Respiratory Emergencies

Question 1

What is ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME?

Answer 1

Caused by increased permeability of alveolar capillaries = fluid accumulation in the alveoli.

Develops from infection, trauma, smoke inhalation etc.

Symptoms:

• Dyspnoea
• Elevated respiratory rate
• Bilateral lung crackles
• Low oxygen saturations

Managed through ventilation, organ support, and treatment of underlying cause

Question 2

When should oxygen therapy NOT be used routinely if there is no evidence of hypoxia?

Answer 2

• MI/ACS
• Stroke
• Obstetric Emergencies
• Anxiety-related hyperventilation

Question 3

What are the features of TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX?

Answer 3

Occurs following thoracic trauma when a lung parenchymal flap is created - this acts as a one way valve and allows pressure to rise.

Causes tracheal shift and hyper-resonance on the AFFECTED side

Requires needle decompression and chest tube insertion