Chapter 20 Medical Emergencies

The single most important action for the radiologic and image science professional when administering emergency care is

• providing a competent level of care, recognizing when advanced care is needed, and calling for assistance.

• reacting to the emergent situation and providing any and all care needed to save the patient’s life.

• minimally getting involved for fear of medical and professional liability.

• waiting to provide care until any doctor or medical practitioner arrives.

Answer explanation

The radiologic and image science professional must be able to recognize emergency situations, maintain a calm and confident presence, and take appropriate action. The recognition of need for assistance is a critical first step; the technologist must be able to recognize when such assistance might be warranted.

A common name for an emergency cart within medical imaging is the _____ cart.

• first call

• crash cart

• 
  first aid

• code

Answer explanation

Most radiology departments have at least one emergency cart, often referred to as a crash cart, which is typically a wheeled container of equipment and drugs typically required in emergency situations.

The medical term for a temporary suspension of consciousness is

• epistaxis.

• vertigo.

• aura.

• syncope.

Answer explanation

Syncope is a self-correcting, temporary state of shock and loss of consciousness and the result of lack of blood flow to the brain. Treatment is aimed at increasing blood flow to the head.

What type of shock is caused by a failure of the heart to pump enough blood to the vital organs including the brain?

• Neurogenic

• Septic

• Anaphylactic

• Cardiogenic

Answer explanation

Shock is a general term that indicates a failure of the circulatory system to support vital body functions. Cardiogenic shock, caused by a variety of cardiac disorders, including myocardial infarction, causes a major circulatory disruption to the body’s vital organs.

The type of shock that is a result of severe blood loss is

• septic.

• hypovolemic.

• 
  vasogenic.

• anaphylactic.

Answer explanation

Shock is a general term that indicates a failure of the circulatory system to support vital body functions. Hypovolemic shock is caused by a severe loss of blood or tissue fluid.

Symptoms of a head injury include

• 
  respiratory distress, a change in level of consciousness, and lethargy.

• a higher pulse rate and an increased respiratory rate and volume.

• a loss of bowel contents.

• the patient having a heightened level of awareness.

Answer explanation

The technologist should quickly assess a patient with a head injury to note if his or her level of consciousness deteriorates. Findings in an alert or drowsy patient that can signify a deteriorating head injury include irritability, lethargy, slowing pulse rate, and slowing respiratory rate.

What type of shock can result from a severe reaction to the contrast media used in radiographic examinations?

• Septic

• Anaphylactic

• 
  Cardiogenic

• Hypovolemic

Answer explanation

Anaphylactic shock is a type of vasogenic shock and is most commonly encountered in the radiology department in connection with the administration of iodinated contrast media.

Which of the following is most appropriate for a patient to counteract hypoglycemia?

• Sugar-sweetened orange juice

• Diet soda

• bottled water to prevent dehydration

• Protein bar

Answer explanation

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which excessive insulin is present. Most patients, especially those who have lived with the condition for a time, recognize the condition before it becomes serious. The patient needs a quick form of carbohydrate, which can include orange juice sweetened with sugar, a sugared soft drink, a candy bar, or any form of carbohydrate.

After the administration of an iodine-based contrast into a patient, it is important for the radiologic and image science professional to observe the patient for

• urticaria, nausea, shortness of breath, tightening in the throat, and cardiac arrest.

• 
  signs of a reaction such as a metallic taste in the mouth, cold extremities, and bladder swelling

• excessive salivation, dry eyes, and nasal dryness.

• blurred vision, syncope, and epistaxis.

Answer explanation

Patients develop localized itching and urticaria (hives) and may experience nausea and vomiting. The most serious reactions might include laryngeal edema, shock, and cardiac arrest. All of these conditions are potentially life threatening and should be handled accordingly.

What is the first thing you should do if a patient who is standing turns pale and states that they feel dizzy?

• Give the patient a container of orange juice.

• Have the patient lie down.

• Have the patient inhale ammonia.

• Quickly take the exposure and get an emesis basin.

Answer explanation

A patient who experiences vertigo should be assisted to a seated or recumbent position, which prevents injury from falling as a result of problems with equilibrium