Sudden Illness Part 5 - Chapter 15

Sudden Illnesses Sudden illness may result in one of two ways: Acute: results from a condition that is rapid and severe onset Chronic: results from a persistent condition that continues or develops over a long period of time

Signals of Sudden Illness Common signals include: Changes in level of consciousness Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, drowsy, or confused Becoming unconscious Breathing and seeing problems Signals of possible heart attack Signals of stroke or shock Sweating, nausea, vomiting, seizures

Care for Sudden Illness Do no further harm Monitor level of consciousness Help the person rest comfortably Keep the person from getting chilled or overheated Comfort and reassure the person Give specific care as needed

Specific Sudden Illnesses Fainting Diabetic Emergencies Seizures Stroke

Fainting Signals: Person suddenly becomes pale Ashen, cool, moist skin Feel lightheaded, weak, or dizzy Care: Position the person on their back, lying flat Loosen tight clothing Check for breathing Roll to one side if vomiting

Diabetic Emergencies Diabetes: The inability of the body to change sugar (glucose) from food into energy Two major types of diabetes: Type I: Previously known as juvenile diabetes; body produces little or no insulin Type II: Most common type; body becomes resistant to insulin

Diabetic Emergencies Signals of Type I Diabetes: Frequent urination Increased hunger and thirst Unexpected weight loss Irritability Weakness and fatigue Signals of Type II Diabetes: Slow healing time, itching Frequent infections, especially in skin, gums, and bladder Blurred vision Numbness in legs, feet, and fingers

Diabetic Emergencies Diabetic Emergency - Caused by an imbalance between sugar and insulin in the body Hyperglycemia - Insulin in the body is too low and sugar levels begin to rise too high Diabetic Ketoacidosis - Acidity levels in the blood increase due to waste production Diabetic Coma - Results if Diabetic Ketoacidosis is not treated Hypoglycemia - Insulin is too high and blood sugar is low Insulin Shock - Life-threatening condition that can result from untreated hypoglycemia

Signals and Care for Diabetic Emergencies Changes in level on consciousness Changes in mood Irregular breathing Feeling and looking ill Abnormal skin appearance Dizziness, headache, confusion Care: If the diabetic person is conscious and able to swallow, give them sugar in the form of glucose tablets Call 9-1-1 if: Person is unconscious Person is conscious but unable to swallow Sugar does not help You cannot find sugar

Types of Seizures Generalized (Grand Mal) Most well-known, involve both halves of the brain Stages include: Aura phase Tonic phase Clonic phase Post-ictal phase Partial Simple or complex Absence (Petit Mal) Most common in children Febrile Children and infants Brought on by a rapid increase of body temperature

Epilepsy A common neurological disorder affecting about 3 million people in the U.S. Describes a group of disorders in which the person experiences recurrent seizures as the main symptom

Care for Seizures Move nearby objects such as furniture away from the person Do not place anything in the mouth Afterwards, position the person in the H.A.I.N.E.S. recovery position

Stroke Signals of Stroke Facial droop or drooling Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg Trouble with speech Loss of vision or disturbed vision Sudden severe headache Dizziness, confusion, or agitation Care for Stroke Call 9-1-1 immediately Note the time of onset of signals and report to EMS Maintain open airway if the person is unconscious Identify signals using FAST Face Arm Speech Time