A 50-year-old woman fell backward from a kitchen step stoo…
A 50-year-old woman fell backward from a kitchen step stool, striking her head on the tile floor. She opens her eyes to voice command, but her words are garbled and do not make sense. She does not follow commands but is able to localize painful stimuli. Her skin is warm and moist with normal color. There is a hematoma on the occipital area of the head. The right pupil is about 3 mm larger in diameter than the left and reacts more slowly to light. Vital signs are heart rate, 72 beats per minute; blood pressure, 132/82 mmHg; respiratory rate, 12 breaths per minute; and SpO2 97 percent on room air. Which treatment plan is most appropriate for this patient?
Read DetailsYour patient who has been involved in a flash fire tells you…
Your patient who has been involved in a flash fire tells you he was working on a small engine when volatile chemicals ignited and burned him. He has dry red skin without blistering. Considering their depth, you would classify his burns as:
Read DetailsYou have responded to a college lecture hall for an unrespon…
You have responded to a college lecture hall for an unresponsive person. The patient is a college-age male who is unresponsive. Witnesses state that he became confused, pale, and sweaty while working with classmates on a project. He is pale, and his clothing is damp with perspiration. He has snoring respirations at 16 per minute; the snoring stops when you manually position the airway, and there is no indication of cyanosis. As you check the radial pulse, you notice a medical bracelet that indicates the patient is diabetic. The radial pulse is present and regular at 100 beats per minute. Which of the following should you do first?
Read DetailsA 52-year-old man presents with 30 minutes of heaviness in…
A 52-year-old man presents with 30 minutes of heaviness in the center of his chest. He is awake, alert, and anxious; is breathing 20 times per minute; has an SpO2 of 98 percent on room air; and a heart rate of 76 beats per minute. Of the options listed below, which best meets the patient’s needs?
Read DetailsDuring transport, a patient expresses concern that she urge…
During transport, a patient expresses concern that she urgently needs to use the toilet. Upon arriving at the emergency department, you immediately check with a nurse about getting the patient to the restroom. This best examplifies of the professional characteristic of:
Read DetailsYou are dispatched to a house fire where a 67-year-old male…
You are dispatched to a house fire where a 67-year-old male patient has been removed from the structure. The patient is alert and oriented, with obvious burns to the hands. His respirations are 24, pulse 110, and blood pressure 130/84. He states that the fire started in his television set and that he tried to put it out but could not. As he speaks, hoarseness is developing and blisters are starting to form on his hands. Your major concern with this patient is:
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