Chapter 14: Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision Making

paramedic studies

23 cards·by nasonrumfield

2017

Study this deck

Concept formation is the process of:

gathering information that you see, hear, smell, or feel

In documentation, what things could be important that new paramedics may NOT consider documenting?

darkness, limited access, and unruly crowds

Accurate data interpretation involves what?

Good background in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and experience

Protocols (or standing orders) are:

for defining the standard of care for certain illnesses and injuries

What is your treatment plan guided by?

Patient care protocols

It is imperative for a paramedic to quickly establish whether a patient is:

sick or not sick

An example of a serious condition that is life threatening is:

multisystem trauma

What are the 6 "Rs" of critical thinking?

1. READ the scene - 2. READ the patient - 3. REACT - 4. REEVALUATE - 5. REVISE the plan - 6. REVIEW your performance

What is the "patient's affect"?

The patient's emotional state reflected in physical behavior

What is a working diagnosis?

A diagnosis that allows for changes if needed

The evaluation of information that you have gathered is known as:

data interpretation

Beyond documenting any medications given, what else is imperative to document?

The effects, if any, of the medications given

What is medical ambiguity?

Uncertainty regarding the specific cause of the patient's condition

What is thinking while doing known as?

Reflection in action

In reading a patient quickly, how would you assess the Glasgow Coma Scale score without walking through and scoring each step?

Approach the pt, notice if the pt follows you w/ his or her eyes, extend your hand to shake, introduce yourself, and ask why 911 was called

What is the practice of following steps without thinking about what you are doing?

Cookbook Medicine

If you have NOT been able to establish a working diagnosis, what is your next step?

Provide care based on presenting signs and symptoms

If you are only transferring a patient from one location to another, is it necessary to obtain vital signs?

Yes, baseline vitals are always needed

As a paramedic, what do your professional ethics demand?

That you consider all possibilities, don't be judgmental, and focus on how you can best meet your patient's needs

Fourth Cornerstone of EMS:

your ability to think and work under pressure

Third Cornerstone of EMS:

using judgment and independent decision making

Second Cornerstone of EMS:

the development and implementation of a patient care plan

First Cornerstone of EMS:

gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information