Standard

 Rev: 4/18/07; Posted: 06/11/07

EMS 134 - Medical Emergencies

Course Description

Provides an in-depth study of the nervous, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, hematopoietic, and immune systems. Topics include epidemiology, pathophysiology, assessment, and management of specific injuries/illnesses. Emphasis is placed on allergies/anaphylaxis, toxicology, environmental emergencies, and infectious and communicable diseases.  General/specific pathophysiology assessment and management are discussed in detail for environmental emergencies. Infectious and communicable disease topics include public health principles, public health agencies, infection, pathogenicity, infectious agents, and specific infectious disease processes and their management.  This course provides instruction on topics in Division 5 (Medical), Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the USDOT/NHTSA Paramedic National Standard Curriculum.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

Assessment/Management of the Following Emergencies:

Class

5

Neurological, Endocrine, Gastrointestinal, Renal, Hematopoietic

D. Lab

1

Assessment/Management of Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

Assessment/Management of Toxicological and Environmental Emergencies

Credit

5

Assessment/Management/Access to Public Health Organizations for Infectious/Communicable diseases

 

 

 

Prerequisites:

AHS 101, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128, EMS 129

 

Corequisite:

None

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING EMERGENCIES:

NEUROLOGICAL, ENDOCRINE, GASTRO-INTESTINAL, RENAL, HEMATOPOIETIC

34

0

0

Neurological Emergencies

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of neurological emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Identify the risk factors most predisposing to the nervous system.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to the nervous system.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of non-traumatic neurological emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with non-traumatic neurological emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Identify the need for rapid intervention and the transport of the patient with non-traumatic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of non-traumatic neurological emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of coma and altered mental status.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with coma and altered mental status.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management/treatment plan of coma and altered mental status.

 

 

 

 

Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for seizures.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of seizures.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with seizures.

 

 

 

 

Define seizure.

 

 

 

 

Describe and differentiate the major types of seizures.

 

 

 

 

List the most common causes of seizures.

 

 

 

 

Describe the phases of a generalized seizure.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of syncope.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with syncope.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management/treatment plan of syncope.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of headache.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with headache.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management/treatment plan of headache.

 

 

 

 

Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Describe the types of neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management/treatment plan of neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Define neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with neoplasms.

 

 

 

 

Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for abscess.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of abscess.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with abscess.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management/treatment plan of abscess.

 

 

 

 

Define abscess.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to abscess.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with abscess.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of abscess.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with abscess.

 

 

 

 

Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Describe the types of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management/treatment plan of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Define stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

 

 

 

 

Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management/treatment plan of transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Define transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with transient ischemic attack.

 

 

 

 

Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for degenerative neurological diseases.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of degenerative neurological diseases.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with degenerative neurological diseases.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management/treatment plan of degenerative neurological diseases.

 

 

 

 

Define the following:

a.         Muscular dystrophy

            b.         Multiple sclerosis

c.         Dystopia

d.         Parkinson’s disease

e.         Trigeminal neuralgia

f.          Bell’s palsy

g.         Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

h.         Peripheral neuropathy

i.          Cyclones

j.          Spinal bifida

           k.          Poliomyelitis

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to degenerative neurological diseases.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with degenerative neurological diseases.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of degenerative neurological diseases.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with degenerative neurological diseases.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles of the patient with a neurological emergency.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between neurological emergencies based on assessment findings.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal assessment findings with the clinical significance in the patient with neurological complaints.

 

 

 

 

Develop a patient management plan based on field impression in the patient with neurological emergencies.

 

 

 

Endocrinology emergencies

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of endocrinology emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Identify the risk factors most predisposing to endocrinology disease.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the anatomy and physiology of organs and structures related to endocrinology diseases.

 

 

 

 

Review the pathophysiology of endocrinology emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the general assessment findings associated with endocrinologic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Identify the need for rapid intervention of the patient with endocrinologic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of endocrinologic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Describe osmotic diuresis and its relationship to diabetes.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of adult onset diabetes mellitus.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of juvenile onset diabetes mellitus.

 

 

 

 

Describe the effects of decreased levels of insulin on the body.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with a diabetic emergency.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of diabetic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with a diabetic emergency.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between the pathophysiology of normal glucose metabolism and diabetic glucose metabolism.

 

 

 

 

Describe the mechanism of ketone body formation and its relationship to ketoacidosis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the physiology of the excretion of potassium and ketone bodies by the kidneys.

 

 

 

 

Describe the relationship of insulin to serum glucose levels.

 

 

 

 

Describe the effects of decreased levels of insulin on the body.

 

 

 

 

Describe the effects of increased serum glucose levels on the body.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the utilization of glycogen by the human body as it relates to the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Describe the actions of epinephrine as it relates to the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms of the patient with hypoglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Describe the compensatory mechanisms utilized by the body to promote homeostasis relative to hypoglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management of a responsive hypoglycemic patient.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with hypoglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of the hypoglycemic patient.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with hypoglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of hyperglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms of the patient with hyperglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management of hyperglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with hyperglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of the patient with hyperglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with hyperglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms of the patient with nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management of nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of the patient with hyperglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with hyperglycemia.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms of the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management of diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of thyrotoxicosis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize signs and symptoms of the patient with thyrotoxicosis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of the patient with thyrotoxicosis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with thyrotoxicosis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of myxedema.

 

 

 

 

Recognize signs and symptoms of the patient with myxedema.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management of myxedema.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with myxedema.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of the patient with myxedema.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with myxedema.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of Cushing’s syndrome.

 

 

 

 

Recognize signs and symptoms of the patient with Cushing’s syndrome.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management of Cushing’s syndrome.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with Cushing’s syndrome.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of the patient with Cushing’s syndrome.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with Cushing’s syndrome.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of adrenal insufficiency.

 

 

 

 

Recognize signs and symptoms of the patient with adrenal insufficiency.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management of adrenal insufficiency.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with adrenal insufficiency.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of the patient with adrenal insufficiency.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with adrenal insufficiency.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with an endocrinological emergency.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between endocrine emergencies based on assessment and history.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in the assessment with clinical significance in the patient with endocrinologic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Develop a patient management plan based on field impression in the patient with an endocrinologic emergency.

 

 

 

Gastrointestinal emergencies

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Identify the risk factors most predisposing to gastrointestinal emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to gastrointestinal diseases.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of inflammation and its relationship to acute abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Define somatic pain as it relates to gastroenterology.

 

 

 

 

Define visceral pain as it relates to gastroenterology.

 

 

 

 

Define referred pain as it relates to gastroenterology.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the signs and symptoms of local inflammation relative to acute abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the signs and symptoms of peritoneal inflammation relative to acute abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

List the signs and symptoms of general inflammation relative to acute abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Based on assessment findings, differentiate between local, peritoneal and general inflammation as they relate to acute abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Describe the questioning technique and specific questions the paramedic should ask when gathering a focused history in a patient with abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Describe the technique for performing a comprehensive physical examination on a patient complaining of abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Define upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with upper GI bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Define lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with lower GI bleeding.

 

 

 

 

Define acute gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of acute gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to acute gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for acute gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with acute gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Define colitis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of colitis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to colitis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for colitis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with colitis.

 

 

 

 

Define gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with gastroenteritis.

 

 

 

 

Define diverticulitis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of diverticulitis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to diverticulitis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for diverticulitis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with diverticulitis.

 

 

 

 

Define appendicitis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of appendicitis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to appendicitis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for appendicitis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with appendicitis.

 

 

 

 

Define peptic ulcer disease.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to peptic ulcer disease.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for peptic ulcer disease.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with peptic ulcer disease.

 

 

 

 

Define bowel obstruction.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of bowel obstruction.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to bowel obstruction.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for bowel obstruction.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with bowel obstruction.

 

 

 

 

Define Crohn’s disease.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to Crohn’s disease.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for Crohn’s disease.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with Crohn’s disease.

 

 

 

 

Define pancreatitis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of pancreatitis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to pancreatitis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for pancreatitis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with pancreatitis.

