8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
1. Define important words in this chapter
abdominal thrusts
a method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of
someone who is choking.
cardiac arrest
the medical term for the stopping of the heartbeat.
code team
group of people chosen for a particular shift to respond to
resident emergencies.
conscious
the state of being mentally alert and having awareness of
surroundings, sensations, and thoughts.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
1. Define important words in this chapter
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
refers to medical procedures used when a person’s heart and
lungs have stopped working.
diabetic ketoacidosis
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from
undiagnosed diabetes, not enough insulin, eating too much, not
getting enough exercise, and stress; also known as
ketoacidosis or hyperglycemia.
dyspnea
difficulty breathing.
emesis
the act of vomiting, or ejecting stomach contents through the
mouth and/or nose.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
1. Define important words in this chapter
epistaxis
a nosebleed.
expressive aphasia
inability to express oneself to others through speech or written
words.
fainting
loss of consciousness; also called syncope.
first aid
care given by the first people to respond to an emergency.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
1. Define important words in this chapter
hemiparesis
weakness on one side of the body.
hemiplegia
paralysis of one side of the body.
hyperglycemia
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from
undiagnosed diabetes, not enough insulin, eating too much, not
getting enough exercise, and stress; also known as diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA) or ketoacidosis.
hypoglycemia
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from
either too much insulin or too little food; also known as insulin
reaction and insulin shock.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
1. Define important words in this chapter
insulin reaction
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from
either too much insulin or too little food; also known as
hypoglycemia or insulin shock.
myocardial infarction (MI)
a condition in which blood flow to the heart is blocked and
muscle cells die; also called a heart attack.
obstructed airway
a condition in which the tube through which air enters the lungs
is blocked.
receptive aphasia
inability to understand what others are communicating through
speech or written words.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
1. Define important words in this chapter
respiratory arrest
the medical term for the stopping of breathing.
shock
a condition in which there is decreased blood flow to organs
and tissues.
syncope
loss of consciousness; also called fainting.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
2. Demonstrate how to respond to medical emergencies
Define the following term:
conscious
the state of being mentally alert and having awareness of
surroundings, sensations, and thoughts.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
2. Demonstrate how to respond to medical emergencies
The most serious medical emergencies involve these situations:
• The person is unconscious
• The person is not breathing
• The person has no pulse
• The person is bleeding severely
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
2. Demonstrate how to respond to medical emergencies
REMEMBER:
When an emergency happens, try to remain calm. Act quickly
and communicate clearly. Take two pairs of gloves and a barrier
face mask with you. Look around to make sure the area is safe.
Make sure you are safe before providing care.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
2. Demonstrate how to respond to medical emergencies
Remember these steps to take in an emergency situation:
• Make sure the area is safe. Put on gloves.
• Assess the situation. Notice the time. Try to find out what
happened.
• Assess the victim. Ask the injured or ill person what
happened. Determine if the person is conscious.
• Call for help or send someone to call for help right away.
• If the person is conscious, listen to him and reassure him
that he is being taken care of.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
2. Demonstrate how to respond to medical emergencies
Know the things to look for when checking for injury:
• Severe bleeding
• Changes in consciousness
• Irregular breathing
• Unusual color or feel to skin
• Swollen places on the body
• Medical alert tags
• Any complaints of pain
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
2. Demonstrate how to respond to medical emergencies
REMEMBER:
Document an emergency as soon as it is over.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
2. Demonstrate how to respond to medical emergencies
Think about this question:
Why is it important to remember as many details as you can and
to report only facts when documenting an emergency?
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
2. Demonstrate how to respond to medical emergencies
The acronym PPE SCC is used to help you remember how to
prepare to perform first aid:
• PPE: Grab and apply personal protective equipment.
• Safety first! Are you safe?
• Call for help or point to a person and say: “You, get help
now!”
• Care for victims.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following terms:
respiratory arrest
the medical term for the stopping of breathing.
cardiac arrest
the medical term for the stopping of the heartbeat.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
refers to medical procedures used when a person’s heart and
lungs have stopped working.
first aid
care given by the first people to respond to an emergency.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
The first few minutes of any emergency can determine the
victim’s ability to survive.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
• Emergency situations can happen to anyone at any time.
• When a person is involved in a serious accident, such as
drowning or choking, respiratory arrest can occur, meaning
that breathing stops. If the person is not helped quickly,
cardiac arrest may soon follow, meaning that the heart
stops.
