West Coast EMT BLOCK 2 Questions with Verified Answers

Emphysema - ANSWERSPathophysiology - Most common form of COPD. It is a loss of the elastic material in the lung that occurs when the alveolar air spaces are chronically stretched due to inflamed airways and obstruction of airflow out of the lungs. Smoking can directly destroy the elasticity of the lungs. Signs and Symptoms - • production of sputum • chronic cough • difficulty breathing • long expiration phases • wheezing • Dyspnea Risk Factors - • Smoking • Age • Exposure to second-hand smoke • occupational exposure to fumes • exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution EMT Scope Treatment - • provide low flow oxygen if necessary • Assist with prescribed inhaler • transport promptly • position comfortably simple pnuemothorax - ANSWERSPathophysiology - A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space does not result in major changes in the patient's physiology. It can result from blunt trauma that causes fractured ribs. Signs and Symptoms - sudden chest pain dyspnea decreased lung sounds affected sides cyanosis tachycardia Risk Factors - tension pneumothorax bleeding hemothorax sex smoking genetics sudden chest pain dyspnea decreased lung sounds affected sides cyanosis tachycardia EMT Scope Treatment - Provide high flow oxygen monitor oximeter readings treat underlying causes of the injury pressure ventilation if patient needs support Asthma - ANSWERSPathophysiology - acute spasm of the bronchioles associated with excessive mucus production and with swelling of the mucous lining of the respiratory passages. It has reoccurring episodes of dyspnea, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Signs & Symptoms - difficult breathing wheezing coughing tightness in chest dyspnea fast respiratory rate or very slow Risk Factors - Age sex dyspnea emotional stress smoking air pollution EMT Scope Treatment - maintain respiratory rate administer prescribed albuterol use supplemental oxygen use upright position of patient pneumonia - ANSWERSPathophysiology - general term that refers to an infection in the lungs. The infection collects in the surrounding normal lung tissues impairing the lung's ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Signs and Symptoms - chills high fever chest pain cough mucus rapid breathing Risk Factors - existing disease smoking alcohol hospitalized patients chemicals pollutants trauma EMT Scope Treatment - assess the lungs provide supplemental oxygen assess temperature for fever