 

 

 

 

Define esophageal varices.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of esophageal varices.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to esophageal varices.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for esophageal varices.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with esophageal varices.

 

 

 

 

Define hemorrhoids.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to hemorrhoids.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for hemorrhoids.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with hemorrhoids.

 

 

 

 

Define cholecystitis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of cholecystitis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to cholecystitis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for cholecystitis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with cholecystitis.

 

 

 

 

Define acute hepatitis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of acute hepatitis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to acute hepatitis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for acute hepatitis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with acute hepatitis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles of the patient with a gastrointestinal emergency.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between gastrointestinal emergencies based on assessment findings.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in the assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Develop a patient management plan based on field impression in the patient with abdominal pain.

 

 

 

Renal Emergencies

Describe the incidence, morbidity, mortality, and risk factors predisposing to urological emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to urogenital diseases.

 

 

 

 

Define referred pain and visceral pain as it relates to urology.

 

 

 

 

Describe the questioning technique and specific questions the paramedic should utilize when gathering a focused history in a patient with abdominal pain. 

 

 

 

 

Describe the technique for performing a comprehensive physical examination of a patient complaining of abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Define acute renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of acute renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to acute renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for acute renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with acute renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Define chronic renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of chronic renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to chronic renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for chronic renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with chronic renal failure.

 

 

 

 

Define renal dialysis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the common complication of renal dialysis.

 

 

 

 

Define renal calculi.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of renal calculi.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to renal calculi.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for renal calculi.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with renal calculi.

 

 

 

 

Define urinary tract infection.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of urinary tract infection.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to urinary tract infection.

 

 

 

 

Describe the management for a urinary tract infection.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with a urinary tract infection.

 

 

 

 

Apply the epidemiology to develop prevention strategies for urological emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

Synthesize assessment findings and patient history information to accurately differentiate between pain of a urogenital emergency and that of other origins.

 

 

 

 

Develop, execute, and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression made in the assessment.

 

 

 

Hematopoietic system

Identify the anatomy of the hematopoietic system.

 

 

 

 

Describe volume and volume-control related to the hematopoietic system.

 

 

 

 

Identify and describe the blood-forming organs.

 

 

 

 

Describe normal red blood cell (RBC) production, function and destruction.

 

 

 

 

Explain the significance of the hematocrit with respect to red cell size and number.

 

 

 

 

Explain the correlation of the RBC count, hematocrit and hemoglobin values.

 

 

 

 

Define anemia.

 

 

 

 

Describe normal white blood cell (WBC) production, function and destruction.

 

 

 

 

Identify the characteristics of the inflammatory process.

 

 

 

 

Identify the difference between cellular and humoral immunity.

 

 

 

 

Identify alterations in immunologic response.

 

 

 

 

Describe the number, normal function, types and life span of leukocytes.

 

 

 

 

List the leukocyte disorders.

 

 

 

 

Describe platelets with respect to normal function, life span and numbers.

 

 

 

 

Describe the components of the hemostatic mechanism.

 

 

 

 

Describe the function of coagulation factors, platelets and blood vessels necessary for normal coagulation.

 

 

 

 

Describe the intrinsic and extrinsic clotting systems with respect to identification of factor deficiencies in each stage.

 

 

 

 

Identify blood groups.

 

 

 

 

Describe how acquired factor deficiencies may occur.

 

 

 

 

Define fibrinolysis.

 

 

 

 

Identify the components of physical assessment as they relate to the hematologic system.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathology and clinical manifestations and prognosis associated with:

1.  Anemia

2.  Leukemia

3.  Lymphomas

4.  Polycythemia

5.  Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy

6.  Hemophilia

7.  Sickle Cell Disease

8.  Multiple myeloma

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles into the assessment of a patient with hematologic disease.

 

 

 

ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT OF ALLERGIC REACTION/ ANAPHYLAXIS

4

0

0

 

Define allergic reaction.

 

 

 

 

Define anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Identify the risk factors most predisposing to anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the prevention of anaphylaxis and appropriate patient education.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of allergy and anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Describe the common methods of entry of  substances into the body.

