The ________ and kidneys play key roles in maintaining the acid-base balance of body fluids

A 62-year-old female with severe kyphosis has fallen and hit the back of her head, which is oozing blood from a small laceration. Family members state that she suddenly complained of a "very bad headache" before collapsing to the kitchen floor. She has snoring respirations and cyanosis in the extremities. Of the following interventions, which one should you do first?

A) Apply a cervical collar. B) Use a jaw-thrust maneuver. C) Start positive pressure ventilation. D) Cover the laceration.

A(n) ____________________ can be likened to an early warning system, alerting the Paramedic to the possibility of sudden cardiac death before other ECG changes, such as ST segment elevation, occur.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).