Medical Emergencies

You arrive at the scene of an emergency involving a patient who is wearing a medical identification bracelet stating that the patient has diabetes. You understand that diabetes involves a problem with regulation of which of the following?

• fluid volume
• blood glucose levels
• brain electrical activity
• oxygen levels

While providing care to a female patient who is conscious and talking, you suspect that the patient is experiencing hypoglycemia. Which of the following would you do? 

• Have the patient give herself a does of insulin
• Place the patient in a supine position
• Offer the patient fruit juice or non-diet soda
• use the head-tilt/chin-lift technique to open her airway

Upon arriving at the scene of an emergency, several bystanders tell you that the patient suddenly fell to the floor and "his body started to shake all over." You suspect which type of seizure?

• generalized seizure
• febrile seizure
• simple partial seizure
• complex partial seizure

You would assess the patient as having status epilepticus if the seizure shows no signs of slowing down and lasts longer than--

• 10 min
• 8 min
• 5 min
• 2 min

Which of the following is the underlying mechanism involved with seizures?

• blood pressure that drops to abnormally low levels
• disruption in blood flow to the brain
• insulin levels that are extremely elevated
• disruption in the brain's normal electrical activity

A patient is experiencing tonic-clonic seizures. What is the priority when caring for this patient?

• Maintaining privacy 
• preventing tongue biting
• protecting the patient from injury
• clearing the airway

A patient has a history of seizures. Which situation would least likely require you to summon more advanced medical personnel?

• A patient who is currently pregnant
• A patient whose seizures occurred while swimming
• A patient who has seizures that are medically controlled
• A patient who is known to have diabetes

A patient is hypoglycemic and unconscious. Which of the following would you do?

• Crush 2 - 5 glucose tablets, placing them under his or her tongue
• Pour a small amount of non-diet soda on his or her lips
• Summon more advanced medical personnel
• Give the patient 4 ounces of fruit juice through a straw

You arrive at the home of a 65-year-old man in response to a 9-1-1 call from his wife saying that he is having a stroke. The patient is conscious. Which of the following would you least likely expect to find with your SAMPLE history and physical exam?

• Facial drooping
• Clear speech
• Trouble walking
• Facial numbness

You are responding to an emergency call in which the patient is experiencing abdominal pain. Which of the following is most important to note?

• The patient is most likely experiencing a problem in the digestive system
• The pain is serious enough to cause concern to the patient and/or others
• The pain is originating from the area involving the stomach
• The intensity of the pain will reveal the severity of the situation