 

 

 

 

Define natural and acquired immunity.

 

 

 

 

Define antigens and antibodies.

 

 

 

 

List common antigens most frequently associated with anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the formation of antibodies in the body.

 

 

 

 

Describe physical manifestations in anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate manifestations of an allergic reaction from anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles of the patient with anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

 

Develop a treatment plan based on field impression in the patient with allergic reaction and anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT OF TOXICOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES

16

0

0

Toxicology 

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of toxic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Identify the risk factors most predisposing to toxic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to toxic emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Describe the routes of entry of toxic substances into the body.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the role of the Poison Control Center in the United States.

 

 

 

 

List the toxic substances that are specific to your region.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pathophysiology of the entry of toxic substances into the body.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the assessment findings associated with various toxidromes.

 

 

 

 

Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with a toxic substance emergency.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the management of toxic substances.

 

 

 

 

Define poisoning by ingestion.

 

 

 

 

List the most common poisonings by ingestion.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by ingestion.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by ingestion.

 

 

 

 

Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with the most common poisonings by ingestion.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by ingestion.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the factors affecting the decision to induce vomiting in a patient with ingested poison.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with the most common poisonings by ingestion.

 

 

 

 

Define poisoning by inhalation.

 

 

 

 

List the most common poisonings by inhalation.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by inhalation.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by inhalation.

 

 

 

 

Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients with the most common poisonings by inhalation.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by inhalation.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with the most common poisonings by inhalation.

 

 

 

 

Define poisoning by injection.

 

 

 

 

List the most common poisonings by injection.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by injection.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by injection.

 

 

 

 

Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with the most common poisonings by injection.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by injection.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with the most common poisonings by injection.

 

 

 

 

Define poisoning by surface absorption.

 

 

 

 

List the most common poisonings by surface absorption.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by surface absorption.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by surface absorption.

 

 

 

 

Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients with the most common poisonings by surface absorption.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by surface absorption.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for patients with the most common poisonings by surface absorption.

 

 

 

 

Define poisoning by overdose.

 

 

 

 

List the most common poisonings by overdose.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by overdose.

 

 

 

 

Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients with the most common poisonings by overdose.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by overdose.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for patients with the most common poisonings by overdose.

 

 

 

 

Define drug abuse.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the incidence of drug abuse in the United States.

 

 

 

 

Define the following terms: (C-1)

       1.                 1.         Substance or drug abuse

       2.                 2.         Substance or drug dependence

       3.                 3.         Tolerance

       4.                4.         Withdrawal

  1. Addiction

 

 

 

 

List the most commonly abused drugs (both by chemical name and street names).

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of commonly used drugs.

 

 

 

 

Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most commonly abused drugs.

 

 

 

 

Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients using the most commonly abused drugs.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most commonly abused drugs.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for patients using the most commonly abused drugs.

 

 

 

 

List the clinical uses, street names, pharmacology, assessment finding and management for patient who have taken the following drugs or been exposed to the following substances:

       1.                 1.         Cocaine

  1. Marijuana and cannabis compounds
  2. Amphetamines
  3. Barbiturates
  4. Sedative-hypnotics
  5. Cyanide
  6. Narcotics/opiates
  7. Cardiac Medications
  8. Caustics
  9. Common Household Substances
  10. Drugs abused for sexual purposes/sexual gratification
  11. Carbon monoxide
  12. Alcohols
  13. Hydrocarbons
  14. Psychiatric Medications
  15. Newer antidepressants and serotonin syndromes
  16. Lithium
  17. MOA inhibitors
  18. Non-prescription pain medication
  19. NSAIDS
  20. Salicylates

   22.              22.         Acetaminophen

  1. Theophylline
  2. Metals
  3. Plants and mushrooms

 

 

 

 

Discuss common causative agents, pharmacology, assessment findings and management for a patient with food poisoning.

 

 

 

 

Discuss common offending organisms, pharmacology, assessment findings and management for a patient with a bite or sting.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles of the patient with a toxic substance exposure.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between toxic substance emergencies based on assessment findings.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in the assessment with the clinical significance in the patient exposed to a toxic substance.

 

 

 

 

Develop a patient management plan based on field impression in the patient exposed to a toxic substance.

 

 

 

Environmental Emergencies

Define "environmental emergency."

 

 

 

 

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality associated with environmental emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Identify risk factors most predisposing to environmental emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Identify environmental factors that may cause illness or exacerbate a preexisting illness.

 

 

 

 

Identify environmental factors that may complicate treatment or transport decisions.

 

 

 

 

List the principal types of environmental illnesses.

 

 

 

 

Define “homeostasis" and relate the concept to environmental influences.

 

 

 

 

Identify normal, critically high and critically low body temperatures.

 

 

 

 

Describe several methods of temperature monitoring.

 

 

 

 

Identify the components of the body’s  thermoregulatory mechanism.

 

 

 

 

Describe the general process of thermal regulation, including substances used and wastes generated.

 

 

 

 

Describe the body’s compensatory process for over heating.

 

 

 

 

Describe the body’s compensatory process for excess heat loss.

 

 

 

 

List the common forms of heat and cold disorders.

 

 

 

 

List the common predisposing factors associated with heat and cold disorders.

 

 

 

 

List the common preventative measures associated with heat and cold disorders.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and complicating factors common to environmental emergencies and discuss differentiating features between emergent and urgent presentations.

 

 

 

 

Define heat illness.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of heat illness.

 

 

 

 

Identify signs and symptoms of heat illness.

 

 

 

 

List the predisposing factors for heat illness.

 

 

 

 

List measures to prevent heat illness.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the symptomatic variations presented in progressive heat disorders.

 

 

 

 

Relate symptomatic findings to the commonly used terms: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

 

 

 

 

Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with heat illness.

 

 

 

 

Describe the contribution of dehydration to the development of heat disorders.

 

 

 

 

Describe the differences between classical and exertional heatstroke.

 

 

 

 

Define fever and discuss its pathophysiologic mechanism.

 

 

 

 

Identify the fundamental thermoregulatory difference between fever and heatstroke.

 

 

 

 

Discuss how one may differentiate between fever and heatstroke.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the role of fluid therapy in the treatment of heat disorders.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions in the management of heat disorders.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.

 

 

 

 

Define  hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

List predisposing factors for hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

List measures to prevent hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

Identify differences between mild and severe hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

Describe differences between chronic and acute hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

List signs and symptoms of hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the impact of severe hypothermia on standard BCLS and ACLS algorithms and transport considerations.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has either mild or severe hypothermia.

 

 

 

 

Define frostbite.

 

 

 

 

Define superficial frostbite (frostnip).

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between superficial frostbite and deep frostbite.

 

 

 

 

List predisposing factors for frostbite.

 

 

 

 

List measures to prevent frostbite.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with frostbite.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions in the management of frostbite.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with superficial or deep frostbite.

 

 

 

 

Define near-drowning.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of near-drowning.

 

 

 

 

List signs and symptoms of near-drowning.

 

 

 

 

Describe the lack of significance of fresh versus saltwater immersion, as it relates to near-drowning.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the incidence of "wet" versus "dry" drowning and the differences in their management.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the complications and protective role of hypothermia in the context of near-drowning.

 

 

 

 

Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with near-drowning.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and  interventions in the management of near-drowning.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the near-drowning patient.

 

 

 

 

Define self contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA).

 

 

 

 

Describe the laws of gasses and relate them to diving emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Describe the pathophysiology of diving emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Define decompression illness.

 

 

 

 

Identify the various forms of DCI.

 

 

 

 

Identify the various conditions that may result from pulmonary over-pressure accidents.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between the various diving emergencies.

 

 

 

 

List signs and symptoms of diving emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with a diving related illness.

 

 

 

 

Describe the function of the Divers Alert Network (DAN) and how its members may aid in the management of diving related illnesses.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions for the management of diving accidents.

 

 

 

 

Describe the specific function and benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the management of diving accidents.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a management plan for the patient who has had a diving accident.

 

 

 

 

Define altitude illness.

 

 

 

 

Describe the application of gas laws to altitude illness.

 

 

 

 

Describe the etiology and epidemiology of altitude illness.

 

 

 

 

List predisposing factors for altitude illness.

 

 

 

 

List measures to prevent altitude illness.

 

 

 

 

Define acute mountain sickness (AMS).

 

 

 

 

Define high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

 

 

 

 

Define high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

 

 

 

 

Discuss the symptomatic variations presented in progressive altitude illnesses.

 

 

 

 

List signs and symptoms of altitude illnesses.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with altitude illness.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the pharmacology appropriate for the treatment of altitude illnesses.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate among the various treatments and  interventions for the management of altitude illness.

 

 

 

 

Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has altitude illness.

 

 

 

 

Integrate the pathophysiological principles of the patient affected by an environmental emergency.

 

 

 

 

Differentiate between environmental emergencies based on assessment findings.

 

 

 

 

Correlate abnormal findings in the assessment with their clinical significance in the patient affected by an environmental emergency.

 

 

 

 

Develop a patient management plan based on the field impression of the patient affected by an environmental emergency.

 

 

 

ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT/ACCESS TO PUBLIC HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS FOR INFECTIOUS/COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

6

0

0

 

Review the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to infectious and communicable diseases. 

 

 

 

 

Define specific terminology identified with infectious/ communicable diseases. 

 

 

 

 

Discuss public health principles relevant to infectious/ communicable disease.

 

 

 

 

Identify public health agencies involved in the prevention and management of disease outbreaks.

 

 

 

 

List and describe the steps of an infectious process.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the risks associated with infection.

 

 

 

 

List and describe the stages of infectious diseases.

 

 

 

 

List and describe infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, and helminths (worms).

 

 

 

 

Describe host defense mechanisms against infection.

 

 

 

 

Describe characteristics of the immune system, including the categories of white blood cells, the reticuloendothelial system (RES), and the complement system.

 

 

 

 

Describe the processes of the immune system defenses, to include humoral and cell-mediated immunity.

 

 

 

 

In specific diseases, identify and discuss the issues of personal isolation.

 

 

 

 

Describe and discuss the rationale for the various types of PPE.

 

 

 

 

Discuss what constitutes a significant exposure to an infectious agent.

 

 

 

 

Describe the assessment of a patient suspected of, or identified as having, an infectious/communicable disease.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the proper disposal of contaminated supplies (sharps, gauze sponges, tourniquets, etc.).

 

 

 

 

Discuss disinfection of patient care equipment, and areas in which care of the patient occurred.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the following relative to HIV - causative agent, body systems affected and potential secondary complications, modes of transmission, the seroconversion rate after direct significant exposure, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, specific patient management and personal protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis), including the causative agent, body systems affected and potential secondary complications, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss Hepatitis B (serum hepatitis), including the causative agent, the organ affected and potential secondary complications, routes of transmission, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the susceptibility and resistance to Hepatitis B.

 

 

 

 

Discuss Hepatitis C, including the causative agent, the organ affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.

 

 

 

 

Discuss Hepatitis D (Hepatitis delta virus), including the causative agent, the organ affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.

 

 

 

 

Discuss Hepatitis E, including the causative agent, the organ affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.

 

 

 

 

Discuss tuberculosis, including the causative agent, body systems affected and secondary complications, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.

 

 

 

 

Discuss meningococcal meningitis (spinal meningitis), including causative organisms, tissues affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.

 

 

 

 

Discuss other infectious agents known to cause meningitis including streptococcus pneumonia, hemophilus influenza type b, and other varieties of viruses.

 

 

 

 

Discuss pneumonia, including causative organisms, body systems affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss tetanus, including the causative organism, the body system affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss rabies and hantavirus as they apply to regional environmental exposures, including the causative organisms, the body systems affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.

 

 

 

 

Identify pediatric viral diseases.

 

 

 

 

Discuss chickenpox, including the causative organism, the body system affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.

