Respiratory Emergencies - Emergency Care & Treatment Flashcards
Administration of oxygen in patients with long-standing COPD and probable CO2 retention
Start with low flow oxygen (2 L/min) and adjust to 3 and the 4, and so on until symptoms have improved
___ will help you understand the degree of oxygen deprivation and adjust the oxygen therapy accordingly
Pulse oximetry
Typically a person in respiratory distress will receive ___
High flow oxygen (15 L/min)
Most common medications used for shortness of breath
Inhaled beta agonists administered via an MDI
Action of most respiratory inhalation medications
Relax the muscles that surround the air passages in the lungs, leading to dilation of the airways and easier movement of air
Common side effects of inhalers
- Increased pulse rate
- Nervousness
- Muscle tremors
- Often coughing afterwards as the airways are opened and secretions start to loosen and clear
Action of albuterol
Dilates bronchioles
Action of beclomethasone
Anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling
Action of cromolyn
Decreases release of histamines
Action of fluticasone
Anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling
Action of fluticasone, salmeterol
Decreases secretions
Action of ipratropium bromide
Dilates bronchioles
Action of levalbuterol
Dilates bronchioles
Action of metaproterenol sulfate
Dilates bronchioles
Action of montelukast
Anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling
Action of salmeterol
Dilates bronchioles
Oxygen flow for administering a small-volume nebulizer
6 L/min
Optimal volume of fluid for a small-volume nebulizer
About 3 mL
Treatment for an upper airway infection and dyspnea
Administer humidified oxygen, transport promptly in the position of comfort
Treatment for dyspnea due to acute pulmonary edema for a conscious patient
Administer 100% oxygen, transport in position of comfort
CPAP can be used for patients who have ___
Moderate to severe respiratory distress from an underlying disease, such as pulmonary edema or obstructive pulmonary disease, are alert and able to follow commands, have tachypnea, or have a pulse oximetry reading of less than 90%
Why is low BP a contraindication for the CPAP?
The increased pressure in the chest decreases blood flow return to the heart
If you apply a CPAP for acute pulmonary edema ___
Call for ALS support or provide prompt transport to the ED
Contraindications for CPAP
- Low BP
- Respiratory arrest
- Pneumothorax
- Chest trauma
- Tracheostomy
- Decreased LOC
- Inability to follow commands
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding
A prolonged asthma attack that is unrelieved may progress into a condition known as ___
Status asthmaticus
How to treat status asthmaticus?
Give oxygen and transport to the ED
How to remove a stinger
Scrape it off
Geriatric patients with asthma tend to have both ___
Inspiratory and expiratory wheezes
A genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system
Cystic fibrosis
CF
Cystic fibrosis
Disrupts the normal function of cells that make up the sweat glands in the skin and that also line the lungs and the digestive and reproductive systems
CF
CF predisposes the child to ___
Repeated lung infections
The disease process in CF disrupts ___
The essential balance of salt and water necessary to maintain a normal coating of fluid and mucus inside the lungs and other organs
The end result of CF
The mucus inside the lungs becomes thick, sticky, and hard to move. The mucus holds germs, causing the lungs to become infected
CF often causes death in childhood because ___
Chronic pneumonia secondary to the mucus, also causes malabsorption of nutrients in the intestines
Adults with CF are predisposed to ___
Arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and liver problems
