Disease Processes

Question 1

Cystic Fibrosis

Answer 1

a Genetic Disorder that affects the LOWER AIRWAYS and can cause:
- Crackles or
- Wheezes.

caused by genetic factors, NOT an Infection.

Question 2

Bronchiolitis

Answer 2

VIRAL

Infants < 2 years (peak 2–6 months)
• Cause: RSV (viral)
• Airway: Bronchioles (small, distal)
• S/S: Tachypnea, wheezes + crackles, retractions, nasal flaring, poor feeding
• Key Clue: Lower airway disease not asthma
• EMS Tx: Suction, oxygen, monitor fatigue
• Exam Pearl: Bronchodilators usually ineffective

Question 3

Epiglottitis

Answer 3

BACTERIAL

LIFE-THREATENING BACTERIAL INFECTION of the EPIGLOTTIS & SURROUNDING Tissues.

RAPID Progression to COMPLETE AIREAY OBSTRUCTION is possible.

Therefore, EARLY Preparation for AIRWAY INTERVENTION is CRUCIAL.

Intubation should be performed by the most experienced provider available,

IDEALLY in a CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT such as
The ED or
Operating Room, with surgical backup present in case a
- cricothyrotomy or
- tracheostomy
becomes necessary.

A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition where the Epiglottis becomes INFLAMED, often Due to
- Haemophilus InFLUenzae Type B (Hib),
Leading To
- SEVERE AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

PREVENTABLE with the Hib Vaccine.

Question 4

RSV

Answer 4

(Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Infants & young children (< 2 years)

Causes: Bronchiolitis (most common), pneumonia

Transmission: Droplets / contact

S/S:
- Rhinorrhea → wheezing,
- crackles,
- tachypnea,
- retractions,
- poor feeding,
- apnea (infants)

Lung Sounds: Wheezes + crackles

EMS Tx:
Suction, oxygen, supportive care

Exam Pearl:
Bronchodilators usually ineffective

Question 5

Pneumonia

Answer 5

Definition: Infection of the alveoli → fluid/pus → impaired gas exchange

Causes: Bacterial (most severe), viral, aspiration

Key S/S:
Fever,
productive cough,
crackles (rales),
dyspnea,
pleuritic chest pain

Assessment Clues:
↓ SpO₂,
localized lung sounds,
tachypnea

High-Risk:
Elderly,
infants,
immunocompromised

EMS Tx:
Oxygen,
AIRWAY support,
IV access,
SEPSIS screening

Exam Pearl:
Crackles + fever + hypoxia
= think PNEUMONIA

Question 6

Lower Airway INFECTIONS

Answer 6

RSV
Bronchiolitis
Pneumonia

Question 7

Sepsis

Answer 7

Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by infection

Cause: Dysregulated immune response → vasodilation + capillary leak

Key S/S:
- Fever or
- hypothermia,
- tachycardia,
- tachypnea,
- altered mental status

Red Flags:
Hypotension, delayed cap refill, mottled skin, ↓ urine output

Labs (Concept): ↑ lactate = poor perfusion

EMS Tx: High-flow O₂, large-bore IVs, 30 mL/kg crystalloid, early notification

Exam Pearl: Suspect sepsis with infection + shock signs, even if afebrile

Question 8

GERD

Answer 8

GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease

Question 9

The AHA’s 8 D’s of STROKE Care:

Answer 9

DETECTION
DISPATCH
DELIVERY
DOOR
DATA
DECISION
DRUG/DEVICE
DISPOSITION

Question 10

What is Graves’ Disease?

Answer 10

An Autoimmune Disorder causing
- HYPERThyroidism
Due To OVERSTIMULATION of the
THYROID Gland.

Question 11

Hormone status in Graves’ disease?

Answer 11

↑ T3 & T4 (Thyroid Hormones).

Question 12

Hallmark Signs of Graves’ disease.

Answer 12

WHEATTG

W - Weight Loss,
H - Heat Intolerance,
E - Exophthalmos.
A - Anxiety,
T - Tachycardia,
T - Tremors,
G - Goiter (enlarged Thyroid)

Question 13

Skin finding associated with Graves’?

Answer 13

Pretibial Myxedema (rare but specific).

