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65 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Emergency |
Unexpected or sudden occasion. An urgent or pressing need |
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General priorities |
The technologist should keep these in mind when working with patients in emergency situations: 1. Ensure an open Airway. 2. Control bleeding. 3. Take measures to prevent or treat shock. 4. Attend to wounds or fractures. 5. Provide emotional support. 6. Continually re-evaluate and follow up appropriately |
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Emergency cart |
Also called a crash cart. This cart is a wheeled container of equipment and drugs typically required in emergency situations |
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Automatic external defibrillator (AED) |
Devices used for applications of external electrical shock to restore normal cardiac Rhythm and rate - fully automatic defibrillators - semi automatic defibrillators |
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Levels of consciousness |
1. Patient can respond fully to questions and other stimuli. 2. Patient is drowsy but can arouse to response with loud speaking or gentle physical contact. 3. Patient is unconscious and reacts only to painful stimuli. 4. Patient is comatose and unresponsive to all stimuli. |
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irritability lethargy Slowing pulse respiratory rate |
Findings in an alert or drowsy patient that can signify a deteriorating head injury include
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Lethargy |
A condition of indifference |
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If a technologist recognizes a deteriorating head injury.. 1.the first priority is maintaining an open Airway while moving the patient as little as possible. 2. Medical assistant should be obtained quickly 3. The technologist should get vital signs while waiting for help to arrive |
How should a technologist respond to a deteriorating situation? |
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Shock |
Condition of profound hemodynamic and metabolic disturbance characterized by failure of the circulatory system to maintain adequate perfusion of vital organs |
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Hypovolemic shock. Cardiogenic shock. Neurogenic shock. Vasogenic shock. |
Types of shock include |
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Hypovolemic shock or anaphylactic shock |
A technologist is most likely to encounter ___ shock or ____ shock which is a special type of vasogenic shock |
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Sudden body temperature changes. Pain. Stress and Anxiety. |
Several factors can contribute to the likelihood that a patient will experience shock |
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Signs and symptoms of shock |
Restlessness. Apprehension or anxiety. Decreased blood pressure.
Cold or clammy skin. Pallor. |
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Pallor |
Paleness |
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Contrast media reactions (anaphylactic shock) |
Is a type of vasogenic shock and is most commonly encountered in the radiology department when iodinated contrast media is administered |
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Urticaria |
AKA hives. Vascular reaction involving upper dermis, representing localized edema |
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What to do in case of anaphylactic shock |
Before contrast is administered to a patient history and ask about allergies. If any reaction occurs The Physician should be notified immediately no matter how severe. Mild reactions include localized itching, nausea and vomiting. Severe reactions might include laryngeal edema, shock, and cardiac arrest: call a code and begin CPR |
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Hypoglycemia |
Abnormally diminished concentration of glucose in the blood. Patients who are experiencing this condition are intensely hungry, weak, shaky, my sweat excessively, and be confused or irritable |
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What to do in case of hypoglycemia |
Ask the patient if they are diabetic. Some patients carry glucose tablets with them. If tablets are not available, then any form of carbohydrates should be administered.
Let the patient sit quietly for 10 to 15 minutes and let the carbohydrates take effect. If the patient becomes unconscious call for help immediately. Diabetic crisis |
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Hyperglycemia |
Abnormally increased concentration of glucose in the blood. Patients who are experiencing this condition exhibit excessive thirst and urination, dry mucosa, rapid and deep breathing, and drowsiness and confusion |
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What to do in case of hyperglycemia |
This condition develops gradually over hours or days, so it is not likely to be noticed by the technologist. If untreated this condition can lead to diabetic coma. The patient needs insulin, so if noticed, Medical help should be obtained Diabetic crisis |
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Asthma |
Chronic respiratory condition that causes respiratory distress generally characterized by wheezing |
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What to do in case of asthma |
Most patients with asthma carry an inhaler. Stop the procedure and allow the patient to use their inhaler.
If medication is not available than the technologist should obtain medical assistance.
Stress can trigger an asthma attack, so it is the technologist responsibility to comfort and calm the patient |
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Choking |
A person having severe difficulty in breathing because of a constricted or obstructed throat or lack of air |
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What to do in case of choking |
Ask the patient if they can speak. Also look for the universal choking sign. If the patient is choking encourage them to cough. If coughing is unsuccessful then the Heimlich maneuver should be used |
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1. Stand behind the victim and wrap both arms around them, clutching one fist with the other hand. 2. The thumb side of the Fist is placed in the midline of the victims abdomen, above the navel and well below the sternum. 3. pressure is exerted Inward and upward. Thrust should be administered separately, but can be repeated quickly 6 to 10 times or until the obstruction is expelled |
Steps of the Heimlich maneuver |
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Heimlich maneuver on unconscious patients |
Patient should be supine. If obstruction is visible you can perform a finger sweep. If not, or the finger sweep was unsuccessful then begin CPR |
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Heimlich maneuver for pregnant patients |
Thrust should be done at the center of the sternum |
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Heimlich maneuver for infants |
An infants younger than one year old, a combination of back blows and chest thrusts is recommended 1. Hold the infant along your forearm, chest down. 2. Deliver 4 blows to the infant's back between the scapulas with the heel of your hand. 3. Turn the infant over and give four, two to three finger, chest thrusts on the Infant sternum just below the intermammary line |
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Cardiac arrest |
sudden stoppage of cardiac output and effective circulation |
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) |
Artificial substitution of Heart and Lung action as indicated for cardiac arrest or apparent sudden death resulting from electric shock, drowning, respiratory arrest, and other causes |
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Hand position for adult and child CPR |
Two hands center of chest, lower half of breastbone |
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Compression depth adult and child CPR |
At least 2 in |
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Breathing adult and child CPR |
Look for chest rise. Deliver breath over 1 second |
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Compressions to breaths adult and child CPR |
30:2 |
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Compression rate adult and child CPR |
100/minute |
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Hand position for infant CPR |
2-3 fingers in the center of the chest, lower half of the breastbone |
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Compression depth for infant CPR |
