5h • Paramedic Talk
Today's MUST know topics
Meningitis
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Common Symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Photophobia
- Altered mental status
Kernig’s Sign
Positive when:
- The patient’s hip and knee are flexed
- Attempting to extend the knee causes pain or resistance
Indicates meningeal irritation.
Brudzinski’s Sign
Positive when:
- Flexing the neck causes the knees and hips to flex involuntarily
Also suggests meningeal irritation.
Abdominal Organs (Function & Quadrant)
Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
Liver
- Detoxifies blood
- Produces bile
Gallbladder
- Stores bile
- Releases bile for fat digestion
Duodenum
- First portion of the small intestine
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
Stomach
- Begins digestion of food
Spleen
- Filters blood
- Helps immune function
Pancreas
- Produces digestive enzymes
- Releases insulin and glucagon
Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
Appendix
- Small lymphatic organ
- Common site of inflammation (appendicitis)
Small intestine
Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)
Descending colon
- Absorbs water from stool
Sigmoid colon
- Stores stool before elimination
Abdominal Emergencies
Common NREMT abdominal emergencies include:
Appendicitis
- RLQ pain
- Nausea
- Fever
- Pain often starts periumbilical then moves to RLQ
Cholecystitis
- Gallbladder inflammation
- RUQ pain
- Pain after fatty meals
- May radiate to right shoulder
Pancreatitis
- Severe epigastric pain
- Pain radiates to back
- Often associated with alcohol use or gallstones
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
- Tearing abdominal or back pain
- Pulsating abdominal mass
- Life-threatening hemorrhage risk
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infection.
Common Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
Hepatitis A
Transmission: Fecal–oral route
Sources:
- Contaminated food or water
Often acute and self-limiting.
Hepatitis B
Transmission:
- Blood
- Sexual contact
- Perinatal transmission
Can become chronic.
Hepatitis C
Transmission: Primarily blood exposure.
Examples:
- IV drug use
- Blood transfusions (historically)
Often leads to chronic liver disease.
Scabies
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites.
Symptoms
- Intense itching (especially at night)
- Rash
- Small burrow lines on skin
Common locations:
- Finger webs
- Wrists
- Waistline
- Groin
Transmission: Direct skin-to-skin contact.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (PID Risk)
Untreated STIs can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Chlamydia
- Often asymptomatic
- May cause pelvic pain
- Can lead to infertility if untreated
Gonorrhea
Symptoms:
- Painful urination
- Purulent discharge
Can cause PID in females.
Syphilis
Stages:
Primary
- Painless chancre lesion
Secondary
- Rash on palms and soles
- Fever and lymph node swelling
Tertiary
- Neurological and cardiovascular complications
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the joints.
Key Features
- Immune system attacks synovial lining
- Causes joint inflammation and deformity
Common findings:
- Symmetrical joint pain
- Morning stiffness
- Swollen joints
Difference from Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Autoimmune
- Systemic inflammation
- Symmetrical joints
Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative “wear-and-tear”
- Usually affects weight-bearing joints
- Not autoimmune
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Today's MUST know topics
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