Minor Medical Emergencies
Seizures
Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain activity that cause changes in attention or behavior. Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time.
Grand Mal Seizure - Muscles become rigid, jerky body movements, loss of consciousness, may vomit and may have urine and fecal control failure.
Radiographer's Response:
1. Most important is to prevent the patient from injuring himself during a seizure. You should make sure that any furniture and other objects are out of the way.
2. Do not try to insert hard objects into the mouth.
3. Call for help, but do not leave the patient alone.
4. After the seizure, position the patient on his side to prevent swallowing of vomitus.
5. Verify there's an open airway and remind patient to breathe.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is the feeling of having an urge to vomit.
Vomiting or throwing up is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth.
Nausea and vomiting are both a common occurrence. Nausea tends to be both a psychologic and a physiologic reaction.
Epistaxis (Nosebleed)
A nosebleed is loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most commonly occurs in one nostril only.
Vertigo and Syncope
Vertigo - Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. You may feel as though you are spinning, whirling, falling or tilting.
1. Dizziness
2. Lightheadedness
Syncope (fainting) - Caused by an insuffieciency in the supply of blood to the brain.
Symptoms:
1. Pallor, dizziness and possible nausea
2. Cold, clammy skin
Falls
If a patient is falling, you should try and lessen the impact of the fall if possible. Be careful, if you try to catch the patient, you may suffer a back injury. Medical attention may be needed according to the injuries of the patient.
Burns
Do not remove bandages. Keep the area as sterile as possible. Handle the patient with care and gentleness.
Wound Dehiscence
Occurs when a wound or suture bursts or splits open. If this occurs cover area with sterile covering and get medical attention for the patient. This is not a common postoperative occurrence.