Respiratory

Question 1

Tidal Volume

Answer 1

Amount of air inhaled in a regular cycle.

Question 2

Total Lung Capacity

Answer 2

6L in adults

Question 3

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

Answer 3

The amount of air that can be inhaled in addition to regular inspirations. Typically 3L (50%)

Question 4

Dead Space

Answer 4

The area where respiration doesn’t take place. About 150ml.

Question 5

Anatomic Dead Space

Answer 5

Bronchi and trachea

Question 6

Physiological Dead Space

Answer 6

Caused by conditions like atelectasis in which some alveoli are now dead spaces

Question 7

Alveolar Volume

Answer 7

The volume of actual gas exchange (typically 350ml). Tidal volume - dead space volume.

Question 8

Minute Volume

Answer 8

The amount of air that is moved in and out of the tract per minute

Question 9

Minute Alveolar Volume

Answer 9

The amount of air that is part of gas exchange per minute. (VT-VD x RR)

Question 10

Expiratory Reserve Volume (Residual Volume)

Answer 10

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation (1200ml)

Question 11

Ventilation

Answer 11

The act of moving air in and out of the lungs

Question 12

Respiration

Answer 12

The actual exchange of O2 and CO2

Question 13

Suction Time Limits

Answer 13

Adult 15s, Child 10s, Infant 5s.

Question 14

Oxygen Flow Calculation

Answer 14

PSI of tank (2000) - Safe residual volume (200) x Cylinder constant
Divided by flow rate =
Minutes remaining

Question 15

CPAP Flow

Answer 15

5, 6, 7, 8L/min
5, 6, 7.5, 10cm

Question 16

CPAP Indications/Contraindications

Answer 16

> 24 RR
<94% SpO2
90 SBP

No traumatic cause of respiratory condition
Over the age of 12
Ability to comply
No pneumothorax
Risk of aspiration

Question 17

PEEP Valve Indications/Contraindications

Answer 17

<90% SpO2 despite good BVM
>90 SBP
No traumatic cause of respiratory condition
No pneumothorax or cardiac arrest

Question 18

Salbutamol (Ventolin)

Answer 18

Wheezing sounds (bronchoconstriction)
HR <150

Dosage: 4 x 100mcg, repeat as needed.
Ped Dosage: <10kg = N/A
10-20kg = 5 x 100mcg, up to 3 times
>20kg = 10 x 100mcg, up to 3 times

Nebulized : 5mg (*2.5mg for <1 year old)

Question 19

Epinephrine (bronchospasms / croup)

Answer 19

Severe respiratory attack or pre-arrest not affected by Salbutamol
No contraindications!

Dosage: 0.5mg IM every 5-20 minutes
Ped Dosage: 0.01mg/kg (CliniCall)

Ped Dosage for CROUP: 5mg nebulized - total volume needs to be 5ml
(0.5mg/kg under 1 year old)

Question 20

Kussmaul Breathing

Answer 20

Rapid, maximum inhalation and exhalations in an attempt to rid the body of excessive CO2 in acidotic patients (pH <7.35).

Question 21

Cheyne-Stokes Breathing

Answer 21

Cardiac damage. Period of increasing and decreasing breathing, followed by a period of apnea.

Question 22

Biot’s Breathing

Answer 22

Brain damage. Hyperventilation followed by a period of apnea (like Cheyne Stokes, minus the increase and decrease).

Question 23

Angioedema (Respiratory)

Answer 23

Allergic reaction causing swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips.

Question 24

Hypoxic Drive

Answer 24

COPD patients. Only aim to oxygenate them to about 92% to prevent adverse respiratory issues.

Question 25

Atelectasis

Answer 25

Damage to alveoli which causes easier collapse. Common with Emphysema. Patients are incentivized to take deeper breaths or use CPAP to prevent full collapse.