EMR chapter 15 - caring for respiratory emergencies

asthma definition

disease of the lower airway caused by an increased sensitivity (reaction) to a variety of irritants such as pollen, pollutants, and even exercise.
then the bronchioles spasm and constrict

stridor definition

abnormal, high-pitched breathing sound caused by disrupted airflow
most likely cause: swelling of soft tissues of throat or partial foreign body obstruction

hyperventilation syndrome

breathing in and out rapidly, eliminates a LOT of carbon dioxide

what is the mediastinum

holds organs - is a cavity within the thoracic cavity

hypoxia definition

abnormally low level of oxygen in body tissues and cells.

Signs include altered mental status, pale skin, and cyanosis

hypercarbia

abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the blood.

respiratory compromise causes

• Hyperventilation

• Asthma

• Chronic bronchitis

• Emphysema

• Traumatic injury

• Pneumonia

• Pulmonary edema

• exposure to poison or allergies

what can Spasms of the fingers and toes be a sign of?

respiratory compromise

caring for respiratory compromise

1. BSI and scene safety

2. primary assessment - AVPU, ABC’s

3. ensure open airway - check for obstructions

4. patient history (SAMPLE)

5. administer oxygen if allowed

6. check if patient has allergies to anything AT SCENE

7. keep patient at rest + try to calm them

8. monitor ABC’s and vital signs

9. assist w/ inhaler if medical direction + law says it’s legal

COPD

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• History of respiratory problems

• Persistent cough

• Shortness of breath

• Tightness in chest

• Swelling (edema) in lower extremities

• Rapid pulse

• Barrel (enlarged) chest

• Dizziness

• Pale or bluish (cyanotic) skin color

care is same as respiratory distress

how long should inhaling and exhaling take?

the exhale should be about 2 times a long as the inhale`

wheezing

a high-pitched whistling sound created when air passes through narrowed airways.

often heard with stethoscope, but SOMETIMES can be heard without it

intercostal muscles

muscles between ribs

pulmonary edema

fluid buildup in the lungs.
with stethoscopes, you will hear a “crackling” sound as they breathe in or out

pneumonia

infection in the lungs, causing pus to build up in alveoli

bronchitis

disease process that causes swelling and thickening of the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles. 
can cause overproduction of mucus in air passages.

has a LOT of coughing

emphysema

harms the alveoli (can’t exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide)

makes lungs less elastic (carbon dioxide gets trapped in lungs)

signs + symptoms and causes of emphysema

• Moderate to severe shortness of breath

• Thin or underweight appearance

• Large (barrel) chest

• Nonproductive cough

• Extended exhalations

• Pursed-lip breathing

• Wheezing
  
  causes: smoking, prolonged exposure to toxins (like from coal mining)

using metered-dose inhaler

medical direction must be given + patient needs prescribed inhaler + the patient can’t have already used the maximum prescribed dose

1. obtain order from medical direction

2. ensure it’s patient’s prescription + patient is alert

3. check expiration date

4. ask patient if they already used inhaler

5. shake inhaler

6. have patient exhale deeply

7. have patient put inhaler to mouthpiece, click the button, and breathe in slowly

8. have patient hold breath for couple seconds (or as long of comfortable) for medication to absorb

9. repeat with second dose after a couple seconds (if ordered by medical direction)

10. provide oxygen as appropriate