Nursing Dyspnoeic Patients

Question 1

List some common causes of dyspnoea in dogs and cats

Answer 1

Dogs: pneumothorax, laryngeal paralysis, pulmonary oedema
Cats: feline asthma, pleural effusion, pulmonary oedema

Question 2

What are some posture observations seen in a dyspnoeic patient?

Answer 2

Orthopneoa, sternal, neck extension, mouth breathing, abduction of elbows

Question 3

How should you carry out emergency stabilisation

Answer 3

• Ensure patent airway
• Ensure px breathing
• Begin suplimental O2
• Analgesia
• Cardioresp assessment
• Prepare IV
• Sternal
• Drugs

Question 4

In what situations is endotracheal intubation necessary?

Answer 4

• CPR
• Spo2 not improving
• Inability to get clear airway

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of flow by oxygen?

Answer 5

Pros: easy set up, suitable during exam, equipment readily available
Cons: poorly tolerated by cats, inspired o2 wont exceed 40%, wastes o2

Question 6

What are the pros and cons of masked oxygen?

Answer 6

Pros: Easy set up
Cons: right mask can cause rebreathing of co2 > hypertyhermia, tight fit will make patient struggle

Question 7

How can oxygen toxicity occur?

Answer 7

If oxygen is supplemented >60% over 24 hours.