Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
what are the phases of capnography?
Phase 1: beginning of exhalation (the air that is in the dead space)
Phase 2: CO2 from larger bronchioles resulting in upslope
Phase 3: Alveolar plateau, and end tidal CO2
Phase 0: Inhalation
what can cause the CO2 number to be low?
Hyperentilation Hypoperfusion metabolic acidosis decrease metabolism PE
what do red blood cells break down to?
Bilirubin (dead red blood cells)
what does mild tachypnea mean? and what is the biggest problem with this finding?
Pt is compensating (normal SpO2), and often overlooked until its too late.
what is a peak flow meter?
a device that allows there to be a measurement of how powerful a pt can blow out.
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
will kids out grow asthma?
yes, usually around the age of 8
What are the cartilaginous rings?
the rings that make up the trachea.
Good because they wont collapse when breath in
Bad because they can swell outward, they inflame inside.
what does it mean if they have a thick green or brown sputum when cough?
pneumonia or infection
what does it mean if a pt has hemoptysis?
TB or carcinoma/cancer
what does it mean if they pt has a pink frothy sputum when they cough?
pulmonary edema
what does a shark fin CAPNO mean?
broncho constriction (they have to use muscle to blow out, slow expiration)
what is a reverse shark fin CAPNO mean?
They have a neuromuscular disease (Guillan Barre, Myasthenia Gravis) Where no they use the muscles to pull air in more than normal (slow and prolonged inhalation, and quick exhale)
what are some things that can cause hypoventilation?
overdose, alcohol, sedatives, analgesics, stroke, seizures
what is the big key differences between rhonchi and rales?
Rhonchi are wet sounding and are more midline and in the bigger airways.
Rales are wet also, but that crackle sound is more peripheral, fluid in the alveoli.
what is the steeple sign?
Its the X-ray finding of swelling of the cricoid ring, where you find croup.
