Pathophysiology AEMT Study Guide

Anaphylaxis - Correct Answer-a life-threathening allergic reaction that produces shock through vasodilation and fluid shifts, with the potential for asphyxia Anatomical Dead Space - Correct Answer-the portion of the airway in which gases are present but in which there is no mechanism for exchange of gases with the blood. Apoptosis - Correct Answer-cell death caused by the genetic programming of the cell to eliminate damaged cells; essentially, suicide of damaged cells Asphyxiation - Correct Answer-cellular deprivation of oxygen; sufocation Atelectasis - Correct Answer-an airless state in which the alveoli are collapsed Cardiomyopathy - Correct Answer-a disorder of the heart in which the muscle is enlarged and unable to function effectively Clinical impression - Correct Answer-a preliminary determination of the patient's problem based on the patient's history, signs, and symptoms and the application of the EMS provider's knowledge and process of clinical reasoning to the problem Compensated Shock - Correct Answer-a state of inadequate cellular perfusion in which the body can make adjustments to maintain perfusion to the vital organs, but at the cost of decreased circulation and oxygenation of the peripheral tissues Decompensated Shock - Correct Answer-a state of inadequate cellular perfusion in which the body can no longer provide circulation of an adequate amount of oxygenated blood to the vital organs Defibrillation - Correct Answer-an electrical current passed through the heart between two pads or paddles placed on the chest to terminate ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia