Chapter 15Sudden Illness

Types of Sudden Illnesses1. Fainting2. Diabetic emergency3. Seizures4. Stroke5. Poisoning6. Heart attack7. Shock

FaintingOne of the most common sudden illnessesDefinition-partial or complete loss of consciousness.Cause-temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain due to 1. stressful event2.disturbing site3. getting up too quicklyhttp://www.wimp.com/faintinggoats/

Sign and symptomsLoss of consciousnessLight headed/dizzyPale/cool skinSweatingVomitingDistortion of vision

Care for faintingTry to catch the person Position person on their backElevate the leg 12 inches- to keep blood to vital organs.4. Loosen restrictive clothing5. Check for life-threatening conditions6. Do not give food or drink7. Do not slap person or pour water on them.

Diabetic EmergenciesDiabetes mellitus-a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin or use insulin effectively.Insulin is a hormone that allows sugars to be passed into our cells for energy.A diabetic emergency-is an imbalance of insulin and sugar in the bloodstream.

2 types of diabetesType I (juvenile diabetes)-the body produces little or no insulin.

2. Type II (adult onset diabetes)-body produces insulin but the cells do not use the insulin correctly or not enough insulin is produced.

Signs of a Diabetic EmergencyChanges in levels of consciousnessIrregular breathingRapid pulseFeeling or looking illFruity breatheIrregular behavior- out of it or dazed

TreatmentCheck for life threatening conditionsGive person sugar fluids or food ie. Candy, fruit juice or non diet soda.If victim doesnt feel better within 5 minutes call 911Insulin shock (hypoglycemia)-too much insulin, low sugar levelDiabetic coma (hyperglycemia)-High blood sugar level, low insulin.

SeizuresIrregular loss of body control due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.Signs and Symptoms1. Aura-unusual sensation or feeling2. Uncontrollable tremors-grand mal seizure3. Blank stare-petit seizure4. Irregular breathing5. Eyes roll back

TreatmentProtect the head/prevent further injuryDo not restrainMove objects away from themCall 911 if first time or longer than 5 min.Do not try to put anything in the mouthPosition person on their sideSpeak calmly and reassure them

Febrile SeizureHappens to infants who are running a high fever quickly.Additional Treatment: Cool the body slowlyCall 911 for first time.

Stroke2 Kinds1.Disruption of the blood flow in the brain caused by a clot (thrombus or embolus)TIA-temporary disruption of blood flow2. Bleeding from a ruptured artery (aneurysm)

Signs and SymptomsF.A.S.T-Face, Arm, Speech, TimeNumbness and tinglingParalysisDizzyVision problemsTreatmentCall 911 immediatelyMonitor life threatening conditionsPosition so fluids can drain from mouth is paralyzed.

Hypertension-high blood pressureYou are 7 times more likely to have a stroke if you have high blood pressure.Things you can do:ExerciseDo not smokeEat healthyGet annual physical examinations

General guidelines for treating sudden illnessesDo no further harmMonitor ABCs and consciousnessHelp victim rest comfortablyKeep them from getting chilled or overheatedReassure victim **you need to know when 911 is needed and when it is not.*give specific care as needed.

*