposure to carbon monoxide or cyanide can cause damage to the body's tissues and organs, but they do not specifically target the upper airway. The inhalation of hot particulate steam or direct flame exposure to the oropharynx can also cause burns and damage to the airway, but superheated gases are more commonly associated with upper airway damage in burn cases.

The correct answer is to protect his spine, insert a nasal airway, assist ventilations with a BVM and 100% O2, keep him warm and elevate his legs, transport at once, and establish vascular access en route to a trauma center. This is the most appropriate course of action for a patient who has suffered multiple blows to the abdomen and is showing signs of poor respiratory effort, weak pulse, and unresponsiveness. Protecting the spine helps prevent further injury, while inserting a nasal airway and assisting ventilations with a BVM and 100% O2 ensures adequate oxygenation. Keeping the patient warm and elevating his legs can help improve circulation, and transporting him to a trauma center with established vascular access allows for further evaluation and treatment.

The correct answer suggests that most lighting related injuries occur when a person receives a splash effect after lightning strikes a nearby object. This means that the person is not directly hit by the lightning itself, but rather experiences the effects of the electrical discharge that occurs when lightning strikes an object nearby. This can result in injuries such as burns, electrical shock, or being thrown off balance due to the force of the splash effect.

Elevating the extremity above the level of the heart helps to reduce blood flow to the injured area. This can help to slow down the bleeding and reduce the amount of blood loss. By elevating the extremity, gravity assists in reducing the pressure and flow of blood, allowing the body to naturally clot and stop the bleeding. This can be a helpful initial step in managing the bleeding before seeking further medical assistance.

The correct answer is that the physiologic changes caused by acute radiation syndrome occur over time and will not be apparent in the prehospital setting. This means that the effects of radiation exposure may not be immediately visible or detectable in the early stages, especially in a prehospital setting where immediate medical intervention may not be available. It highlights the importance of early recognition and appropriate medical management of radiation exposure to prevent further complications.

In this scenario, the patient is presenting with signs of shock, such as confusion, pallor, and a weak carotid pulse. These symptoms indicate significant blood loss and hypoperfusion. Administering high flow oxygen is necessary to improve oxygenation and support vital organ function. Immediate transportation is crucial to ensure timely access to advanced medical care. Attempting other bleeding control methods en route is necessary to minimize further blood loss and stabilize the patient's condition.

Burns increase the metabolic rate, which may necessitate higher than normal doses of analgesia. This means that burn patients may require higher doses of pain medication to effectively manage their pain due to the increased metabolic rate caused by the burn injury.

The correct answer is inhalation injury. A burn patient presenting with a hoarse voice and stating "I'm cold" indicates that they may have inhaled smoke or toxic fumes during the burn incident. Inhalation injury can cause damage to the airways and lungs, leading to respiratory distress and potentially life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately address and treat any potential inhalation injury in burn patients.

The degree of absorption of a corrosive chemical determines whether toxicity is local or systemic. If the chemical is minimally absorbed, the toxicity is likely to be local, meaning it affects only the area of contact. In this case, irrigating the burn with a suitable liquid would be sufficient to flush out the chemical. However, if the chemical is highly absorbed, it can cause systemic toxicity, meaning it affects the entire body. In such cases, an antidote may be required to reverse the effects of the chemical.

Cutting the ET tube down to make it shorter is not recommended for intubation of a burn patient because facial edema may cause tube dislodgement 2-3 days after the burn. This means that as the patient's facial edema subsides, the tube may become loose or dislodged, compromising the airway and potentially leading to respiratory distress. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the ET tube is of the appropriate length and properly secured to prevent any complications.

To determine the mL of lidocaine to be administered, we need to calculate the total dose of lidocaine required for the patient's weight. The patient weighs 180 lbs, so we need to convert this to kg by dividing by 2.2 (180 lbs / 2.2 = 81.82 kg). The protocol calls for a dose of 1.5 mg/kg, so we multiply the weight in kg by the dose (81.82 kg * 1.5 mg/kg = 122.73 mg).

Next, we need to calculate the mL of lidocaine using the concentration of the prefilled syringes. The concentration is 100 mg/5 mL, so we divide the total dose (122.73 mg) by the concentration (122.73 mg / 100 mg/5 mL = 6.1365 mL).

Rounding to the nearest tenth, the mL of lidocaine to be administered is 6.2.

The patient's presentation suggests that he may have suffered a spinal cord injury due to the fall. His inability to move his lower extremities and the pale, clammy skin above the level of his umbilicus indicate possible spinal cord damage. The priority in managing this patient is to stabilize his spine and provide ventilatory support as needed. Keeping him warm is important to prevent hypothermia. Establishing vascular access and administering crystalloid boluses in 200 mL increments will help maintain his blood pressure and improve perfusion. Atropine can be considered for his bradycardia, and dopamine can be infused if his blood pressure does not improve with fluid administration.

Based on the symptoms described, including low blood pressure, high heart rate, irregular breathing, and crackles in the lungs, it suggests that the woman is experiencing cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. To treat this condition, high-flow oxygen is administered to increase oxygen levels in the blood, and dopamine is given to improve heart function and increase blood pressure.

Phosphorus is found in fireworks and burns when exposed to air. This is because phosphorus is highly reactive and easily oxidizes in the presence of oxygen in the air. When ignited, the phosphorus in fireworks undergoes a chemical reaction with the oxygen in the air, releasing energy in the form of heat and light. This reaction is what causes the bright and colorful display seen in fireworks.

