DPD: Respiratory Emergencies

Question 1

What characterises type 1 respiratory failure? What causes it?

Answer 1

Low O2
Normal/ Low CO2
Due to ventilation-perfusion mismatch

Question 2

What characterises type 2 respiratory failure? What causes it?

Answer 2

Low O2
High CO2
Due to alveolar hypo perfusion + ventilation-perfusion mismatch

Question 3

What quantifies a moderate asthma attack?

Answer 3

PEF: 50-75% of predicted

No signs of severe asthma

Question 4

What quantifies a severe asthma attack?

Answer 4

PEF: 33-50% of predicted
RR > 25/ min
HR >110/ min
Inability to complete sentences in 1 breath

Question 5

What quantifies a life-threatening asthma attack? What acronym is used to remember this?

Answer 5

Cyanosis: PaO2<8kPa
Hypotension
Exhaustion: poor inspiratory effort, confusion, normal pCO2
Silent chest
Tachy-/Brady-arrhythmias

Question 6

What FEV1s classify the severity of COPD?

Answer 6

> 80% predicted = mild
50-80% = moderate
30-50% = severe
<30% = very severe

Question 7

What is the gold standard for diagnosing a PE?

Answer 7

CT pulmonary angiogram

Question 8

What is a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 8

Life threatening condition

Air trapped in pleural cavity under a positive pressure causing cardiopulmonary compromise

Question 9

How do you treat a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 9

Emergency needle decompression
High flow O2
Chest drain