1. Chapter 15 Sudden Illness

2. Types of Sudden Illnesses
1. Fainting
2. Diabetic emergency
3. Seizures
4. Stroke
5. Poisoning
6. Heart attack
7. Shock

3. Fainting One of the most common sudden illnesses
Definition-partial or complete loss of consciousness.
Cause-temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain due to
1. stressful event
2.disturbing site
3. getting up too quickly

4. Sign and symptoms Loss of consciousness Light headed/dizzy
Pale/cool skin
Sweating
Vomiting
Distortion of vision

5. Care for fainting Try to catch the person
Position person on their back
Elevate the leg 12 inches- to keep blood to vital organs.
4. Loosen restrictive clothing
5. Check for life-threatening conditions
6. Do not give food or drink
7. Do not slap person or pour water on them.

6. Diabetic Emergencies
Diabetes 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.

7. 2 types of diabetes
Type 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.

8. Signs of a Diabetic Emergency
Changes in levels of consciousness
Irregular breathing
Rapid pulse
Feeling or looking ill
Fruity breathe
Irregular behavior- “out of it” or dazed

9. Treatment Check for life threatening conditions
Give person sugar fluids or food ie. Candy, fruit juice or non diet soda.
If victim doesn’t feel better within 5 minutes call 911
Insulin shock (hypoglycemia)-too much insulin, low sugar level
Diabetic coma (hyperglycemia)-
High blood sugar level, low insulin.

10. Seizures
Irregular loss of body control due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Aura-unusual sensation or feeling
2. Uncontrollable tremors-grand mal seizure
3. Blank stare-petit seizure
4. Irregular breathing
5. Eyes roll back

11. Treatment Protect the head/prevent further injury Do not restrain
Move objects away from them
Call 911 if first time or longer than 5 min.
Do not try to put anything in the mouth
Position person on their side
Speak calmly and reassure them

12. Febrile Seizure
Happens to infants who are running a high fever quickly.
Additional Treatment: Cool the body slowly
Call 911 for first time.

13. Stroke
2 Kinds
1.Disruption of the blood flow in the brain caused by a clot (thrombus or embolus)
TIA-temporary disruption of blood flow
2. Bleeding from a ruptured artery (aneurysm)

14. Signs and Symptoms F.A.S.T-Face, Arm, Speech, Time
Numbness and tingling
Paralysis
Dizzy
Vision problems
Treatment
Call 911 immediately
Monitor life threatening conditions
Position so fluids can drain from mouth is paralyzed.

15. Hypertension-high blood pressure
You are 7 times more likely to have a stroke if you have high blood pressure.
Things you can do:
Exercise
Do not smoke
Eat healthy
Get annual physical examinations

16. General guidelines for treating sudden illnesses
Do no further harm
Monitor ABCs and consciousness
Help victim rest comfortably
Keep them from getting chilled or overheated
Reassure victim
**you need to know when 911 is needed and when it is not.
*give specific care as needed.