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Toxicology and Environmental Emergencies Flashcards

6 cards from real CEN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Toxicology and Environmental Emergencies flashcards as text

  1. A hiker presents with core temperature of 28°C, absent shivering, and loss of consciousness. What is the correct classification of this hypothermia?

    Answer: Severe hypothermia

    Severe hypothermia is defined as a core temperature below 30°C and is characterized by absent shivering and impaired consciousness.

  2. Which rewarming method is most appropriate for a patient in severe hypothermia (28°C) with cardiac arrest?

    Answer: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

    ECMO is the most effective method for severe hypothermia with cardiac arrest as it simultaneously rewarmed the blood and provides circulatory support.

  3. A patient presents with heat stroke (core temp 41.5°C) and altered mental status. Which cooling method achieves the fastest core temperature reduction?

    Answer: Cold water immersion

    Cold water immersion (15–17°C) is the most effective and fastest method of cooling in exertional heat stroke.

  4. A patient presents with pain, pallor, and numbness of the fingers after exposure to extreme cold. The fingers are waxy with hard white skin. Which stage of frostbite is this?

    Answer: Deep frostbite (third/fourth degree)

    Hard, white, waxy skin extending below the dermis with numbness indicates deep frostbite involving deep tissues.

  5. A scuba diver surfaces too rapidly and presents with joint pain, mottled skin, and shortness of breath 30 minutes after ascent. Which treatment is indicated?

    Answer: 100% oxygen and transfer to hyperbaric chamber

    Decompression sickness (the bends) is treated with 100% oxygen to accelerate nitrogen elimination and hyperbaric oxygen recompression therapy.

  6. A patient presents after a lightning strike with confusion, entry and exit burns, and a heart rate of 35 bpm with a third-degree AV block. What is the priority intervention?

    Answer: CPR and ACLS protocol; transcutaneous pacing

    Lightning strike causing complete heart block and bradycardia requires ACLS-guided resuscitation including transcutaneous pacing if unresponsive to atropine.