A young man who was angry with friends wandered away from a party and spent the night outside uncovered in 4050 degree temperatures. He is confused, has decreased but adequate breathing, and has a weak radial pulse. His skin is cool, and capillary refill is delayed. When looking to see if he is shivering, you note that he is not. Based on this presentation, OEC Technicians can safely conclude that the:
a. patient is exhibiting signs indicating that he is effectively compensating and conserving heat.
b. patient's body temperature is most likely dangerously low.
c. absence of shivering indicates that body temperature is almost back to normal.
d. cause of his confusion is not related to exposure to the low overnight temperatures.
Question 2You are assessing a conscious but confused hiker who became lost in the woods on a cold day. Your assessment shows that he has an open airway, adequate breathing, and a weak radial pulse. His skin is cold to the touch and he is shivering. OEC Technicians should recognize that the:
a. cold caused the patient's brain to become dysfunctional, as evidenced by the shivering.
b. shivering actually represents a small seizure, which indicates that the brain is cold.
c. shivering is a protective means by which the body is attempting to warm itself.
d. shivering indicates that the patient's core body temperature has fallen below 90F.
Question 3In treating an evisceration, OEC Technicians should:
a. apply a sterile dressing and an ice pack.
b. apply a sterile dressing and direct pressure.
c. not put the protruding organs back inside the abdominopelvic cavity.
d. cover the wound with an occlusive flutter-valve dressing.
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