RSA

Question 1

Normal

Answer 1

A : Calm, quiet

S: Clear and steady sentences

S: Usually quiet no wheeze.
No crackles or scattered fine basal crackles.

R: 12 - 16

R: Regular even cycles

E: Normal chest movement

P: 60 -100

S: Normal

C: Alert

Question 2

Mild Distress

Answer 2

A: Calm or mildly anxious

S: Full sentences

S: Able to cough

Asthma: mild expiatory       wheeze

LVF: may be some fine crackles at bases

R: 16 -20

R: Asthma: May have slightly prolonged expiatory phase.

E: Slight increase in normal chest movement.

P: 60 - 100

S: Normal

C: Alert

Question 3

Moderate Distress

Answer 3

A: Distressed or anxious

S: Short phrases only

S: Able to cough

 Asthma: Expiratory wheeze, +/- inspiratory wheeze.

LVF: crackles at bases - to mid zone.

R: > 20

R: Asthma: prolonged expiratory phase:

E: Marked chest movement +/- use of accessory muscles

P: 100 - 120

S: Pale and sweaty

C: May be altered

Question 4

Sever distress (life threat)

Answer 4

A: Distressed, anxious fighting to breathe, exhausted, catatonic.

S: Words only or unable to speak.

S: Unable to cough:

 Asthma: expiratory wheeze +/- inspiratory wheeze, maybe no breath sounds(late).

LVF: fine crackles - full field, with possible wheeze.

Upper Airway Obstruction: Inspiratory stridor.

R: > 20 or Bradypnoea (<8)

R: Asthma: Prolonged expiatory phase:

E: Marked chest movement with accessory muscle use, intercostal retraction +/- tracheal tugging.

P: >120 or Bradycardia late sign

S: Pale and sweaty, +/- cyanosis.

C: Altered or Unconscious