• When respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest occur,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is necessary.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
Only properly trained people should perform CPR. In an
emergency situation, never do anything that is beyond your
ability or training. Give basic first aid until the emergency
medical team arrives.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following terms:
obstructed airway
a condition in which the tube through which air enters the lungs
is blocked.
abdominal thrusts
a method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of
someone who is choking.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Residents who have difficulty chewing or swallowing, are
confused, or have poor vision may be at risk of choking. When
something is blocking the tube through which air enters the
lungs, the person has an obstructed airway.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
Abdominal thrusts should not be performed unless the person
shows signs (poor air exchange, trouble breathing, silent
coughing, cyanosis, inability to breathe or speak) of a severely
obstructed airway.
Performing abdominal thrusts for the conscious person
1.
Stand behind the person.
Bring your arms under her
arms. Wrap your arms
around the person’s waist.
2.
Make a fist with one hand.
Place the flat, thumb side
of the fist against the
person’s abdomen, above
the navel but below the
breastbone.
3.
Grasp the fist with your
other hand. Pull both
hands toward you and up
(inward and upward),
quickly and forcefully.
4.
Repeat until the object is
pushed out.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following term:
shock
a condition in which there is decreased blood flow to organs
and tissues.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Shock occurs when organs and tissues in the body do not
receive an adequate blood supply. Bleeding, heart attack, severe
infection, and falling blood pressure can lead to shock.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
Shock is a life-threatening situation that may be worsened by
fear or pain.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Know the symptoms of shock:
• Pale or cyanotic skin
• Staring
• Increased pulse and respiration rates
• Decreased blood pressure
• Extreme thirst
Responding to shock
1.
Notify the nurse
immediately. Victims of
shock should always
receive medical care as
soon as possible.
2.
If controlling bleeding,
put on gloves first. The
next procedure will
explain how to do this.
3.
Have the person lie
down on her back. If the
person is bleeding from
the mouth or vomiting,
place her on her side
(unless you suspect that
the neck, back, or spinal
cord is injured).
Responding to shock
4.
Check pulse and
respirations if possible
(Chapter 13). Begin CPR
if breathing and pulse
are absent.
5.
Keep the person as calm
and comfortable as
possible. Loosen clothing
or ties around the neck
and any belts or waist
strings.
6.
Maintain normal body
temperature. If the
weather is cold, place a
blanket around the
person. If the weather is
hot, provide shade.
Responding to shock
7.
Elevate the feet unless
the person has a head,
neck, back, spinal or
abdominal injury,
breathing difficulties, or
fractures. Never elevate
a body part if a broken
bone exists or if it
causes pain.
8.
Do not give the person
anything to eat or drink.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
Severe bleeding can cause death quickly and must be controlled.
Controlling bleeding
1.
Notify the nurse
immediately.
2.
Put on gloves. Always take
time to do this. If the
person is able, he can hold
his bare hand over the
wound until you can put on
gloves.
3.
Hold a thick sterile pad,
clean cloth, handkerchief, or
towel against the wound.
4.
Press down hard directly on
the bleeding wound until
help arrives. Do not
decrease pressure. Put
additional pads over the first
pad if blood seeps through.
Do not remove the first pad.
Controlling bleeding
5.
If you can, raise the
wound above the level of
the heart to slow down
the bleeding. If the
wound is on an arm, leg,
hand, or foot, and there
are no head, neck, back,
spinal, or abdominal
injuries or fractures,
prop up the limb. Use
towels or other
absorbent material.
Controlling bleeding
6.
When bleeding is under
control, secure the
dressing to keep it in
place. Check the person
for symptoms of shock
(pale skin, staring,
increased pulse and
respiration rates,
decreased blood
pressure, and extreme
thirst). Stay with the
person until help arrives.
7.
Remove gloves and
wash hands thoroughly
when finished.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
If a resident is burned, call or have someone call for the nurse
immediately.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Care of a burn depends on its depth, size, and location.
There are three types of burns:
• First-degree (superficial)
• Second-degree (partial-thickness)
• Third-degree (full thickness)
Treating burns
To treat a minor burn:
1.
Notify the nurse
immediately. Put on
gloves.
2.
Use cool, clean water to
decrease the skin
temperature and prevent
further injury. Do not
use ice or ice water, as
ice may cause further
skin damage. Dampen a
clean towel with cool
water, and place it over
the burn.
Treating burns
3.
