NREMT flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Adult compression rate

Compress the adult chest at 100-120 compressions per minute, at least 2 inches deep but no more than 2.4 inches, allowing full recoil between compressions.

Adult compression-ventilation ratio

For an adult in cardiac arrest, deliver 30 compressions followed by 2 ventilations, whether one or two rescuers are present, with minimal interruption.

Pediatric two-rescuer ratio

For a child or infant in cardiac arrest with two rescuers, use 15 compressions to 2 ventilations; with one rescuer, use 30 to 2.

AED use sequence

Power on the AED, attach pads, clear everyone, allow analysis, deliver a shock if advised, then immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes before reanalysis.

Symptomatic bradycardia treatment

A heart rate under 60 with poor perfusion is treated with atropine 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes, up to 3 mg, then pacing or an infusion per protocol.

Oropharyngeal airway sizing

Measure an OPA from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe or angle of the jaw; use it only in patients without a gag reflex.

Nasopharyngeal airway contraindication

Avoid an NPA when basilar skull fracture or severe midface trauma is suspected, because the tube could pass into the cranial vault.

Signs of inadequate breathing

Rate outside normal range, shallow depth, minimal chest rise, cyanosis, accessory muscle use, and altered mental status indicate the need for assisted ventilation.

Pulse oximetry thresholds

SpO2 of 94% or higher is normal, 90-94% is a warning zone, and below 90% is critical and requires oxygen and reassessment.

Suctioning time limit

Limit each suction attempt to 10-15 seconds in an adult, preoxygenate beforehand, and monitor SpO2 and heart rate during the procedure.

Tension pneumothorax signs

Unilateral absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from the affected side, severe distress, and hypotension suggest tension pneumothorax requiring needle decompression.

Tourniquet placement

Place a tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound, not over a joint, and tighten until bleeding stops; note the time of application.

Rule of Nines

Estimate burn area as head 9%, each arm 9%, anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18%, each leg 18%, and perineum 1% in an adult.

Hypovolemic shock signs

Tachycardia, narrow pulse pressure, cool clammy skin, delayed capillary refill, and altered mental status appear before hypotension, which is a late sign.

Pelvic binder placement

Apply a pelvic binder at the level of the greater trochanters for a suspected pelvic fracture, and avoid repeated log-rolling of the patient.

Anaphylaxis epinephrine dose

Give epinephrine 0.3-0.5 mg IM (1:1000) in the anterolateral thigh for anaphylaxis, repeating every 5-15 minutes as needed per protocol.

Hypoglycemia treatment

Check blood glucose; give oral glucose if the patient can swallow, or glucagon IM or IV dextrose per protocol if not, then reassess mental status.

Status epilepticus definition

A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness, requires airway support and benzodiazepines per protocol.

Naloxone limitations

Naloxone reverses opioid respiratory depression, but ventilation must be supported because breathing may not resume adequately on its own.

Cincinnati stroke scale

Assess facial droop, arm drift, and abnormal speech; note the last known well time and transport to a stroke center if any sign is present.

Normal labor signs

Contractions every 2-3 minutes lasting 45-60 seconds with an urge to push suggest imminent delivery; prepare to deliver at the scene.

Newborn CPR ratio

For a newborn in cardiac arrest, use 3 compressions to 1 ventilation at about 100-120 compressions per minute, one-third chest depth.

Postpartum hemorrhage cause

A boggy uterus with heavy bleeding after delivery is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage; treat with uterine massage and oxytocin per protocol.

Prolapsed cord management

Place the patient knee-chest or Trendelenburg, keep the cord warm and moist, and do not attempt to push the cord back into the vagina.

Ectopic pregnancy signs

Abdominal pain, a missed period, and signs of shock in a woman of childbearing age suggest ectopic pregnancy, which is treated as a hemorrhage emergency.

START triage categories

Mass-casualty triage uses red for immediate, yellow for delayed, green for minor, and black for deceased or expectant patients.

Refusal of care criteria

A valid refusal requires an alert and oriented patient, explanation of risks, a signed form, and documentation of the assessment and advice given.

Needlestick response

After a needlestick, wash the site with soap and water, report immediately, and follow the exposure control plan for testing and prophylaxis.

SAMPLE history

SAMPLE stands for signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, past medical history, last oral intake, and events leading to the illness or injury.

OPQRST pain assessment

OPQRST covers onset, provocation and palliation, quality, region and radiation, severity, and time for the patient's chief complaint.

Pediatric assessment triangle

Judge appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to skin before touching the child, to quickly estimate illness or injury severity.

Treat the patient, not monitor

If a monitor reading conflicts with the patient's appearance, reassess the patient and the equipment rather than treating the number alone.