NREMT EMT 7 Medical Quizzes and Glossary Mnemonics and memory aids AEIOUTIPS for altered mental status DCAPBTLS for trauma exam etc

Altered Mental Status (AMS) - AEIOU-TIPS

What This Is

Altered mental status (AMS) is when someone's thinking, feeling, or behavior is different from what's normal for them. This can be due to a medical condition, injury, or substance use. Imagine someone's brain is a computer - if it's not working right, you need to figure out why.

Key Steps / Core Facts

• Airway: Make sure the person can breathe (no blockages). (AEIOU-TIPS: A - Airway, E - Exposure, I - Inspect, O - Oxygen, U - Uterus, T - Temperature, I - Inspect, P - Pulse, S - Skin, T - Tone)
• Breathing: Check if they're breathing normally (rate, depth, effort). (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Circulation: Check if they have a pulse (strong, weak, absent). (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Disability: Check if they can move their limbs (weak, paralyzed). (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Exposure: Check if they're too hot or cold. (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Uterus: Check if they're pregnant (if female). (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Temperature: Check if they're too hot or cold. (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Inspection: Look for signs of injury or illness. (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Pulse: Check if they have a strong, steady pulse. (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Skin: Check if their skin is pale, blue, or cold. (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Tone: Check if their muscles are weak or rigid. (AEIOU-TIPS)
• Red flags: Sudden confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or difficulty speaking.

What Laypeople Can Do

• If someone is confused or disoriented, stay calm and try to keep them calm.
• Ask them simple questions to see if they understand what's happening.
• If they're unable to answer, try to get more information from others who may have seen what happened.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Not checking the person's airway first.
• Fix: Always check the airway before moving on to other steps, as a blocked airway can lead to brain damage or death.
• Mistake: Not calling 911 or emergency services.
• Fix: Always call for help if someone is in a life-threatening situation, as prompt medical attention can save lives.
• Mistake: Not staying with the person until help arrives.
• Fix: Stay with the person and provide any information you can to the emergency responders.

Quick Practice Scenarios

1. A friend is acting strangely and can't answer questions. What should you do first? Answer: Stay calm and try to keep them calm. Reason: This can help prevent further confusion or agitation.
2. Someone is unconscious and not breathing. What should you do first? Answer: Start CPR (30:2 ratio). Reason: This can help restore blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
3. A family member is experiencing sudden confusion and loss of coordination. What should you do first? Answer: Call 911 or emergency services. Reason: This can help get them the medical attention they need quickly.

Last-Minute Exam Cram

• ⚠️ Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing – start CPR.
• Normal pulse rate: 60-100 beats per minute.
• Normal blood pressure: 90-120/60-80 mmHg.
• AEIOU-TIPS: Airway, Exposure, Inspection, Oxygen, Uterus, Temperature, Inspection, Pulse, Skin, Tone.
• SAMPLE: S - Situation, A - Allergies, M - Medications, P - Past medical history, L - Last meal, E - Events leading up to the situation.
• OPQRSTI: O - Onset, P - Provocation, Q - Quality, R - Region, S - Severity, T - Time, I - Intensity, I - Inspect.