CPAP

Question 1

Indications for CPAP (1)

Answer 1

Patients presenting with cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and SOB that is severe or unresponsive to nitrates

Question 2

Contraindications for CPAP (7)

Answer 2

1. Airway management (pts requiring)
2. Life threatening arrhythmias
3. Pneumothorax
4. Hypoventilation
5. Active vomiting
6. GCS <13
7. Facial trauma

Question 3

Clinical precautions for CPAP (2)

Answer 3

1. Hypotension
2. COPD- CPAP via flow safe not indicated for primary COPD mx. Pt in APO with COPD hx can be cautiously managed with this. Consider use of whisper flow device for COPD

Question 4

Equipment required (4)

Answer 4

1. FlowSafe II device
2. Suction device
3. SpO2 monitor
4. Oxygen

Question 5

What pressure of water is required? Typically how much O2 is needed for this?

Answer 5

• 10cmH20

- 12-14L/min

Question 6

Indications for removal of CPAP (9)

Answer 6

1. Secretions (copious)
2. Active vomiting
3. Nil improvement after 1 hour of treatment
4. Decreasing SpO2
5. Cardiac/respiratory arrest
6. HR <50 or SBP <90mmHg
7. Intolerance(mask)/pt agitation
8. Loss of airway control
9. Loss of consciousness or GCS <13

Question 7

Prior to applying what level of O2 flow should be running through mask? and why?

Answer 7

• 8L/min

- Having flow of O2 through mask prior to application can reduce anxiety as it reduces sense of being smothered