respiratory assessments Flashcards
when completing a respiratory assessment what signs should you look out for
Jaundice • Anaemia • Clubbing • Cyanosis • Oedema • Lymphadenopathy • Anatomy changes • Pink puffers or blue bloater
what can white sputum show
congestion
what can yellow sputum show
cold or infection in progress
what does green sputum show
immune system is fighting back
what does pink or red sputum show
blood
what does brown sputum show
this could be blood
what can black sputum show
serious fungal infection
when is the onset of asthma
usually suddenly
during a physical assessment what are the signs of asthma
prolonged expiration and wheezing
absence of wheezing may mean minimal air flow and inadequate breathing
when does a exacerbation of copd usually occur
often occur gradually or in conduction of an acute respiratory infection
what are the sings of a pneumothorax in a physical passement
absent lung sounds finding unilaterally
how to do an respiratory assessment ( the acrynom)
Flaps
feel look auscultation percussion search back and sides
what are life threatening injuries
Tension Pneumothorax Open Pneumothorax Massive Haemathorax Flail Chest Cardiac Tamponade
what are the potentially life threatening chest injuries
R Rib Fractures O Oesophageal tear A Aortic rupture D Diaphragmatic rupture C Cardiac contusion H Haemothorax A Airway disruption (Larynx/Tracheal/Bronchial) P Pulmonary contusion S Simple pneumothorax
what are the risks of a closed thoracic truma
▪The skin is not broken in closed chest injuries. ▪There may be damage to internal organs. ▪Air does not have access through the chest wall
what are the risks to a open thoracic truma
Foreign objects can penetrate the chest wall from outside the body. Broken ribs can penetrate the chest wall from inside the body. Air can enter the chest cavity in open chest injuries.
what is a pneumothorax
air or gas gets in the pleural space without any outside wounds
results in an increase airway pressure and ruptured alveoli
what can lead to an open pneumothorax
Usually the result of penetrating trauma Gunshot wounds Knife wounds Impaled objects Motor vehicle collisions Falls
what is a flail chest
•Defined as 2 or more ribs fractured in 2 or more places. •A part of the rib cage detached from the main part. • Reduce the effectiveness of ventilation.
what is a cardiac tamponade
Bleeding into the pericardial space.
This causes reduction in ventricular
filling.
what is a diaphragmatic rupture
Allow intra-abdominal
organs to enter the thoracic
cavity, which may cause:
what can diaphragmatic rupture cause
Compression of the lung with reduced ventilation • Decreased venous return • Decreased cardiac output • Shock
how do you mange a gunshot wound
Ensure you assess for entry and exit wounds (may not be an exact straight
line)
Same principle for electric burns
Ensure management of A B C D E and chest seal sucking wounds
what can cause a traumatic asphyxia
A severe crushing injury to the chest and abdomen
Steering wheel injury
Conveyor belt injury
Compression of the chest under a heavy object
what is a traumatic asphyxia
A sudden compressional force squeezes the chest. An increase in intrathoracic pressure forces blood from the right side of the heart into the veins of the upper thorax, neck, and face. Jugular veins engorge and capillaries rupture.
how do you mange a traumatic asphyxia
Assess primary survey and ALS if required. If pulses present Airway and ventilation • Ensure an open airway. • Provide adequate ventilation. Circulation • IV access. • Expect hypotension and shock once the compression is released (timings dependent). Transport considerations • Appropriate mode. • Appropriate facility.