Once the pain has
eased, you may cover
the area with a dry,
clean dressing or nonadhesive sterile
bandage.
4.
Never use any kind of
ointment, water, salve,
or grease on a burn.
Treating burns
For more serious burns:
1.
If clothing has caught
fire, have the person
stop, drop, and roll, or
smother the fire with a
blanket or towel. Use
water to help put out the
fire, if possible. Protect
yourself from the source
of the burn.
2.
Notify the nurse
immediately. Put on
gloves.
Treating burns
3.
Check for breathing,
pulse, and severe
bleeding. If the person is
not breathing, begin
rescue breathing. If the
person is not breathing
and has no pulse, begin
CPR. Do not put pillows
under the head, as this
may obstruct the airway.
4.
Do not use any type of
ointment, water, salve,
or grease on the burn.
Treating burns
5.
Do not try to pull away
any clothing from burned
areas. Cover the burn with
a clean cloth, a dry, nonadhesive sterile bandage,
or a clean sheet. Apply the
cloth, bandage, or sheet
lightly. Take care not to
rub the burned area.
6.
Take steps to prevent
shock.
7.
Do not give the person
food or fluids.
8.
Monitor vital signs and
wait for emergency
medical help.
9.
Remove gloves and wash
hands.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following terms:
fainting
loss of consciousness; also called syncope.
syncope
loss of consciousness; also called fainting.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Fainting, or syncope, occurs as a result of decreased blood flow
to the brain, causing a loss of consciousness.
Know the possible causes of fainting:
• Hunger
• Fear
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Standing for a long time
• Poor ventilation
• Pregnancy
• Overheating
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Remember these signs and symptoms of fainting:
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Perspiration
• Pale skin
• Weak pulse
• Shallow respirations
• Blackness in the visual field
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Know the steps to take if a person faints:
• Lower person to floor or other flat surface.
• Position person on back.
• Elevate legs, except in case of injury.
• Make sure person is breathing.
• Keep person lying down for several minutes.
• Report incident to the nurse immediately.
Responding to fainting
1.
Notify the nurse
immediately.
2.
Have the person lie
down or sit down before
fainting occurs.
3.
If the person is in a
sitting position, have her
bend forward and place
her head between her
knees. If the person is
lying flat on her back,
elevate the legs.
Responding to fainting
4.
Loosen any tight
clothing.
5.
Have the person stay in
this position for at least
five minutes after
symptoms disappear.
6.
Help the person get up
slowly. Continue to
observe her for
symptoms of fainting.
Assist her to sit down if
needed. Stay with her
until she feels better. If
you need help but
cannot leave the person,
use the call light.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Know the signs and symptoms of poisoning:
• Sudden collapse
• Vomiting
• Heavy, difficult breathing
Responding to poisoning
1.
Notify the nurse
immediately.
2.
Put on gloves. Look for a
container that will help
you determine what the
person has taken or
eaten. With your gloves
on, carefully open mouth
and look inside to check
the mouth for chemical
burns. Do not place your
fingers inside the mouth.
Note breath odor.
3.
The nurse may have you
call a poison control
center. Follow these
instructions.
4.
Remove gloves and
wash your hands.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following term:
epistaxis
a nosebleed.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Remember these possible causes of a nosebleed:
• Dry air
• Injury
• Medication
Responding to a nosebleed
1.
Notify the nurse
immediately.
2.
Elevate the head of the
bed, or tell the person to
remain in a sitting
position, leaning forward
slightly. Offer tissues or
a clean cloth to catch the
blood. Do not touch
blood or bloody clothes,
tissues, or cloths without
gloves.
Responding to a nosebleed
3.
Put on gloves. Apply firm
pressure over the bridge
of the nose. Squeeze the
bridge of the nose with
your thumb and
forefinger. You can have
the person do this until
you are able to put on
gloves.
4.
Apply pressure until the
bleeding stops.
5.
Use a cool cloth or ice
wrapped in a cloth on
the back of the neck, the
forehead, or the upper
lip to slow the flow of
blood. Never apply ice
directly to skin.
Responding to a nosebleed
6.
Keep person still and
calm until help arrives.
7.
Remove gloves and
wash hands.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following term:
emesis
the act of vomiting, or ejecting stomach contents through the
mouth and/or nose.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Think about this question:
Why should you both soothe the resident and report to the nurse
when vomiting occurs?
Responding to vomiting
1.
Notify the nurse
immediately.
