6 Integrated Respiratory Emergency Scenarios Free Online FlashCards

What is the first priority for severe or worsening respiratory distress?

Call for help and activate EMS or the facility emergency response for severe or worsening distress.

What should you do if an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally?

For an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally, check for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds. If no definite pulse is felt, begin CPR and use an AED as soon as available.

Why can oxygen alone be insufficient in a respiratory emergency?

Oxygen supports oxygenation, but it does not replace ventilation when breaths are absent or inadequate.

How should a trained rescuer ventilate an adult with a pulse who is not breathing normally?

A trained rescuer should give 1 breath every 6 seconds, each just sufficient to produce visible chest rise, and reassess.

What should be reassessed after each intervention?

Recheck responsiveness, breathing effort and rate, chest rise, pulse when appropriate, oxygen saturation, and the overall trend. Worsening breathing or mental status requires action even if saturation seems reassuring.

What oxygen saturation ranges are recommended for adults in acute care and for COPD?

The usual adult acute-care target is SpO₂ 94–98%; for patients with COPD requiring oxygen, the recommended range is 88–92%. Follow individualized orders and local protocols.

Why is quieter wheezing concerning in a fatigued patient with asthma?

Quieter breath sounds in a tiring patient are not reassuring; they may signal reduced air movement. Worsening fatigue, confusion, or declining saturation requires urgent advanced airway and ventilatory support.

What is the immediate response to suspected opioid-related respiratory depression with a pulse?

Activate EMS and provide breaths or bag-mask ventilation if trained and equipped. Give naloxone if available and authorized, but do not delay ventilation or emergency activation while waiting for a response.

What signs suggest severe choking from a foreign-body airway obstruction?

Inability to speak, weak or absent coughing, or color change signals severe obstruction and requires urgent action.

What sequence is used for a responsive adult with severe choking?

Give repeated cycles of 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

What should you do if a choking person becomes unresponsive?

Begin CPR starting with chest compressions. When opening the airway to give breaths, remove an object only if you can see it; do not perform blind finger sweeps.

How should you respond when a choking person can cough forcefully?

Encourage the person to keep coughing while watching closely for worsening obstruction.