Rare Skin Complication of Graves’ Disease
- Thick, Reddish, Lumpy Skin
- Orange Peel Texture (peau d’orange)
LOCATED ON
- Shins
- Tops of the Feet
Due to a Buildup of Protein (MUCIN) in The Skin

Question 14

EMS concerns in Graves’ disease.

Answer 14

Dysrhythmias (A-Fib)
Thyroid Storm,
Dehydration,
Hyperthermia.

Question 15

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Answer 15

AutoImmune DESTRUCTION of the Thyroid causing HYPOThyroidism.

Question 16

Hormone status in Hashimoto’s?

Answer 16

↓ T3 & T4.

Question 17

Common Signs of Hashimoto’s.

Answer 17

Weight Gain,
Cold Intolerance,
Fatigue,
Bradycardia,
Dry Skin.

Question 18

Long-term complication of untreated Hashimoto’s?

Answer 18

Myxedema Coma.

Question 19

EMS concerns in Hashimoto’s.

Answer 19

HYPOThermia,
HYPOTension,
Altered Mental Status.

Question 20

What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Back:

Answer 20

Excess cortisol from adrenal overproduction or chronic steroid use.

Question 21

Hormone involved in Cushing’s?

Answer 21

Cortisol

Question 22

Classic physical findings in Cushing’s.

Answer 22

Moon Face,
Buffalo Hump,
Truncal Obesity,
Thin Skin,
Purple Striae.

Question 23

Metabolic effects of Cushing’s.

Answer 23

HYPERGlycemia,
HYPERTension,
Immunosuppression.

Question 24

EMS concerns in Cushing’s.

Answer 24

Infection Risk,
Hypertension,
Poor Wound Healing.

Question 25

What is Addison’s Disease?

Answer 25

Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency Causing LOW CORTISOL & Aldosterone.

Question 26

Hormone status in Addison’s?

Answer 26

↓ Cortisol, ↓ Aldosterone.

Question 27

Key signs of Addison’s disease.

Answer 27

Fatigue, Weight Loss, Hypotension, Hyperpigmentation, Salt Craving.

Question 28

Electrolyte abnormalities in Addison’s.

Answer 28

HYPONatremia, HYPERKalemia, HYPOGlycemia.

Question 29

EMS Treatment Priority in Addisonian Crisis.

Answer 29

IV Fluids, Glucose, Rapid Transport.

Question 30

What is an Addisonian crisis?

Answer 30

Acute Adrenal Failure → SHOCK, > SEVERE HYPOTension, > HYPOGlycemia.

Question 31

What is Myxedema?

Answer 31

Life-Threatening SEVERE HYPOThyroidism.

Question 32

Common Trigger for Myxedema Coma.

Answer 32

Infection, Cold Exposure, Trauma, Medication NonCompliance.

Question 33

Key signs of Myxedema.

Answer 33

BRAWHHN B - Bradycardia R - Respiratory Depression A - AMS W - Weight Gain H - HYPOThermia H - HYPOTension N - Non-Pitting Edema HYPOTHERMIA (Abnormally LOW Body Temp) due to IMPAIRED THERMORegulation WEIGHT GAIN: Results from SLOWED Metabolism & FLUID Retention.

Question 34

Why is Myxedema a Medical Emergency?

Answer 34

HIGH Mortality without Rapid Treatment.

Question 35

EMS Priorities in Myxedema.

Answer 35

Airway Support, Oxygen, Passive Rewarming, Rapid Transport.

Question 36

What is Huntington’s Disease?

Answer 36

Inherited NeuroDegenerative Disorder Causing - PROGRESSIVE MOTOR & - COGNITIVE DECLINE degeneration of neurons in the brain. This degeneration causes - uncontrolled movements, - loss of intellectual faculties - emotional disturbance.

Question 37

Hallmark Motor Finding in Huntington’s.

Answer 37

Chorea (Involuntary Jerky Movements).

Question 38

Typical Age of Onset for Huntington’s.

Answer 38

Adulthood (30–50 years).

Question 39

Cognitive & Psychiatric EFFECTS of Huntington’s.

Answer 39

Dementia, Depression, Personality Changes.

Question 40

EMS Concerns in Huntington’s.

Answer 40

Aspiration Risk, Injury from Movements, Altered Mental Status.