2.
Put on gloves.
3.
Place an emesis basin
under the chin. If an
emesis basin is not
nearby, use the wash
basin. Remove it when
vomiting has stopped.
4.
Remove soiled linens or
clothes and set aside.
Replace with fresh linens
or clothes.
Responding to vomiting
5.
Note amount, color, and
consistency of vomitus.
Look for blood in
vomitus, blood-tinged
vomitus, or medication
(pills) in vomitus. Find
out if a specimen should
be sent to the
laboratory. Show the
nurse the vomitus before
discarding or if blood or
pills are noted.
6.
Flush vomitus down the
toilet and wash and
store the basin.
7.
Remove and discard
gloves.
Responding to vomiting
8.
Wash your hands.
9.
Put on fresh gloves.
10. Provide comfort to the
person. Wipe his face
and mouth. Position him
comfortably, and offer a
drink of water or a sip to
swish in the mouth and
spit. Provide oral care
(see Chapter 12). It
helps get rid of the
vomit taste in the
mouth.
Responding to vomiting
11. Put the soiled linen in
proper containers.
12. Remove and discard
gloves.
13. Wash your hands again.
14. Document time, amount,
color, odor and
consistency of vomitus.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following terms:
myocardial infarction (MI)
a condition in which blood flow to the heart is blocked and
muscle cells die; also called a heart attack.
dyspnea
difficulty breathing.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack:
• Sudden, severe pain in the chest
• Pain or discomfort in other areas of the body
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack (cont’d.):
• Pale, gray, or cyanotic skin color or mucous membranes
• Perspiration
• Cold and clammy skin
• Weak and irregular pulse rate
• Low blood pressure
• Anxiety and a sense of doom
• Denial of a heart problem
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Women may experience different symptoms than men, and are
somewhat more likely to experience the following:
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Back, shoulder or jaw pain
• Flu-like symptoms
Responding to a myocardial infarction
1.
Call or have someone
call the nurse.
2.
Place the person in a
comfortable position.
Encourage him to rest.
Reassure him that you
will not leave him alone.
3.
Loosen clothing around
the person’s neck.
4.
Do not give the person
food or fluids.
Responding to a myocardial infarction
5.
Monitor the person’s
breathing and pulse. If
the person stops
breathing, perform
rescue breathing. If the
person has no pulse,
begin CPR if trained and
allowed to do so.
6.
Stay with the person
until help has arrived.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following terms:
insulin reaction
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from
either too much insulin or too little food; also known as
hypoglycemia or insulin shock.
hypoglycemia
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from
either too much insulin or too little food; also known as insulin
reaction and insulin shock.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following terms:
diabetic ketoacidosis
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from
undiagnosed diabetes, not enough insulin, eating too much, not
getting enough exercise, and stress; also known as
ketoacidosis or hyperglycemia.
hyperglycemia
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can result from
undiagnosed diabetes, not enough insulin, eating too much, not
getting enough exercise, and stress; also known as diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA) or ketoacidosis.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Know the causes of insulin reaction:
• Too much insulin
• Too little food
• Additional activity that causes the body to rapidly absorb
food
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Remember these signs and symptoms of insulin reaction:
• Feeling weak or different
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Perspiration
• Hunger
• Rapid pulse
• Headache
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Signs and symptoms of insulin reaction (cont’d.):
• Low blood pressure
• Cold, clammy skin
• Confusion
• Trembling
• Blurred vision
• Numbness of the lips and tongue
• Unconsciousness
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
These signs and symptoms mean that the resident needs food; a
diabetic resident should always have a quick source of sugar
handy.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Know the causes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA):
• Undiagnosed diabetes
• Not enough insulin
• Eating too much
• Not getting enough exercise
• Physical and emotional stress
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Remember these signs and symptoms of DKA:
• Increased thirst or urination
• Abdominal pain
• Deep or difficult breathing
• Breath that smells sweet or fruity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Rapid, weak pulse
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Signs and symptoms of DKA (cont’d.):
• Low blood pressure
• Dry skin, dry mouth
• Flushed cheeks
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Unconsciousness
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
DKA can lead to diabetic coma and death, if left untreated.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Seizures are involuntary, often violent, contractions of muscles.
They can involve a small area or the entire body.
