Chp 4- Airway and Respiratory Managment Flashcards
Decreased Partial Pressure of Oxygen
Exacerbates possible oxygenation deficiencies due to the compromised respiratory system and diminished cilliary action.
What are the Airway and Respiratory stresses of flight?
Decreased Partial Pressure of Oxygen, Barometric, Pressure, Thermal, Decreased Humidity, and Fatigue
Barometric Pressure Changes
May cause spontaneous pneumo-thorax in a trauma patient with significant respiratory compromise. GI tract gas expansion may cause diaphragmatic crowding lead- ing to lower tidal volumes.
Thermal
Heat increases body temperature and cold produces muscle shivering increasing the metabolic rate and O2 demand on the body. This is particularly true in ventilator dependent patients
Decreased Humidity
The effectiveness of cillary action is decreased and secretions are thicker.
Fatigue
Most patients with respiratory disorders are already fatigued from the added workload of just breathing. The overall effect of the previously mentioned stresses of flight and the total length of time in the AE system may exacerbate the patient’s condition.
What is the greatest amount of O2 that you are able to administer via NC?
6 LPM
Minimum percentage of SpO2 a patient can be in flight?
91%
AECM
Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Member