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Paramedic Medical Unit Exam – Study Terms Meningitis Meningitis is any form of infection that causes the inflammation of the meninges (the outer cover of the central nervous system brain and spinal cord). Causes inclu ...

Paramedic Medical Unit Exam – Study Terms Meningitis Meningitis is any form of infection that causes the inflammation of the meninges (the outer cover of the central nervous system brain and spinal cord). Causes includes infectious, chemical, or metabolic causes. Infectious include bacteria, virus, fungi, or prions gain access to the body and begin to reproduce and cause damage. S/s include fever, headache, chills, photophobia, and stiff neck. In cases with kids you may have buldging fontenelles and a high pitched cry due to increased icp. Bacterial meningitis causes icp while viral does not. Some severe cases involve seizures. Bacterial meningitis should be treated fast at the hospital. For ems treatment, you need to put a mask on the patient and yourself and be ready for seizures to occur. You can tell if it is either viral or bacterial with the kernig or brudzinski test. The brudzinski test causes involentary flexion of the knees when the head is flexed towards the chest. The kernig test you get pain when you try and straighten the knees when the hips are flexed. If any of those are positive then bacterial meningitis is suspected. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar level in the body. The blood sugar level should be between 60-120. 45 or below is classifed as hypoglycemia. s/s include altered mental status, tachycardia, fatigue, nausea, sweating, polydipsia (thirst), polyuria (frequent urination) and polyphagia (hunger). Unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections and confusion. Treatments include glucose and glucagon to raise blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent while type 2 is not insulin dependant. Causes for type 1 hypoglycemia may include too much insulin, too little food, or both. Type 2 the pancreas can generate insulin so these patients can surpress insulin production within their own bodys. Their bodys might be resistant to the effects of insulin or they may not make enough insulin over time to lower their blood glucose levels. Meds given to type 2 act by either stimulating the bodys ability to secrete insulin or by improving the actions of insulin. These meds tend to contribute to hypoglycemia. Physical abuse 524, 555 Never hesitate to call law enforcement personnel if you have reason to believe abuse has occurred. Fearful position of women and husband is answering questions for her. Fingerprint bruises (someone being grabbed, lifted, or dragged), multiple bruising at different stages of healing Alcohol withdrawal When a long time drinker stops drinking suddenly, seizures may occur after 6-48 hours. For treatment give a benzo such as valium 1-3mg for seizure control. For detoxing delirium tremors start within 48-72 hours after last drink. s/s include fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and may have altered mental status. Treatments include support of cardiovascular system, seizure control, keep in dark place due to hallucinations, can also manage body temp and hypotension with infusions of normal saline. Caustic ingestion Caustic acids are liquids that are under 2.0 on ph and alkalis solutions are anything above 12.0 on ph. Caustic solutions are often found in kitchen cleaning solutions and agriculture. s/s include severe pain in mouth throat or chest, possible respiratory distress due to swelling of larngyx, epiglottis, or vocal cords. Treatments include management of ABC’s and find substance and contact poison control or online medical control. Also try to have patient drink milk or water to help dilute solution. For caustic substances do not put in NG tube because it is contraindicated.