Chapter 16 Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
what is dyspnea
Shortness of breath
What is the Diaphragm
it expands and contracts to allow air in and out of the lungs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PyDEna7qs0&ab_channel=ColumbiaUniversityDepartmentofSurgery
In healthy lungs, this exchange of gases takes place
rapidly at the level of the alveoli
When breathing
Oxygen is provided to the blood, and carbon dioxide is removed from it
When the brainstem senses the level of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood, what does it do
- If the level of carbon dioxide drops too low, the person automatically breathes at a slower rate and less deeply.
- If the level of carbon dioxide rises above normal, the person breathes more rapidly and more deeply.
The proper exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide can be hindered by (list 4)
- Abnormal or pathologic conditions in the anatomy of the airway
- Disease processes
- Traumatic conditions
- Abnormalities in the pulmonary vessels
What is Hypoxic drive
Instead of breathing bc of a build-up of C02 (carbon dioxide) the patient is breathing bc of a lack of oxygen. If you give such a patient too much oxygen you can cause their body to register enough oxygen and stop breathing
Patients often have difficulty breathing and/or hypoxia with the following conditions (list 8)
a. Pulmonary edema
b. Hay fever
c. Pleural effusion
d. Obstruction of the airway
e. Hyperventilation syndrome
f. Environmental/industrial exposure
g. Carbon monoxide poisoning
h. Drug overdose
Be aware that one or more of the following situations may exist in the dyspneic patient (list 5)
- Gas exchange is obstructed by fluid in the lung, infection, or collapsed alveoli.
- The alveoli are damaged and cannot transport gases properly across their own walls.
- The air passages are obstructed by muscle spasm, mucus, or weakened, floppy airway walls.
- Blood flow to the lungs is obstructed by blood clots.
- The pleural space is filled with air or excess fluid, so the lungs cannot properly expand.
Congestive heart failure causes the heart to
pump inefficiently and deprives the body of oxygen
Severe pain can cause a patient to
experience rapid, shallow breathing without the presence of a primary pulmonary dysfunction
What is the AVPU scale
Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive
What is the PASTE assessment
is a specific alternative assessment for a complaint of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
a. Progression
b. Associated chest pain
c. Sputum
d. Talking tiredness
e. Exercise tolerance
Only proceed with secondary assessment if
life threats have been addressed and treated
What is copd
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems. It is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
i. Are usually older than 50 years of age
ii. Often have a history of lung problems
iii. Are almost always long-term active or former cigarette smokers
iv. Complain of tightness in the chest and constant fatigue
v. Chest may have a barrel-like appearance.
vi. Often use accessory muscles to breathe
vii. Exhibit abnormal breath sounds
viii. Often exhale through pursed lips
ix. Have digital clubbing (abnormal enlargement of the ends of the fingers)