QCHP Paramedic flashcards

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

Oropharyngeal airway contraindication

An oropharyngeal airway should not be inserted in a patient with an intact gag reflex because it can trigger gagging, vomiting, and aspiration; a nasopharyngeal airway is preferred in that situation.

Bag-mask ventilation volume

For an adult, deliver approximately 500-600 mL per breath over about one second, at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute when a pulse is present.

Capnography tube confirmation

A sustained end-tidal CO2 waveform after intubation confirms tracheal placement; loss of the waveform suggests esophageal intubation or tube dislodgement.

Glasgow Coma Scale range

The Glasgow Coma Scale scores eye opening 1-4, verbal response 1-5, and motor response 1-6, giving a total range of 3 to 15.

OPQRST mnemonic

OPQRST structures pain assessment: Onset, Provocation and Palliation, Quality, Region and Radiation, Severity, and Time of onset.

SAMPLE history

SAMPLE collects Signs and Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading to the current problem.

Reassessment intervals

Unstable patients are reassessed every 5 minutes, while stable patients are reassessed every 15 minutes during transport.

Adult CPR compression rate

High-quality adult CPR uses a compression rate of 100-120 per minute, a depth of 5-6 cm, full chest recoil, and a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio.

Cardiac arrest epinephrine dose

In adult cardiac arrest, epinephrine 1 mg is given IV or IO every 3-5 minutes as the standard vasopressor during resuscitation.

Atropine for symptomatic bradycardia

Atropine 0.5 mg IV is given every 3-5 minutes up to a total of 3 mg for symptomatic bradycardia with a pulse, with pacing as an alternative.

STEMI ECG criteria

ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous leads indicates a STEMI; a 12-lead ECG should be obtained within 10 minutes of arrival for suspected ACS.

Tourniquet placement distance

A tourniquet is placed 5-7 cm proximal to the wound and is not loosened once applied; the application time must be recorded.

Rule of nines adult

In adults, each arm is 9%, each leg 18%, anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18%, head 9%, and perineum 1% of total body surface area.

Tension pneumothorax signs

Tension pneumothorax causes unilateral absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from the affected side, and hypotension; treatment is needle decompression.

Anaphylaxis epinephrine dose

Anaphylaxis is treated with intramuscular epinephrine 0.3-0.5 mg of the 1:1000 concentration into the lateral thigh, repeated every 5-15 minutes as needed.

Status epilepticus definition

Status epilepticus is a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery of consciousness between them, requiring airway support and benzodiazepines.

FAST stroke mnemonic

FAST stands for Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time of onset; the onset time determines eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.

Naloxone titration goal

Naloxone is titrated to restore adequate respiration rather than full alertness, because full reversal can precipitate withdrawal, agitation, and vomiting.

Five rights of medication

The five rights of medication administration are right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.

Epinephrine concentration uses

Epinephrine 1:10,000 (0.1 mg/mL) is used IV or IO in cardiac arrest, while 1:1000 (1 mg/mL) is used intramuscularly for anaphylaxis.

Drug dose calculation formula

Volume to administer equals the dose ordered divided by the dose on hand, multiplied by the volume on hand.

Adenosine administration technique

Adenosine for stable narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia is given as a rapid IV push followed immediately by a saline flush.

Pediatric two-rescuer CPR ratio

Pediatric CPR uses a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 with one rescuer and 15:2 with two rescuers.

Left lateral uterine displacement

In a pregnant patient beyond 20 weeks, left lateral uterine displacement relieves compression of the inferior vena cava and improves venous return during CPR.

Eclampsia treatment

Eclampsia is treated with magnesium sulfate, typically a loading dose of 4-6 g IV over 15-20 minutes according to protocol.

Neonatal resuscitation initiation

Neonatal resuscitation begins with warming, drying, and stimulation; positive-pressure ventilation is started if the heart rate is below 100 per minute.

Postpartum hemorrhage cause

Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage; treatment includes fundal massage and uterotonic medications.

Due regard definition

Due regard means the emergency vehicle operator must drive with reasonable care for the safety of others; emergency status does not excuse reckless driving.

Hazmat scene identification

Hazardous materials are identified from a safe distance using placards and the emergency response guidebook before any entry into the scene.

Standard precautions

Standard precautions require gloves for all patient contact and eye or mask protection when splash risk exists, with hand hygiene after every contact.

Implied consent

Implied consent permits treatment of an unresponsive patient or a patient lacking capacity in a life-threatening emergency without explicit authorization.

QCHP licensing role

The Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners is the licensing body for healthcare practitioners in Qatar and requires continuing professional development for license renewal.