The correct answer is that a person may not notice a skin burn for hours because cement penetrates through clothing and reacts with sweat. This explanation suggests that the cement is able to penetrate through the clothing and come into contact with the skin, causing a burn. Additionally, the reaction with sweat may further exacerbate the burn, leading to delayed symptoms that may not be immediately noticeable.

After an adult victim is struck by lightning and experiences cardiac arrest, five minutes of CPR generally restores a pulse. This means that the actions taken during CPR, such as chest compressions and rescue breaths, can often revive the heart and restore its normal rhythm. Therefore, it is likely that the victim's heart may resume beating spontaneously without any further intervention. The mention of an organized cardiac rhythm on the ECG further supports the idea that the heart may start beating on its own again.

The zone of coagulation refers to the central part of the burn and is the area that suffers the most damage. This is because it is the area that is directly exposed to the highest temperature and longest duration of heat. As a result, the cells in this zone are killed and undergo necrosis within 24-48 hours after the burn. The surrounding area, known as the zone of stasis, is often inflamed and may also undergo necrosis if not properly treated. The zone of hyperemia, which surrounds the other two zones, is the least affected by the burn and is likely to recover.

A pyrogenic reaction is a possible explanation for the symptoms of backache and chills that the 40-year-old man is experiencing approximately 20 minutes after starting an IV. A pyrogenic reaction occurs when pyrogens, substances that can cause fever, are introduced into the body. This can happen if the IV fluid or equipment is contaminated with bacteria or endotoxins. The symptoms of backache and chills are consistent with a systemic inflammatory response caused by the introduction of pyrogens.

The severity of a thermal burn is determined by the temperature of the heat source, the amount of heat energy possessed by the object or substance, and the duration of exposure. These factors directly affect the extent of tissue damage and the depth of the burn. The higher the temperature and the longer the exposure, the more severe the burn will be. Additionally, the amount of heat energy possessed by the object or substance also contributes to the severity of the burn.

When muscle tissue is damaged due to an electrical injury, it releases a substance called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney damage because myoglobin can block the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their function. Therefore, the occurrence of kidney damage following an electrical injury is attributed to the release of myoglobin from damaged muscle tissue.

Hypothermia is the most acute complication associated with large body surface area burns. When a person sustains severe burns, their body loses heat rapidly, leading to a drop in body temperature. This can result in various complications, such as impaired blood clotting, increased risk of infection, and impaired immune function. Hypothermia can also cause shivering, confusion, and organ dysfunction. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent and manage hypothermia in burn patients to minimize further complications and promote healing.

Estimating a patient's TBSA burns in the prehospital setting helps the paramedic determine the most appropriate destination hospital. This is because the severity of the burns can vary, and different hospitals may have different levels of burn care expertise and resources. By estimating the TBSA burns, the paramedic can assess the extent of the patient's injuries and choose a hospital that is equipped to provide the necessary specialized care for the patient's specific burn severity. This ensures that the patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment for their burns.

According to the rule of nines, the head, face, and anterior chest each account for 9% of the total body surface area (TBSA). Therefore, if a person has burns to these areas, it would amount to a total of 27% (9% + 9% + 9%) of their TBSA. Since the question specifies "partial and full thickness burns," it is likely that the burns are deeper and would cover a larger area. However, the given answer of 18% is incorrect and does not align with the rule of nines.

When lightning strikes an object near victims, it can cause burns on their bodies. These burns often appear as a fine red rash on the affected areas. This is because the intense heat generated by the lightning can cause the skin to burn, leading to the appearance of a rash-like pattern. Therefore, victims standing near an object struck by lightning often have areas of burns that resemble a fine red rash.

The least likely cause of the patient's unchanged condition is that the IV tubing was occluded proximal to the injection. This means that the IV tubing was not blocked or obstructed, which would have prevented the medication from reaching the patient's bloodstream. Therefore, the lack of improvement in the patient's clinical condition is unlikely to be due to a blockage in the IV tubing.

Calcium chloride is the correct answer because it is the specific treatment for a hydrofluoric acid burn. Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive substance that can cause severe burns and tissue damage. Calcium chloride works by binding to the fluoride ions in the acid, forming a less harmful compound that can be easily removed from the body. It helps to neutralize the acid and minimize the damage caused by the burn.

Ammonium is a chemical that can corrode the skin and cause massive protein denaturing. It is a highly reactive compound that can cause severe burns and tissue damage upon contact with the skin. Ammonium has the ability to disrupt the structure of proteins, leading to their denaturation. This can result in the destruction of cells and tissues, causing further damage to the skin. Therefore, ammonium is the correct answer as it is a chemical that can corrode the skin and cause massive protein denaturing.

The correct answer is the red zone of coagulation necrosis. In electrical burns, the passage of electrical current through tissues causes coagulation necrosis, which is characterized by the red zone. This zone is where the tissue has been irreversibly damaged due to the heat generated by the electrical current. It is important to note that electrical burns can also cause other zones of injury, such as the central zone of coagulation necrosis and the outer zone of stasis, which are not mentioned in the options provided.

The most appropriate treatment for this patient involves applying a CPAP device, monitoring his cardiac rhythm for dysrhythmias, establishing IV or IO access at the scene, administering a 500 mL crystalloid bolus, initiating transport, and administering atropine en route to prevent bradycardia. This treatment plan is based on the patient's presentation of unresponsiveness, reduced tidal volume, rapid thready radial pulses, and low systolic blood pressure. The use of CPAP helps improve oxygenation and ventilation, monitoring cardiac rhythm allows for early detection of dysrhythmias, establishing IV or IO access allows for fluid administration, and administering atropine helps prevent bradycardia during transport.