32.5 Management of Respiratory Disorders

extending the neck

The airway always has first priority. In trauma victims who could have associated cervical spine injuries, protect and maintain the airway without ①

① normoxia

If there is a question whether oxygen should be given, as in COPD, administer enough oxygen to maintain an adequate level (typically ≥ 96%). This state of normal, adequate oxygen is known as ①.

hypoxia and hyperoxia

You should strive for normoxia in your patient and avoid both ① (too little or too much oxygen), if possible.

pulse oximetry

Any patient whose illness or injury suggests that the possibility of hypoxia should receive oxygen until ① is available.

supplemental oxygen administration

① has always been the mainstay of respiratory emergency management.

supplemental oxygen

Although ① is an essential and important therapy in prehospital care, several recent studies have demonstrated that administering too much oxygen can actually worsen patient outcomes.

free radicals

Hyperoxia, a state of excess oxygen, can result in the formation of toxic chemicals called ①.

oxidative stress

These chemicals, also called reactive oxygen species (ROS), can damage body cells and tissues—a process called ①

without causing hyperoxia

Because of this, the goal of oxygen therapy is to provide just enough oxygen to treat hypoxia (as guided by pulse ≤95%) ①

wheen needed, but judiciously

Oxygen should be treated like any other drug in the formulary. It should be used ①