Chapter 20: Respiratory Disorders Notes

What is respiratory distress characterized by?

A condition that can rapidly deteriorate into respiratory failure and arrest, leading to death if not treated.

What exacerbates respiratory distress?

The body's stress response, which increases the demand for oxygen, and the increased use of respiratory muscles.

What metabolic condition can develop due to inadequate oxygen?

Respiratory acidosis.

What priorities should EMS focus on when addressing respiratory issues?

Quickly recognize difficulty breathing, ensure an open airway, adequate ventilation, and circulation.

What is essential for delivering oxygen to tissue?

An adequate amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and an open airway.

What role do red blood cells play in oxygen transport?

They must contain an adequate amount of hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the cells.

What are the two types of metabolism?

Aerobic metabolism and anaerobic metabolism.

What occurs during aerobic metabolism?

Efficient energy production in the presence of oxygen.

What happens during anaerobic metabolism?

Energy production is limited, producing lactic acid and leading to acidosis.

What is the significance of the respiratory membrane?

It is where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs between alveoli and capillaries.

What stimulates the breathing process?

Increased levels of carbon dioxide and decreased levels of oxygen in the blood.

What anatomical structures make up the passageway of air?

Mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolus.

What is the anatomical dead space?

Approximately 150 mL of air that remains in the airway and is unavailable for gas exchange.

What is the average tidal volume for an adult?

5–7 mL/kg, approximately 500 mL.

What characterizes mild dyspnea?

Being short of breath.

What signs indicate respiratory distress?

Wheezing, coughing, using accessory muscles, and tripod position.

What defines respiratory failure?

Characteristics include a respiratory rate of 8 or less or 30 or greater and inadequate tidal volume.

What does 'pink puffer' refer to?

The typical appearance of a patient with emphysema who is often thin and uses accessory muscles.

What does 'blue bloater' refer to?

The typical appearance of a patient with chronic bronchitis, who becomes cyanotic and has peripheral edema.

What is cor pulmonale?

Right-sided heart failure due to increased resistance in the pulmonary vasculature.

What triggers asthma attacks?

Cigarette smoke, pollutants, respiratory infections, and exercise.

What is status asthmaticus?

A severe, life-threatening asthma attack that does not respond to bronchodilators.

What management strategies are used for COPD?

Supplemental oxygen, CPAP or BVM, and bronchodilators.

What is the main cause of cardiogenic pulmonary edema?

Left-sided heart failure.

What are the signs of tension pneumothorax?

Cyanosis, distended neck veins, hypotension, and tracheal deviation.

What is the management for anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine administration.

What class of medication is used to inhibit cholinergic bronchoconstriction?

Anticholinergics.

What is the volume of air available for alveolar ventilation?

350 mL.

What happens if extracellular fluid accumulates between the capillary and alveolar walls?

The distance for gas diffusion increases, impairing exchange.

What does the Hering-Breuer reflex do?

Prevents over-inflation of the lungs and stimulates expiration.

What condition is characterized by a cough producing sputum for three months during two consecutive years?

Chronic bronchitis.

What is one serious complication related to lung cancer?

Respiratory depression from narcotics.

What is the form of respiratory failure characterized by minimal or absent tidal volume?

Respiratory arrest.

What does the term 'acute exacerbation' refer to?

A period during which chronic bronchitis symptoms worsen, often due to infection.

What important physiological process occurs in the alveoli?

Gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide.

What is the primary goal when managing respiratory emergencies?

To maintain airway, breathing, oxygenation, and circulation.

How is oxygenation typically measured during assessment?

Using pulse oximetry to maintain SpO2 levels.

What is the role of cilia in the respiratory tract?

They sweep mucus and trapped particles upward for expulsion.

What is a common sign of pulmonary embolism?

Unexplained dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain.

What is indicated for treatment of pulmonary edema?

CPAP and sublingual nitroglycerin.

What are the common features of viral respiratory diseases?

Fever, cough, and malaise.

What medication class is commonly used for bronchodilation during acute asthma attacks?

Short-acting beta2 agonists.

What is the first step in the management of a child experiencing respiratory distress?

Ensure an open airway and assess breathing.

What effect does sympathetic beta2 receptor stimulation have in the lungs?

Smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.

What does increased intrapulmonary volume result in?

Lower intrapulmonary pressure than atmospheric pressure.

What physiological change occurs during expiration?

Thoracic volume decreases and intrapulmonary pressure increases.

What does cyanosis indicate in a patient?

Hypoxia or inadequate oxygen levels in the blood.

What consequence does chronic hypoxia have on the body?

It leads to clubbing of the fingers.

What management is indicated for patients with pulmonary edema?

Use of CPAP and administering nitroglycerin.

What is a common risk factor for pulmonary embolism?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What behavior may indicate a patient in respiratory distress is failing?

Irrational behavior due to cerebral dysfunction.

What is indicated for patients experiencing severe asthma attacks?

Immediate ventilation assistance.

What symptoms may suggest pneumonia?

Fever, shaking chills, and rust-colored productive cough.

What do significant pulmonary embolism symptoms include?

Tachycardia and hypotension.

What is essential when assessing patients with suspected respiratory conditions?

Obtain a comprehensive medical history.