Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
When a patient’s respiratory system is functioning on the hypoxic drive, what may be the result of administering too much oxygen to the patient?
Decrease in respiratory effort
How does pulmonary edema affect the respiration process of breathing?
Build up of fluids causes the alveoli to become submerged, which causes the exchange of O2 and CO2 to become poor
The text describes two situations, “wet lungs” vs. “dry lungs”. The text also gives an example of what may cause each of these situations. List an example of each.
Wet Lungs: Common in patients with Pulmonary Edema (Crackles)
Dry Lungs: Common in COPD, dry due to inflammation and irritation
You are assessing a 13-year old patient who is exhibiting signs of tachypnea and anxiety. She is presenting dizziness, with numbness and tingling in her hands and feet. What is your working diagnosis?
Hyperventilation Syndrome
When a COPD patient is utilizing the hypoxic drive, their impulse to breath is:
Triggered by low O2 levels
You are treating a 45-year old who is presenting chest pain. The patient states, the pain came on suddenly, it hurts when they move in any direction, it is sharp in nature, does not radiate and is a 9/10 on the pain scale. What is your working diagnosis?
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Briefly explain the pathophysiology of emphysema.
Atelectasis: alveoli lose elasticity, diminishing their ability to exchange gases
List two life-threatening illnesses that would cause a patient to present with hyperventilation.
Diabetic - w/ a high glucose level
Severe infection - i.e. sepsis
A 62-year old with a history of emphysema is presenting dyspnea. During your assessment, you notice the patient is unable to follow commands, is cyanotic and has severely labored respirations. How would you treat?
Supply high flow O2 using a BVM. Continue to monitor patients vital signs and place them in a position of comfort for easier breathing while transporting to a hospital with a respiratory center.
What is pleural effusion?
Build up of fluids in the pleural space
What is the treatment for an unconscious patient with a complete severe airway obstruction?
30/2 Chest compressions
Check for visible obstructions, clear if possible
Give oxygen with BVM
The Hallmark signs of croup are what two signs? Croup is commonly seen in what age group?
Seal barking cough
Stridor
6 months to 3 years
What are the three most common upper airway obstruction sounds?
Stridor, gurgling and snoring
During your assessment of a semiconscious patient, you discover the patient has overdosed on fentanyl. There are gurgling sounds present, and respirations are slow with poor tidal volume. Outline the appropriate treatment for this patient.
Clear and maintain the airway using a suction device to clear fluids. Since the patient is semiconscious, consider the use of an NPA to help maintain. Administer Narcan via nasal inhalant then provide high flow O2 using a BVM. Repeat dosing of Narcan until patient is responsive. Transport to hospital promptly while checking vitals and giving high quality O2.
Your assessment of an alert 55-year-old with a history of emphysema and CHF reveals facial cyanosis with severely labored respirations. Upon auscultation of the lungs, you hear crackles bi-laterally. Which is the MOST appropriate treatment for this patient? What is your working diagnosis for this patient?
Acute Pulmonary Edema
CPAP, Rapid transport to cardiac center
