Overview

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Pts who present w/ SOB may progress to respiratory failure or death

Most respiratory problems respond to simple, supportive manoeuvres

Understanding the causes of SOB will hep you better recognize the underlying problem in your pt and so provide the best care

Question 2

Causes - Immediately Life Threatening

Answer 2

• FBAO
• Tension pneumothorax
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• CHF/Pulmonary Edema
• COPD (exacerbation)
• Pulmonary Embolus

Question 3

Causes - Other Typical Causes

Answer 3

• Respirator tract infection
• Pain (traumatic, MI, aneurysm)
• Anxiety (hyperventilation)
• Severe decrease in hemoglobin or O2 carrying capacity
• Bowel obstruction

Question 4

Guiding Principles

Answer 4

Pts experiencing SOB are always given O2 - pulse ox will serve as a guide on pts O2 requirements

• *its VITAL to remember sats reflects O2 but does not give info about ventilation
  
  • O2 sats may remain high while ventilatory status is failing and pCO2 is rising

Pts c/o SOB are often anxious. Care must be taken to determine whether the pt is c/o of SOB b/c they are anxious or if they are anxious b/c they are SOB