Respiratory Patient

Question 1

How do you assess a respiratory patient?

Answer 1

RR and effort

Oxygenation

Question 2

What aims do you have with a respiratory patient?

Answer 2

To increase saturation of the blood and tissues
Decrease respiratory effort
Minimise stress and maintain optimum temperature
Minimal handling
Intravenous cannulisation
Bed baths/ suction to remove excess secretions
Coupage and nebulization
Oral mm care

Question 3

How can oxygen be provided?

Answer 3

Flow by oxygen 
Mask 
Nasal prongs
Nasal cannula 
Oxygen cage
Oxygen tent 
Incubator 
Tracheotomy/ transtracheal catheterisation

Question 4

How are respiratory patients evaluated?

Answer 4

Maintain blood oxygen levels above 90%
Maintain normal mm colour
Decrease respiratory rate and effort, reduction of paradoxical breathing
Monitor frequently to assess effect of intravenous review pan and identify complications

Question 5

What complications can occur with respiratory patients?

Answer 5

decrease of oxygen saturation to vital tissues due to stress and handling
Increased dyspnoea, keep sternal/lateral recumbency not dorsal and don’t lean on patient
Drying of nasal mucosa, oxygenatin longer than 2hrs requires a humidifier
Oxygen toxicity, 75% oxygen for over 12hrs