AIRWAY, RESPIRATION, VENTILATION - SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Asthma Signs & Symptoms

Wheezing, cough with tightness in chest, accessory muscle use, hard time with exhaling

Asthma Treatment

Oxygen NRB-Mask Goal 94-99% SPO2, 2) Albuterol, assist CPAP: 5 - 10 cm H20.

Asthma Explanation

Is a reactive airway disease that causes bronchoconstriction and excess mucous production.

Asthma Risk Factors

Smoking, allergies, pollen, physical exertion

Anaphylaxis Explanation

Is a severe allergic reaction that affects two or more body systems, it can life threatening if left untreated.

Anaphylaxis Risk Factors

Insect bites and stings, bee stings, food allergy, medication allergy

Anaphylaxis Sign & Symptoms

Stridor, wheezing, hives, nausea/vomiting, increased respiratory rate, tachycardia

Anaphylaxis Treatment

Epi-pen Adult: 0.3 mg, IM EpiPen JR: 0.15 mg, IM (oxygen + albuterol)

COPD Explanation

Chronic respiratory disease, bronchoconstriction, mucus production, destructions of alveoli

COPD Risk Factors

Smoking, air irritants, working in shipyards or hazardous job sites.

COPD Signs & Symptoms

Wheezing, Rhonchi, difficulty breathing, tightness of the chest, low SPO2

COPD Treatment

Oxygen, get patient back to 94% SPO2, CPAP. ALS: BLS + Albuterol via nebulizer, epinephrine intramuscularly, Solu-Medrol IV push, in severe cases; magnesium via IV drip can be used

Pulmonary Embolism Explanation

sudden blockage in one or more lung arteries

Pulmonary Embolism Risk Factors

Long rides/travel, recent surgery, cancer, pregnancy, birth control use, smokers

Pulmonary Embolism Signs & Symptoms

Shortness of breath, chest pain, tachycardia, hypoxia, increased respiratory rate, leg pain if DVT is present, swollen calf if DVT also present.

Pulmonary Embolism Treatment

Oxygen at 15 lpm, maintain 94-99% with rapid transport.

Croup Explanation

an upper airway infection that is seen in pediatrics. Croup has a distinct “barking cough.” The infection causes the upper airway to become inflamed.

Croup Risk Factors

Pediatrics (6months to 4 years), recent illness, frequent respiratory illness.

Croup Signs & Symptoms

Fever, gradual onset, barking cough, stridor, more commonly viral infection.

Croup Treatment

Position of comfort, oxygen as needed to maintain SP02 level of 94%.

Pneumonia Explanation

an infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus

Pneumonia Risk Factors

Immunocompromised patients, elderly patients, chronic respiratory disease.

Pneumonia Signs & Symptoms

Early onset: Rales (fluid) Mid-Late Stages: Rhonchi (Pus) productive cough with green or yellow sputum, fever, malaise, tachycardia, chills, night sweats.

Epiglottitis Explanation

The patient has an upper airway infection which has caused the epiglottis to swell, this is potentially life threatening as the epiglottis sits right over the vocal cords/laryngeal opening.

Epiglottitis Risk Factors

Pediatrics, recent illness, frequent respiratory infections.

Epiglottitis Signs & Symptoms

Stridor, heavy drooling, rapid onset, no cough, painful to swallow, most commonly bacterial infections.

Epiglottitis Treatment

Place patient in position of comfort and do your best to keep patient calm, radio patch early that you will need a respiratory specialist, blow-by oxygen as needed with rapid transport.