Chapter 16 - Respiratory Emergencies

Question 1

Acute Severe Asthma

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Apnea

Answer 2

Complete respiratory arrest.

Question 3

Bronchoconstriction

Answer 3

Bronchospasm. Narrowing of the lower airways, which include the bronchi and bronchioles, from inflammation, swelling, or constriction of the muscle layer.

Question 4

Bronchodilator

Answer 4

Beta 2 agonist. Designed to relax the bronchi and bronchiole smooth muscle, causing dilation, which results in a decrease in airway resistance.

Question 5

Crackles

Answer 5

Rales. Bubbly or cracking sounds heard during inhalation. Associated with fluid that has surrounded or filled the alveoli or small bronchioles.

Question 6

Dyspnea

Answer 6

Trouble breathing. Labored.

Question 7

Hypercarbia

Answer 7

Increased carbon dioxide in the blood stream.

Question 8

Hypoxemia

Answer 8

Lack of oxygen in the blood stream

Question 9

Hypoxia

Answer 9

Condition due to hypoxemia, causes cellular degeneration.

Question 10

Metered dose inhaler

Answer 10

Beta 2 specific bronchodilator

Question 11

Poisonous inhalation injury

Answer 11

Blanket term for damage done to inhaling toxic stuff.

Question 12

Pulsus Paradoxus

Answer 12

A drop in systolic blood pressure of 10mmHG or more on inhaling

Question 13

Respiratory Failure

Answer 13

Tidal volume or respiratory rate is inadequate and no longer can provide an adequate oxygenation of the cells.

Question 14

Respiratory Distress

Answer 14

Difficulty breathing but had an adequate tidal volume and respiratory rate

Question 15

Respiratory Arrest

Answer 15

Complete cessation of breathing effort or the patient experiences agonal breathing.

Question 16

Rhonchi

Answer 16

Coarse crackles or snoring or rattling noises heard on auscultation. Caused by mucus.

Question 17

Small volume nebulizer

Answer 17

Same as the meter inhaler.

Question 18

Spacer

Answer 18

Simple valveless extension device

Question 19

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Answer 19

Sudden rupture of a portion of the visceral lining of the lung, not caused by trauma, that causes the lung to partially collapse

Question 20

Tripod position

Answer 20

A position of someone in respiratory distress

Question 21

Valved Holding Chamber

Answer 21

Ask.

Question 22

Wheezing

Answer 22

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.