06 Respiratory Emergencies Free Online FlashCards

What should respiratory assessment measure beyond respiratory rate?

Assess respiratory rate, depth, and pattern together; rate alone may miss inadequate breathing.

What can a silent chest signal in severe wheezing?

A silent chest can mean critically poor airflow, not improvement, especially when severe wheezing was present.

What does pulse oximetry not measure?

Pulse oximetry estimates oxygenation, not ventilation. Waveform capnography can help assess ventilation and trends when available.

Which findings suggest inadequate ventilation?

Confusion, drowsiness, exhaustion, weak or irregular respirations, and poor chest rise can signal deterioration and inadequate ventilation.

How should bag-mask ventilation be delivered?

Assist with a well-sealed bag-mask device, using only enough volume for visible chest rise and avoiding excessive rate or volume.

Which patient may be appropriate for CPAP?

CPAP may help a selected cooperative patient who can protect the airway and tolerate the interface; monitor for intolerance, vomiting, hypotension, or failure to improve.

How should oxygen be used for a patient at risk of hypercapnia?

Titrate oxygen to the target in local protocol. Patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure may need controlled oxygen and close reassessment; do not withhold oxygen from a hypoxemic patient.

How do asthma and COPD typically differ?

Asthma is typically episodic and often reversible; COPD commonly involves chronic airflow limitation with exacerbations of dyspnea, cough, or sputum.

Why can quieter wheezing indicate worsening asthma or COPD?

Fainting wheezes alongside worsening drowsiness or weaker chest rise may reflect fatigue and reduced airflow, not improvement; escalate ventilatory support.

What findings commonly suggest acute pulmonary edema?

Acute pulmonary edema often causes severe dyspnea, hypoxemia, and crackles; pink frothy sputum may also occur.

What treatment considerations matter in pulmonary edema?

Sit the patient upright if tolerated, support oxygenation, and consider CPAP when indicated and permitted by protocol. Monitor hemodynamics because positive pressure and vasodilators can worsen hypotension.

What symptoms can suggest a lower respiratory infection?

Pneumonia or viral lower respiratory infection may cause cough, fever or chills, dyspnea, pleuritic discomfort, and abnormal lung sounds; older adults may show confusion or weakness.