Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
Most important muscle of inspiration
Diaphragm - when contracts, chest cavity volume increases
The sternohyoid muscles (scalene muscles) are accessory _________ muscles.
Inspiratory
T/F: the act of expiration is passive and occurs when the diaphragm relaxes and the elastic properties of the lung and chest wall allow recoil
True
If the act of expiration is passive, why do some patients in respiratory distress have increased abdominal involvement?
Need help with expiration
Flexing abdominals increases intra-abdominal pressure, moving diaphragm cranially, forcing air out
What does dyspnea mean?
Sensation of breathlessness
What does orthopnea mean?
Positional increases in difficulty
Describe what an orthopneic patient might appear
Head and neck extended, elbows abducted
Problems on inspiration can be localized to…
Upper respiratory
Problems on expiration can be localized to…
Lower respiratory
Increased effort during all phases can be localized to…
Parenchyma
Short, shallow breathing can be localized to…
Pleural space
What are the big three things that should be done for any patient presenting in respiratory distress?
- Oxygen supplementation
- Sedation - butorphanol!
- Minimize stress (even if it means delaying diagnostics)
Name some examples of upper airway disease
Lar par
Tracheal collapse
Foreign bodies
Polyps
BOAS
Name some causes of lower airway disease
Chronic bronchitis
Asthma
Bronchial disease
Parenchyma disease can have cardiac and non-cardiac causes. How can you differentiate the two?
History
Signalment
Triage finding (HR and temperature)
T/F: not all parenchymal disease should be treated the same
True - cardiac causes might require furosemide while non-cardiac may require bronchodilators or steroids
Venous distension and LA enlargement are signs of
Congestive heart failure
Examples of pleural space disease
Pleural effusion
Pneumothorax
Diaphragmatic hernia
Why is thoracic wall disease tricky?
B/c unable to move chest and diaphragm so cannot show typical signs of respiratory distress
Examples of thoracic wall disease
Neurologic disease
Muscular disease
Orthopedic disease
