Chapter 16 - Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
Acute Severe Asthma
Status asthmaticus. A prolonged life-threatening attack that produces inadequate breathing and severe signs and symptoms. Considered a true medical emergency as it does not respond to oxygen or medication therapy
Apnea
Complete respiratory arrest.
Bronchoconstriction
Bronchospasm. Narrowing of the lower airways, which include the bronchi and bronchioles, from inflammation, swelling, or constriction of the muscle layer.
Bronchodilator
Beta 2 agonist. Designed to relax the bronchi and bronchiole smooth muscle, causing dilation, which results in a decrease in airway resistance.
Crackles
Rales. Bubbly or cracking sounds heard during inhalation. Associated with fluid that has surrounded or filled the alveoli or small bronchioles.
Dyspnea
Trouble breathing. Labored.
Hypercarbia
Increased carbon dioxide in the blood stream.
Hypoxemia
Lack of oxygen in the blood stream
Hypoxia
Condition due to hypoxemia, causes cellular degeneration.
Metered dose inhaler
Beta 2 specific bronchodilator
Poisonous inhalation injury
Blanket term for damage done to inhaling toxic stuff.
Pulsus Paradoxus
A drop in systolic blood pressure of 10mmHG or more on inhaling
Respiratory Failure
Tidal volume or respiratory rate is inadequate and no longer can provide an adequate oxygenation of the cells.
Respiratory Distress
Difficulty breathing but had an adequate tidal volume and respiratory rate
Respiratory Arrest
Complete cessation of breathing effort or the patient experiences agonal breathing.
Rhonchi
Coarse crackles or snoring or rattling noises heard on auscultation. Caused by mucus.
Small volume nebulizer
Same as the meter inhaler.
Spacer
Simple valveless extension device
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Sudden rupture of a portion of the visceral lining of the lung, not caused by trauma, that causes the lung to partially collapse
Tripod position
A position of someone in respiratory distress
Valved Holding Chamber
Ask.
Wheezing
High pitched musical whistling sound that is best heard initially on exhalation. Indication of swelling and constriction of the inner lining of the lower airways, primarily the bronchioles.