About 1 1/2 inch |
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One person rescue CPR |
1. Establish unresponsiveness, and call for help and proceed with CPR.
2. Position the patient on their back on a hard surface.
3. Perform chest compressions.
4. Open the airway by tilting the head back.
5. Established breathlessness.
6. perform rescue breathing.
7. Establish circulatory inadequacy.
8. Continue chest compressions.
9. Reassess after 5 completed Cycles. |
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Two-person rescue CPR |
Similar protocol, but each rescuer independently performs compressions or ventilations. After 5 complete Cycles the patient is reassessed and The Rescuers switch positions |
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AED steps |
1. Determine that the patient is in Cardiac Arrest. 2. Turn on the AEC. 3. Attach cables to the pads, and place the pads on the patient. 4. Initiate Rhythm analysis by pressing the analyze button. 5. If indicated, deliver the shock. After the shock press analyzed again. 6. If no shock is indicated, continue CPR. 7. After 3 shocks or 3 "no shock indicated messages", CPR should continue uninterrupted |
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Ventricular fibrillation |
Disorganized cardiac rhythm |
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Cerebrovascular Accident |
AKA a stroke or brain accident. Condition with sudden onset caused by acute vascular lesions of the brain. Often followed by permanent neurological damage. Warning signs include Paralysis on one or both sides, slurred speech or complete loss of speech, extreme dizziness, loss of vision (particularly if only in one eye), and complete loss of consciousness |
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What to do in case of cerebral vascular accident |
If the technologist observes any of these signs or symptoms, even if they are only temporary, they should be reported to a nurse or physician immediately |
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Nausea |
Unpleasant sensation, vaguely referred to the epigastrium and abdomen and often culminating vomiting |
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Vomiting |
Forcible expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth |
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What to do in case of nausea or vomiting |
Tell the patient to breathe slowly and deeply through their mouth. If the patient is recumbent help them to turn on their side or turn their head to avoid aspiration. Provide the patient with an emesis basin and a moist cloth |
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Epistaxis |
Nose bleed; Hemorrhage from the nose |
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What to do in case of epistaxis |
Have the patient lean forward and pinch the affected nostril. If gentle pressure fails to stop the bleeding, a moist compression may be applied. If bleeding persists after 15 minutes, medical assistant should be obtained |
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Vertigo |
Illusion of movement. Spinning feeling |
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Syncope |
AKA to faint, temporary suspension of Consciousness resulting from lack of blood flow to the brain |
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What to do in case of vertigo or syncope |
When a patient faints the technologist obtains medical assistance and help. Put the patient into a recumbent position with their feet elevated. |
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Mild seizures |
Are characterized by a brief loss of consciousness or may seem Frozen and stare into space for a brief time |
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Severe seizures |
Are characterized by involuntary contractions of the muscles |
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Aura |
Subjective sensation or motor phenomenon that precedes and marks the onset of an seizure attack |
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What to do in case of seizures |
If significant warning is given, the patient should be moved to the floor and a pillow should be placed under their head. If there is no warning, the technologist must do their best to keep the patient from injuring themselves. Never restrain the patient, it is ineffective and dangerous. If possible, make note of the length of the seizure. Always obtain medical assistance |
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Falls |
Despite appropriate assistance and Care, a patient occasionally __ while in the radiology department |
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What to do in case of a fall |
The technologist should attempt to minimize the physical impact of the Fall as much as possible and then proceed with the appropriate emergency action as indicated by the patient's condition |
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Wounds |
Bodily injuries caused by physical means with disruption of the normal continuity of structures |
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Hemorrhage |
Escape of blood from vessels; bleeding |
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What to do in case of wounds and hemorrhage |
The technologist should always take note of the patient's dressings. If a dressing becomes noticeably saturated during the procedure, do not remove the dressing, apply an additional sterile bandage and press against it. Hold bleeding extremities above the level of the heart. Call for medical assistance |
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Burns |
These injuries are typically extremely painful and disrupt the normal protective function of the skin. |
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Wound dehiscence |
Separation of the layers of the surgical wound. The patient's sutures separate allowing at dominal contents to spill out of the peritoneal cavity |
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What to do in case of burns |
Maintain sterile precautions and be extra gentle when handling these patients |
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What to do in case of wound dehiscence |
The technologist should try not to replace the tissue, but should apply a sterile dressing. The patient should be placed in a seated position, someone bent forward to relieve abdominal pressure. Medical tension should be obtained immediately |
