Adult Acute Respiratory Distress

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

Acute exacerbation of asthma, emphysema, and reactive airway disease; cough, shortness of breath, air hunger, wheezing, diminished breath sounds, retractions, and tachypnea.

Question 2

Important Info

Answer 2

Consider Capnography

Consider Early CPAP for an alert pt. who can maintain their airway.

Question 3

Mild Respiratory Distress Treatment

Answer 3

5mg Albuterol (Continuously until improved)
0.5mg Atrovent
60mg Prednisone with 50mg Maalox

Question 4

Moderate Respiratory Distress Treatment

Answer 4

Early CPAP
5mg Albuterol (Continuously until improved)
0.5mg Atrovent
125mg Solu-Medrol (Hold all steroids for suspected CHF or “Metabolic Hyperventilation” (DKA))

Question 5

Severe/Failure Respiratory Distress Treatment

Answer 5

Early CPAP
0.5mg Epi IM (1:1) (Pt. less than 35 YOA)
5mg Albuterol (Continuously until improved)
0.5mg Atrovent
125mg Solu-Medrol (Hold all steroids for suspected CHF or “Metabolic Hyperventilation” (DKA))