Hyperventilation

Question 1

What is hyperventilation

Answer 1

Stress: Physical and emotional response to over breathing

Physiological Effects:
- reducing carbon dioxide levels, leading to reduced carbonic acid levels, leading to increased blood pH and respiratory alkalosis
- respiratory alkalosis can cause tingling sensations in the mouth and extremities, and muscle spasms.
- as the pH rises, the cells begin to produce lactic acid in an attempt to counteract the respiratory alkalosis.

Symptoms
- breathlessness, tingling in limb extremities, muscle stiffness, dizziness, headaches, palpitations, tachycardia and increased anxiety.

Question 2

ABCDE assessment

Answer 2

Airway: breathing may be noisy due to increased effort
Breathing: increased respiratory rate/effort // normal oxygen saturations
Circulation: high heart rate / palpitations
Disability: Anxiety / chest pain
Exposure: Increased respiratory rate / blotchy rash / muscle stiffness spasm

Question 3

Management of hyperventilation

Answer 3

• remove stressor
• coach pt to breathe through pursed lips
• tell pt to breathe through nose to restrict air flow
• coach pt into slow breathing
• move pt into a calm environment
• offer pt a drink to naturally slow breathing