6 Breathing Emergencies Flashcards
Define respiratory distress and it’s effects on the body.
When a person’s breathing is abnormal (slower, faster).
The effect is upsetting the body’s balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
What is the care for respiratory distress?
Rest comfortably and breathe slowly.
Asthma can be triggered internally or externally by:(4)
Dust
Stress
Exercise
Allergies
Signs of asthma are(3):
Trouble breathing (gasping, wheezing, coughing, rapid/shallow breathing)
Inability to say a few words without pausing to breathe.
Tightness in chest.
Care for asthma by:
Move person away from trigger.
Help them take their asthma medication.
What colour are the emergency asthma inhalers?
Blue
How do use an inhaler with a spacer?
Shake and remove cap.
Put inhaler into spacer.
Bring spacer to mouth and press top.
Take slow deep breaths and hold each for several seconds.
Asthma treatment with no inhaler:
Calm and comfortable.
Ask person for their strategies.
Try breathing steam or from hot drink.
Caffeine may be helpful.
What is anaphylaxis?
Severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?
2 or more of: Skin rash or swelling Alertness issue line dizziness Breathing issues like high pitched sounds Stomach like vomiting
Main thing to ask person in anaphylaxis?
Do they or anyone have an epi-pen?
7 steps to using epinephrine autoinjector:
Remove safety cap.
Push into outer thigh until click then hold 5-10 seconds.
Rub site for 30 seconds
If no change in 5 minutes repeat dose.
Rest quietly
If not allergic to antihistamine suggest a dose.
If no improvement seek immediate medical care
5 signs of smoke inhalation:
Difficulty breathing Redness around eyes Blush or pale skin Headaches Level of alertness- confusion, fainting.
