Tag: Emergency medicine

According to Psychology Today, millions of people experience symptoms of medical trauma each year. So, what is an example of a medical trauma? This comprehensive guide explains how events ranging from a difficult birth to a critical illness diagnosis can lead to lasting psychological distress.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, unscheduled care accounts for a significant portion of healthcare utilization. Understanding what "unscheduled" means in medical terms is crucial for patients, families, and healthcare providers alike, as it differentiates unplanned medical events from routine, planned appointments.

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), a patient in "critical" condition has unstable vital signs that are not within normal limits, and the prognosis is unfavorable. This designation signifies a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate and constant intervention to support or replace failing vital organ systems.

Metabolic acidosis is a serious acid-base imbalance that can have profound systemic effects if left untreated. Understanding the specific thresholds that define this condition as severe is crucial for effective clinical management and treatment. To properly answer **what is the cut off for severe metabolic acidosis?**, one must consider both blood pH and bicarbonate levels.

According to the American Red Cross, a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. Can giving blood save lives? The answer is a resounding yes, and its impact on the healthcare system is profound, affecting patients facing a wide range of medical challenges.

With a body temperature between 82.4°F and 90°F (28-32°C), a person is in a state of moderate hypothermia, which dramatically alters their vital signs and places them at a high risk for cardiac complications. Understanding these changes is crucial for proper emergency care.

According to the CDC, older adults and infants are among the most vulnerable to hypothermia, a life-threatening medical emergency. Beyond extreme cold, what makes you more susceptible to hypothermia, and how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from this dangerous condition?

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a non-specific response to a wide variety of clinical insults, not solely infection. This makes understanding **what are the four components of the SIRS criteria** an important aspect of medical knowledge, even with the evolution of diagnostic guidelines in critical care.

Used in emergency and clinical settings worldwide, the SAMPLE history mnemonic is a critical tool for gathering crucial patient information quickly. Emergency medical service (EMS) providers, for instance, rely on this structured approach to form a rapid and accurate initial assessment. Learning what is the acronym SAMPLE in history taking is therefore a foundational skill for anyone involved in patient care.

According to the National Institutes of Health, hemorrhagic shock resulting from blood loss is the leading cause of death for Americans aged one to 46. Understanding the medical terminology beyond the simple phrase 'what is the fancy name for blood loss?' can be life-saving. This guide explores the different levels of bleeding, from minor to life-threatening, to provide clarity on these critical medical conditions.