Question 41

Graves’ vs Hashimoto’s — Key difference?

Answer 41

Graves’ = HYPERThyroid; Hashimoto’s = HYPOThyroid.

Question 42

Addison’s vs Cushing’s — Cortisol Levels?

Answer 42

Addison’s ↓ Cortisol; Cushing’s ↑ Cortisol.

Question 43

Which Conditions Cause HYPOTension?

Answer 43

Addison’s, Myxedema.

Question 44

Which Condition Causes HYPERPigmentation?

Answer 44

Addison’s Disease.

Question 45

FAST, HOT & THIN

Answer 45

GRAVE's DISEASE

Question 46

TOO MUCH STRESS Hormone

Answer 46

CUSHING's

Question 47

SLOW, COLD & HEAVY

Answer 47

HASHIMOTO's & MYXEDEMA

Question 48

NO STRESS HORMONE

Answer 48

ADDISON's DISEASE

Question 49

JERKY MOVEMENTS

Answer 49

HUNTINGTON's

Question 50

Von Willebrand's Disease

Answer 50

A Genetic Disorder Caused By - Deficiency or DYSFUNCTION of The Von Willebrand Factor: - A Protein Crucial for BLOOD CLOTTING, Leading To - Prolonged Bleeding Episodes.

Question 51

Reactive Airway Disease

Answer 51

Term used to Describe Conditions with Airway HyperReactivity, Such As - ASTHMA, Characterized by - WHEEZING & - DIFFICULTY BREATHING, But NOT Typically Associated with Stridor or a Barking Cough.

Question 52

Addison disease

Answer 52

is a rare endocrine disorder caused by the atrophy and/or destruction of the adrenal glands. It is usually caused by idiopathic atrophy. In Addison disease, the body is unable to regulate the concentration of sodium, potassium, and water in body fluids, which leads to a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure and an increase in blood potassium.

Question 53

Cushing syndrome

Answer 53

is a rare endocrine disorder caused by the overproduction of cortisol and/or excessive use of cortisol.

Question 54

Bell's Palsy

Answer 54

a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the facial nerves (CRANIAL NERVE VII). Pt's with Bell's Palsy - lose facial tone - only on the affected side of the face Usually, NO OTHER Neurological abnormalities are present.

Question 55

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),

Answer 55

aka: Lou Gehrig's Disease, RARE Disorder known as motor neuron diseases. The Nerves that Control Muscular Activity - Degenerate in the Brain & Spinal Cord.

Question 56

Multiple Sclerosis

Answer 56

PROGRESSIVE DISEASE of the CNS in which scattered patches of myelin in the brain & spinal cord are DESTROYED. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body's defense system begins to treat myelin as a foreign invader and gradually destroys it.

Question 57

Pancreatitis

Answer 57

INFLAMMATION of the PANCREAS, Often Caused By - Alcohol Abuse or - Gallstones Can present with - Abdominal PAIN, - Vomiting, - Fever - Cullen Sign Due To Possible INTERNAL BLEEDING CAN BE ACUTE or CHRONIC CHRONIC Pancreatitis = COMMONLY Seen in Alcoholics = MORE PROMINENT in MEN In WOMEN, - Gallstones are the MOST COMMON Cause of Pancreatitis. OTHER SIGNS: - Tachycardia, - Hypotension, - Muscle Spasms - Jaundice.

Question 58

Hepatomegaly

Answer 58

is the ENLARGEMENT of the LIVER, Which can be due to various causes like - LIVER DISEASE or INFECTION

Question 59

Mesenteric ischemia

Answer 59

The classic presentation of mesenteric ischemia (bowel infarction due to lack of blood supply) is pain out of proportion to physical findings." Patients often have risk factors for emboli (like atrial fibrillation) or atherosclerosis (like peripheral vascular disease). While the abdomen may be soft early on, the severe, constant pain, diminished bowel sounds, and patient distress point to this highly lethal condition.

Question 60

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Answer 60

is an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's peripheral nervous system. Initial symptoms include weakness or tingling sensations that often begin in the legs. The weakness/tingling often moves to the upper extremities as paralysis approaches. In late stages of the disease, the patient may not be able to effectively breathe due to the ensuing paralysis. The condition can be brought on by recent illness or gastrointestinal disorder.