EMT - Basic Pathophysiology Exam Questions and Answers

EMT - Basic Pathophysiology Exam Questions and Answers Shock -Answer-Define - A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to enable every body part to perform its function; also called hypo perfusion. Signs - Hypotension, tachypnea, tachycardia. Treatment - Control any major bleeds, apply oxygen, administer proper medications, keep patient warm, and rapid transport. Cardiogenic Shock -Answer-A state in which not enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body, caused by low output of blood from the heart. It can be a severe complication of a large acute myocardial infarction, as well as other conditions. Edema -Answer-Abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissues. Pulmonary Edema -Answer-Define - fluid in the lungs Signs - Rales, Crackles, or diminished lung sounds, possible low pulse oximetry. Treatment - Administer oxygen via appropriate route. Obstructive Shock -Answer-Shock that occurs when there is a block to blood flow in the heart or great vessels, causing an insufficient blood supply to the body's tissues. Cardiac Tamponade -Answer-Define - acute compression of the heart caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity Signs - Diminshed heart sounds, JVD, and narrowing of pule pressures. (Systolic drops and the Diastolic rises). Treatement - Oxygen, rapid transport. Tension Pneumothorax -Answer-Define - a type of pneumothorax in which air that enters the chest cavity is prevented from escaping. Signs - Drop or decline in BP, shortness of breath, diminished lung sounds, and visible cyanosis. Treatment - Oxygen via BVM, rapid transport. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) -Answer-Define - Blocking of a pulmonary artery due to a blood clot. Signs - Sudden shortness of breath, Treatment - Oxygen, rapid transport. Distributive Shock -Answer-A condition that occurs when there is widespread dilation of the small arterioles, small venules, or both. Septic Shock -Answer-Define - a serious condition that occurs when an overwhelming bacterial infection affects the body. Signs - Signs of prolonged infection, fever, low BP, tachycardia. Treatment - Oxygen, rapid transport. Neurogenic Shock -Answer-Define - a state of shock (hypo perfusion) caused by nerve paralysis that sometimes develops from spinal cord injuries. Signs - Drop in BP, Spinal trauma, absences in sweating, normal or low heart rate, normal warm skin. Treatment - C-Spine precautions, oxygen, rapid transport. Anaphylactic Shock -Answer-Define - Severe shock caused by an allergic reaction. Signs - Mild or severe itching or rash, Burning skin, low BP, generalized edema, coma, trouble breathing, angioedema. Treatment - Manage the airway (administer oxygen), Administer EpiPen, rapid transport. Psychogenic Shock -Answer-Define - Shock caused by a sudden, temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain that causes fainting (syncope). Signs - Rapid pulse, mormal or low blood pressure, syncope. Treatment - C-Spine precautions, oxygen, and transport. Hypovolemic Shock -Answer-Define - shock resulting from blood or fluid loss. Signs - Rapid weak pulse, low BP, changes in LOC, cyanosis, cool and clammy skin, increased RR, (Internal Bleeding - brusing, tenderness, distension), visible trauma and blood loss. Treatment - Contorl any major bleeders, oxygen, rapid transport. Asthma -Answer-Define - A chronic allergic disorder characterized by episodes of severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing