Respiratory Systems Assessment and Problems Flashcards
How long will a patient succumb to death without adequate airway maintenance and ventilation?
6-10 minutes
What is the most common cause of airway obstruction?
The tongue
T or F: The patients tongue can only block the airway when laying in supine position?
False. The patients tongue can block the airway in lateral, supine or prone position
What does the term “cafe coronaries” mean?
Choking mistaken for heart attacks, commonly in restaurants. Choking most often involves alcohol consumption or denture dislodgement
What is the most narrow part of the adult airway?
The glottis/glottic opening
What is the most narrow part of the paediatric airway?
Cricoid cartilage
What is the most common cause of spasm in the airway?
Overly aggressive intubation
What is the most commonly aspirated material?
Vomitus
Gastrointestinal bacteria can produce overwhelming infections. These complications occur in what percent of patients who aspire foreign matter?
50-80%
What 4 items does vomitus consist of?
- Food particles
- Protein dissolving enzymes
- Hydrochloric acid
- Gastrointestinal bacteria
What is the key to airway management in every patient?
Hint: one word
Vigilance
What 2 conditions might tripod position indicate?
- COPD
- Asthma
How often does sighing normally occur?
About once a minute
What indicates respiratory distress specifically in infants and children? (2)
- Nasal flaring
- Grunting
Why might patients with COPD sustain a drop in BP during inspiration?
Because they have increased pressure in the thoracic cavity that impairs the ability of the ventricles to fill
Why is posterior auscultation of the lungs preferred over anterior?
Because heart sounds do not interfere at this location
T or F: The epigastrium should produce noise during ventilation?
False. It should be silent
What is often referred to as the “5th vital sign”?
Pulse oximetry
T or F: Sa02 correlates directly with Pa02
True. The greater the Pa02 the greater the Sa02
3 causes of false pulse oximetry readings?
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- High intensity lighting
- Hemoglobin abnormalities
What percentages dictate normal, mild, moderate and severe hypoxia?
- Normal: 95-99%
- Mild: 91-94%
- Moderate: 86-91%
- Severe: 85% or lower
