Managing medical conditions

1. Managing medical conditions Stroke A stroke is the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain, which usually occurs due to a blockage or rupture of one of the blood vessels. When blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off, that part can no longer get the oxygen it needs and the brain cells in that are die, causing permanent brain damage. This may result in an inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, inability to understand or formulate speech, or an inability to see one side of the visual field. Signs and symptoms Weakness, numbness or paralysis in the face, legs or arms Difficulty speaking or understanding Dizziness or loss of balance An unexpected fall Blurred or decreased vision or loss of vision

2. - Difficulty swallowing - Severe and abrupt headache - Drowsiness Management/Treatment - DRABCD - FAST test - Call 000 - Reassure and rug up the patient - If the casualty is conscious, support their head and shoulders on pillows, loosen any tight clothing and ensure their airway is clear - If unconscious, place in the recovery position and monitor signs of life

3. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger). There are three types of diabetes: Type 1 – the body does not produce insulin at all, so regular insulin injections arte required Type 2 – the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the insulin that is produced does not do its job properly. This is the most common type of diabetes. Gestational diabetes – developed during pregnancy, as pregnant woman need more insulin than normal. This type of diabetes usually disappears after the baby is born.

4. Signs and symptoms Hypoglycaemia Weakness, dizziness, light-headedness Headache Shaking Sweating Lack of concentration Rapid pulse and racing heart beat Tingling or numbness around the lips and fingers Hunger Confusion or aggression Unconsciousness Hyperglycaemia Excessive thirst Frequent urination Tiredness Blurred vision Hot, dry skin Rapid pulse A smell of acetone on the breath ( extreme cases ) Unconsciousness

5. Management/Treatment Hypoglycaemia If conscious: Give a quick acting/ easily consumable carbohydrate Follow this with more long-acting carbohydrate Monitor the person and, if they still feel unwell, repeat the first step and seek medical advice If unconscious: DRABCD Call 000 Give nothing by mouth Hyperglycaemia If conscious: Allow the patient to self-administer their insulin or diabetic medication Seek medical attention if required Encourage patient to drink sugar-free drinks If unconscious: - DRABCD, call 000 and give nothing by mouth