Non-Traumatic Respiratory Emergencies

Question 0

Define status asthmaticus

Answer 0

Prolonged asthma attack which does not respond to the usual medications

Question 1

Define asthma

Answer 1

Narrowing of the airways in the Lungs

Question 2

Management of the asthmatic attack

Answer 2

Calm and reassure the patient

Position patient most comfortably

10 L flow of humidified oxygen (if possible)

Help the patient take his medication

Assisted ventilation if patient is sleepy or unresponsive

Question 3

Define COPD

Answer 3

Long-standing airway obstructions due to the destruction of lung tissue

Question 4

Define emphysema A.k.a. pink puffers

Answer 4

The lung alveoli lose their elasticity resulting in their ceasing to function

Question 5

Define tachycardia

Answer 5

Heart rate greater than 100 beats per minutes

Question 6

Define chronic bronchitis a.k.a. blue bloaters

Answer 6

Recurrent infections involving the bronchial tree. Inflammation, swelling and excessive mucus in the airways

Question 7

Define oxygen apnea

Answer 7

Occurs in advanced COPD patients. Due to the dysfunctional hypoxic drive, it is the long duration between breaths when oxygen is applied

Question 8

Define carbon dioxide narcosis

Answer 8

In some advanced COPD patients, The administration of oxygen can cause the patient to lapse into coma and then into respiratory arrest. This is due to a dysfunctional hypoxic drive

Question 9

Barring serious trauma, an advanced COPD patient must be given what liter flow of oxygen

Answer 9

1 to 2 L per minutes (in cases of trauma, the normal 10 L flow)

Question 10

Define pulmonary Edema

Answer 10

The accumulation of fluid within the alveoli causing impairment of oxygenation with the blood