Know the causes of seizures:
• Abnormality in the brain
• High fever
• Serious illness
• Head injury
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
Your main goal during a seizure is to make sure the resident is
safe.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Remember these signs of seizure:
• Severe shaking
• Uncontrolled thrusting of arms and legs
• Clenching jaw
• Drooling
• Inability to swallow
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Types of seizures:
• Absence or Petit Mal
• Myoclonic
• Atonic
• Tonic
• Clonic
• Tonic-clonic
Responding to seizures
1.
Note the time. Put on
gloves.
2.
Lower the person to the
floor. Cradle and protect
his head. Loosen
clothing to help with
breathing. Attempt to
turn his head to one side
to lower the risk of
choking. This may not be
possible during a violent
seizure.
3.
Have someone call the
nurse immediately or
use the call light. Do not
leave the person unless
you must do so to get
medical help.
Responding to seizures
4.
Move furniture away to
prevent injury. If a
pillow is nearby, place it
under his head.
5.
Do not try to stop the
seizure or restrain the
person.
6.
Do not force anything
between the person’s
teeth. Do not place your
hands in his mouth for
any reason. You could be
bitten.
7.
Do not give the person
food or fluids.
Responding to seizures
8.
When the seizure is over,
note the time. Gently turn
the person to his left side
if you do not suspect a
head, neck, or spinal
injury. This reduces the
risk of choking on vomit
or saliva. If the person
begins to choke, get help
immediately. Check for
adequate breathing and
pulse. If the person stops
breathing, perform rescue
breathing. If the person
has no pulse, begin CPR if
trained and allowed to do
so. Do not begin CPR
during a seizure.
Responding to seizures
9.
Report the length of the
seizure and your
observations to the
nurse.
10. Remove gloves and
wash hands.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Define the following terms:
hemiplegia
paralysis of one side of the body.
hemiparesis
weakness on one side of the body.
expressive aphasia
inability to express oneself to others through speech or written
words.
receptive aphasia
inability to understand what others are communicating through
speech or written words.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Know the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA):
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Some loss of movement in an arm or leg
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
REMEMBER:
TIA is a warning sign of a CVA. Symptoms should be reported to
the nurse immediately.
8
Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke occurs when the
blood supply to a portion of the brain is cut off.
Know the signs that a stroke is occurring:
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Shaking or trembling
• Redness in the face
• Facial droop
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Signs that a stroke is occurring (cont’d.):
• Drooping of one eyelid or eye
• Loss of sight in one eye
• One pupil is larger
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Numbness or tingling on one side of the body
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
3. Demonstrate knowledge of first aid procedures
Signs that a stroke is occurring (cont’d.):
• Hemiplegia
• Hemiparesis
• Expressive aphasia
• Receptive aphasia
• Use of strange words
• Noisy breathing
• Elevated blood pressure
• Slow pulse rate
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
4. Explain the nursing assistant’s role on a code team
Define the following term:
code team
group of people chosen for a particular shift to respond to
resident emergencies.
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
4. Explain the nursing assistant’s role on a code team
Understand your role as a member of the code team:
• May be asked to get special equipment.
• May do chest compressions during CPR.
• Note whether or not you are on code team at start of shift.
• Respond to codes from wherever you are in the facility.
• Do not panic.
• Get another staff member to take over any care you are
performing.
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
5. Describe guidelines for responding to disasters
A disaster can occur during your shift at a facility. Disasters can
include fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, or severe
weather. Acts of terrorism are also considered disasters.
As a nursing assistant, you are expected to respond calmly and
skillfully to disasters. You need to be responsible and efficient.
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
5. Describe guidelines for responding to disasters
Understand your role in the event of a disaster:
• Know where disaster plan is located.
• Listen carefully and follow instructions.
• Know location of all exits and stairwells.
• Know where fire alarms and fire extinguishers are located.
• Pay close attention to classes on disasters and disaster
drills.
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
5. Describe guidelines for responding to disasters
Think about these questions:
• Have you had any experiences with disasters?
• If yes, what actions did you (or those around you) take that
were helpful?
• What actions did you (or others) take that were not helpful?
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam
Multiple Choice. Choose the correct answer.
1. Which of the following conditions may mean you need emergency medical
help?
(A) Person is behaving rudely.
(B) Person has a scratch.
(C) Person does not want help.
(D) Person is unconscious.
