Chapter 16 - Respiratory Emergencies

dyspnea

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

JVD (jugular vein distention)

symptom where the jugular veins in the neck become visibly swollen and bulging due to increased pressure

• key sign of various heart and circulatory problems, including heart failure

JVD

DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)

characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), elevated ketones, and acidosis,

• triggered by insulin deficiency or inadequate insulin intake.

• dehydration, fruity breath, and rapid breathing

brainstem

what senses blood carbon dioxide levels

• regulates breathing rate and depth

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

disorder in which subsets of patients may have dominant features of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma

• Slow process of dilation and disruption of airways and alveoli

• Caused by chronic bronchial obstruction

• Tobacco smoke can create chronic bronchitis

pulmonary edema

condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs, primarily within the air sacs (alveoli)

pleural effusion

condition where excessive fluid accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and chest wall

• Upright position eases pain

pleural

hyperventilation syndrome

similar symptoms as panic attack

pnemonia, bronchitis

common lung infectious diseases

croup

• Inflammation and swelling of pharynx, larynx, and trachea

• Stridor and seal-bark cough

• Responds well to humidified oxygen

epiglottitis

• Bacterial infection causing inflammation of epiglottis

• Children are often found in tripod position and drooling

• Position comfortably and provide oxygen

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

• Common cause of illness in young children

• Causes infection in the lungs and passages

• Highly contagious

• Look for signs of dehydration.

• Treat airway and breathing problems.

• Humidified oxygen is helpful

bronchiolitis

• Viral illness often caused by RSV

• Usually affects newborns and toddlers

• Bronchioles become inflamed, swell, and fill with mucus.

• Provide oxygen therapy and frequently reassess

pneumonia

• Bacterial pneumonia will come on quickly and result in high fever.

• Viral pneumonia presents more gradually and is less severe.

• Especially affects people who are chronically ill

• Assess temperature and provide airway support and supplemental oxygen

pertussis (whooping cough)

• Airborne bacterial infection that mostly affects children younger than 6 years

• Patients will be feverish and exhibit a “whoop” sound on inspiration after a coughing attack.

• Watch for dehydration and suction as needed

flu

• Became pandemic in 2009

• Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.

• May lead to pneumonia or dehydration

covid

• Similar to the virus that causes the common cold

• Preferentially affects the elderly, those living in close quarters with one another, and those with weakened immune systems.

• Transmitted by aerosol droplets and airborne particles

• Respiratory deterioration may occur rapidly

TB

• Bacterial infection that most often affects the lungs

• Can remain inactive for years

• Patients often complain of fever, coughing, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss.

• Wear gloves, eye protection, and an N-95 respirator (at a minimum).

acute pulmonary edema

• Heart muscle cannot circulate blood properly.

• Fluid builds up within alveoli and in lung tissue.

  • Usually result of congestive heart failure

  • Most patients have a long-standing history of chronic congestive heart failure.

  • In severe cases, a frothy pink sputum forms at the nose and mouth

emphysema

the most common type of COPD

• Loss of elastic material in the lungs

• Causes include inflamed airways, smoking

chronic bronchitis, emphysema

what two illnesses are most common elements of patients with COPD

wet

patients with pulmonary edema have "___” lung sounds

dry

patients with COPD will have “____” lung sounds

CHF (congestive heart failure)

• Feeling short of breath (like you can't get enough air) when you do things like climbing stairs. ...

• Fatigue or weakness even after rest.

• Coughing.

• Swelling and weight gain from fluid in your ankles, lower legs, or abdomen (belly).

• Difficulty sleeping when lying flat

asthma

acute spasm of smaller air passages (bronchioles), associated with excessive mucus production and swelling of the mucus membranes

hay fever

causes cold-like symptoms.

• Allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander.

anaphylaxis

can produce severe airway swelling.

• Total obstruction is possible.

• redness, hives

• Treat with epinephrine, oxygen, and antihistamines

pneumothorax

accumulation of air in pleural space.

• Most often caused by trauma

  • May be caused by medical conditions (spontaneous)

• Breath sounds may be absent on affected side

pulmonary embolism

blood clot circulates through venous system

• circulation cutoff partially or completely

• decreases blood flow

• can cause sudden death if large enough

• purple coloration

• can be asymptonatic

hypervetnilation

• May be indicator of life-threatening illness

• Body may be trying to compensate for acidosis.

  • Buildup of excess acid in blood or body tissues

• May be indicator of life-threatening illness

• Body may be trying to compensate for acidosis

acidosis

Buildup of excess acid in blood or body tissues

no nitro

• BP under 100

• on viagra or other vasodilators