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CHAPTER 17 Respiratory Emergencies Anyone who has experienced respiratory difficulty knows that the inability to breathe is TERRIFYING! Respiratory System Review Anatomy Respiratory System Anatomy The Upper Airway Nasopharynx Oropharynx Epiglottis Vocal cords Trachea The Lower Airway Upper lobe Middle lobe Lower lobe Trachea Due to their anatomy, Infants and children are more prone to respiratory emergencies. Adult (20 mm) Infant (4 mm) Physiology Breathing Inhalation Exhalation Chest contracts Chest relaxes Gas Exchange Alveolus Alveolar/capillary interface Blood Body cells Cellular/capillary interface Blood Capillary Breathing Assessment Adequate Breathing Normal Respiratory Rates  Adult: 12 - 20/minute  Children: 15 - 30/minute  Infants: 25 - 50/minute Normal Breathing  Both lungs expand equally  Breath sounds are present and equal  Chest wall expands equally on both sides  Breathing takes place with little effort Listen for breath sounds at four points. Midclavicular Line Midaxillary Line 2 3 4 5 Use a stethoscope to listen to breath sounds. Tidal volume: Amount of air exchanged in one breath. Breathing Difficulty Patients who are breathing TOO FAST or TOO SLOWLY may not be receiving adequate amounts of oxygen. Difficulty Breathing  General  Shortness of breath  Restlessness or anxiety  Patient position (preference for sitting up)  Altered mental status  Skin cool and/or clammy  Increased or decreased breathing rate  Increased pulse rate (increased or decreased in infants and children) Difficulty Breathing  continued Visual  Skin color (blue-gray, pale, flushed)  Unusual anatomy  Retractions/use of accessory muscles  Abdominal breathing  Nasal flaring Difficulty Breathing  continued Auditory  Noisy breathing  Inability to speak due to breathing efforts  Coughing  Irregular breathing rhythm  Unequal breath sounds Retractions may indicate labored breathing. Sternal Intercostal Substernal Supraclavicular Nasal Flaring Stridor: A harsh sound heard during breathing (usually inhalation) that indicates an upper airway obstruction. Obstruction may be due to:  Swelling  Mucous  Disease  Foreign body Barrel Chest Agonal respirations: Gasping respirations that are sudden, short inspirations with long pauses in between. Often occurs just before death - a grave sign! Focused History and Physical Examination O nset P rovocation Q uality R adiation S everity T ime S igns & symptoms A llergies M edications P ertinent medical history L ast oral intake E vents leading to illness Emergency Medical Care Oxygen Use a NRB mask at 15 L/minute. Ventilate as necessary. Oxygen is the most important medication you can give a patient in respiratory distress! Position and Transport Patients should be transported in a position THEY find most comfortable. Artificial Ventilation Mouth-to-mask Ventilation Two-person BVM Technique One-person BVM Technique Inhalers Typical Inhaler Devices Most inhalers (metered-dose inhalers) administer a medication belonging to a class of drugs known as beta-agonist bronchodilators. Inhaler Medications Trade Name Generic Name Proventil albuterol Ventolin albuterol Bronkosol isoetharine Alupent metaproterenol Brethine terbutaline Metaprel metaproterenol Atrovent ipatropium bromide Indications for an Inhaler  Signs and symptoms of respiratory distress  Patient has own physician-prescribed inhaler  Authorization to aid patients in inhaled medications  On-line or off-line medical direction Contraindications for an Inhaler  Disoriented patients  Medications prescribed for someone else  Situations with lack of approval (medical direction)  Patient has already taken maximum recommended dose Have patient inhale deeply and hold breath. Inhaler with a Spacer Assisting with an Inhaler  Check inhaler’s expiration date  Ask if any doses have already been taken  Compare with prescribed dosage  Make sure inhaler is at room temperature  Shake inhaler vigorously several times  Remove oxygen mask  Nasal cannulas can be left in place Assisting with an Inhaler continued  Have patient place inhaler in mouth  Have patient inhale slowly and deeply while depressing the inhaler  Have patient hold breath for as long as comfortable  Allow patient to breath a few times, then repeat second dose, if ordered  Record time, dose, medication, vital signs and any changes Inhaler Side Effects  Increased heart rate  Tremors  Nervousness  Nausea or vomiting Respiratory Diseases Obstructive Airway Disease Emphysema: An abnormal condition of the lungs characterized by overinflation and destructive changes of the alveoli, resulting in decreased lung elasticity and impaired gas exchange. These patients are sometimes referred to as “pink puffers.” Chronic bronchitis: A chronic condition characterized by excessive mucous secretions and inflammatory changes in the bronchial tree. These patients are sometimes referred to as “blue bloaters.” Chronic Obstructive Emphysema Pulmonary Chronic Bronchitis Disease Asthma: A lung disorder characterized by recurring episodes of breathing difficulty, wheezing on exhalation due to constriction of the bronchi, coughing, and lung secretions. Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that may be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Characterized by fever, shortness of breath and a cough. Hyperventilation: An abnormally high respiratory rate and depth of breathing. CAUTION! Can be caused by anxiety or actual respiratory problems. Hyperventilation Syndrome  Increased respiratory rate  Numbness and tingling in hands and feet (paresthesias)  Muscle spasms in fingers and toes  Chest pain associated with respirations  Anxiety and agitation SUMMARY  Respiratory System Review  Breathing Assessment  Emergency Medical Care  Respiratory Diseases