2. The first two steps in approaching an emergency are:
(A) Perform first aid and assess the situation
(B) Call the victim’s family and then call 911
(C) Assess the situation and the victim
(D) Get assistance and perform CPR
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
3. After an emergency, the nursing assistant will need to:
(A) Document the incident in her notes
(B) Give an opinion about what is wrong with the resident
(C) Tell the resident she is very worried about his condition
(D) Prescribe medication for the resident
4. When a person’s breathing stops, this is called:
(A) Cardiac arrest
(B) Respiratory arrest
(C) CPR
(D) Choking
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
5. If a person’s breathing and heartbeat stop, brain damage can occur within
______ minutes.
(A) 4-6
(B) 8-10
(C) 10-15
(D) 15-20
6. If a nursing assistant is in an emergency situation but has not been trained to
perform CPR, she should:
(A) Perform CPR anyway
(B) Ask someone at the scene to tell her how to do it
(C) Give basic first aid until the emergency medical team arrives
(D) Do nothing
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
7. In which of the following situations should a nursing assistant give abdominal
thrusts to someone?
(A) The person is coughing.
(B) The person cannot speak, cough, or breathe.
(C) The person is breathing very rapidly.
(D) The person tells the nursing assistant that she feels short of breath.
8. One sign that a person is in shock is:
(A) Flushed or reddish skin
(B) Decreased pulse and respiration rates
(C) Increased blood pressure
(D) Extreme thirst
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
9. To control bleeding, a nursing assistant should:
(A) Use her bare hands to stop it
(B) Lower the wound below the heart
(C) Hold a thick pad or clean cloth against the wound and press down hard
(D) Apply light pressure with a Band-Aid®
10. If a resident has a minor burn, a nursing assistant should use _____ to
decrease the temperature of the skin.
(A) Ice or ice water
(B) Cool water
(C) Ointment
(D) Grease
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
11. If a resident feels faint, a nursing assistant should:
(A) Try to have the resident stand up before fainting occurs
(B) Have the resident lean forward and place her head between her knees
(C) Tighten clothing
(D) Leave the resident alone as soon as symptoms disappear
12. Which of the following can a nursing assistant do if he suspects poisoning?
(A) Suggest the resident put his finger down his throat to induce vomiting.
(B) Feed the resident crackers or bread to soak up the poison.
(C) Give the resident medication and then call poison control.
(D) Look for a container that will help him find out what the resident took or ate.
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
13. Which of the following is a correct response to a nosebleed?
(A) Lower the head of the bed
(B) Ask the person to lie down
(C) Apply ice directly to the skin to stop the bleeding faster
(D) Apply pressure over the bridge of the nose
14. Another word for “vomiting” is:
(A) Emesis
(B) Epistaxis
(C) Dyspnea
(D) Infarction
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
15. When a resident is suspected of having a heart attack, a nursing assistant
should:
(A) Not give the person food or fluids
(B) Cover the resident with a heavy blanket
(C) Make sure the resident is standing up to promote circulation
(D) Leave the resident to call his family
16. Which of the following symptoms is more often experienced by women during
a heart attack?
(A) Shortness of breath
(B) Extreme fatigue
(C) Anxiety and a sense of doom
(D) Low blood pressure
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
17. Insulin reaction is also called:
(A) Myocardial infarction
(B) Diabetic coma
(C) Hypoglycemia
(D) Epistaxis
18. Hyperglycemia may be caused by:
(A) Having too much insulin in the body
(B) Having too little insulin in the body
(C) Eating too little food
(D) Too much exercise
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
19. Which of the following is true of assisting a resident who is having a seizure?
(A) Give the resident a glass of water to drink.
(B) Hold the resident down if he or she is shaking severely.
(C) Move furniture away to prevent injury to the resident.
(D) Open the resident’s mouth to move the tongue to the side.
20. A transient ischemic attack is a warning sign of:
(A) Cerebrovascular accident
(B) Myocardial infarction
(C) Hypoglycemia
(D) Epistaxis
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
21. A sign that a stroke is occurring is:
(A) Abdominal pain
(B) Gasping for air
(C) Low blood pressure
(D) Facial droop
22. In a healthcare facility, codes are used to:
(A) Keep track of residents
(B) Inform staff of emergencies without alarming residents and visitors
(C) Teach procedures to new nursing assistants
(D) Welcome new residents to the facility
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Emergency Care, First Aid, and Disasters
Exam (cont’d.)
23. During code team procedures, a nursing assistant might be asked to:
(A) Give a resident oxygen
(B) Call the resident’s family
(C) Work with the suction machine
(D) Give chest compressions during CPR