 

 

 

 

Discuss mumps, including the causative organism, the body organs and systems affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss rubella (German measles), including the causative agent, the body tissues and systems affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss measles (rubeola, hard measles), including the causative organism, the body tissues, organs, and systems affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the importance of immunization, and those diseases, especially in the pediatric population, which warrant widespread immunization (MMR).

 

 

 

 

Discuss pertussis (whooping cough), including the causative organism, the body organs affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss influenza, including causative organisms, the body system affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss mononucleosis, including the causative organisms, the body regions, organs, and systems affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss herpes simplex type 1, including the causative organism, the body regions and system affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the characteristics of, and organisms associated with, febrile and afebrile respiratory disease, to include bronchiolitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, croup, epiglottitis, and the common cold.

 

 

 

 

Discuss syphilis, including the causative organism, the body regions, organs, and systems affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, stages of signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss gonorrhea, including the causative organism, the body organs and associated structures affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss chlamydia, including the causative organism, the body regions, organs, and systems affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss herpes simplex 2 (genital herpes), including the causative organism, the body regions, tissues, and structures affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss scabies, including the etiologic agent, the body organs affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss lice, including the infesting agents, the body regions affected, modes of transmission and host factors, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and prevention.

 

 

 

 

Describe lyme disease, including the causative organism, the body organs and systems affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, phases of signs and symptoms, patient management and control measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss gastroenteritis, including the causative organisms, the body system affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the local protocol for reporting and documenting an infectious/communicable disease exposure.

 

 

 

 

Articulate the pathophysiological principles of an infectious process given a case study of a patient with an infectious/communicable disease.

 

 

 

 

Articulate the field assessment and management, to include safety considerations, of a patient presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of an infectious/ communicable disease.

 

 

 

Demonstration Lab

Perform an appropriate assessment of a patient with coma or altered mental status.

0

3 10

0

 

Demonstrate the ability to comply with body substance isolation guidelines.

 

 

 

 

Perform an assessment of a patient with an infectious/ communicable disease.

 

 

 

 

Effectively and safely manage a patient with an infectious/communicable disease, including airway and ventilation care, support of circulation, pharmacological intervention, transport considerations, psychological support/communication strategies, and other considerations as mandated by local protocol.

 

 

 

 

Perform a complete neurological examination as part of the comprehensive physical examination of a patient with coma or altered mental status.

 

 

 

 

Appropriately manage a patient with coma or altered mental status, including the administration of oxygen, oral glucose, 50% dextrose and narcotic reversal agents.

 

 

 

 

Perform an appropriate assessment of a patient with syncope.

 

 

 

 

Appropriately manage a patient with syncope.

 

 

 

 

Perform an appropriate assessment of a patient with seizures.

 

 

 

 

Appropriately manage a patient with seizures, including the administration of diazepam or lorazepam.

 

 

 

 

Perform an appropriate assessment of a patient with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage or TIA.

 

 

 

 

Appropriately manage a patient with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage or TIA.

 

 

 

 

Demonstrate an appropriate assessment of a patient with a chief complaint of weakness.

 

 

 

 

Perform an assessment of the patient with hematologic disorder.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Bledsoe, et al; Essentials of Paramedic Care  1st ed., 2003; Brady Prentice Hall Publishing, Upper Saddle River, NJ  07458; ISBN:  0-13-098792-1

Sanders, et al; Mosby’s Paramedic Textbook       2nd ed., 2002; Mosby Publishing, Philadelphia, PA 19106; ISBN: 032301416X

Bledsoe, et al; Paramedic Care: Principles & Practice- Vol. 3-Medical Emergencies 1st ed.; 2001; Brady-Prentice Hall Publishing, Upper Saddle River, NJ  07458; ISBN: 0-13-021598-8

Dalton et al; Advanced Medical Life Support  2nd ed.; 2003; Brady Prentice Hall Publishing, Upper Saddle River, NJ  07458; ISBN: 0-13-098632-1