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Respiratory EMT
NREMT Preparation
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Distress | Dyspnea, abnormal breathing rate or rhythm, abnormal lung sounds, altered level of consciousness (LOC), accessory muscle use, difficulty speaking, pulse oximeter below 94%, cyanosis, shallow breathing, unequal rise and fall of the chest, thoracic trauma |
Accessory Muscle Usage | Intercostal retractions, abdominal breathing, supraclavicular retractions, tracheal tugging, sternal retractions, nasal flaring, tripod positional breathing, seesaw breathing, pursed-lip breathing |
CAUSES OF RESPIRATORY EMERGENCIES | Causes can be due to medical conditions or traumatic injuries. Some causes are chronic, and others are acute. |
Airway obstruction | Blockage of airway |
Anaphylaxis | Onset can be almost immediate, and is usually within 30 minutes of exposure to an allergen. |
Asthma | An acute condition caused by bronchoconstriction and excess mucus production. It can be triggered by exercise, allergic response, illness. |
Asthma | Signs and symptoms include wheezing primarily upon exhalation, absent lung sounds in severe cases, and coughing. |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | A slow, chronic disease process that obstructs and damages the lower airways and alveoli. COPD disorders include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | >- Several causes, but largely due to cigarette smoking. COPD is chronic, so patients always experience some symptoms of the disease. |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Signs and symptoms | >- History of smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke, chronic productive cough, prolonged expiratory phase, abnormal lung sounds. COPD patients are often on home or portable oxygen. |
Congestive heart failure (CHF) | CHF is a cardiac emergency in which the heart does not pump effectively, leading to a backup of fluid and pulmonary edema. |
Croup | Croup (Iaryngotracheobronchitis) is inflammation of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea. It is highly infectious and usually occurs in children up to about three years of age. |
Croup -Signs and symptoms | » Croup is usually preceded by a cold and usually occurs in winter. » Croup often presents with a unique "barking" cough. » Croup often presents with stridor (a high-pitched sound in the upper airway). |
Cystic fibrosis (CF) | Genetic disorder leading to thick mucus production and chronic lung infections. Cystic fibrosis often causes death prior to entering adulthood. |
Cystic fibrosis (CF)-Signs and symptoms | include asthma like symptoms and gastrointestinal problems. |
Pneumonia | Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It is often a secondary infection and is a leading cause of pediatric deaths worldwide. Pneumonia is a concern for any patient that aspirates. |
Pneumonia - Signs and symptoms | » Often history of chronic or terminal illness, productive cough, weakness, chest pain, fever, low pulse oximeter reading. |
Pneumothorax | i. Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural space. » It can occur spontaneously, or as a result of trauma. >- Asthma patients are at high risk for spontaneous pneumothorax. |
Pneumothorax Signs and symptoms | Possible history of respiratory problems or thoracic trauma >- Diminished or absent lung sounds in affected area |
Pulmonary edema | Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Causes include CHF, toxic inhalation, disease, and trauma. |
Pulmonary edema Signs and symptoms | include possible cardiac history, rales, pedal edema (swelling in the feet, ankles), and orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying down). |
Pulmonary embolism (PE) | PE is the blockage of a pulmonary artery due to a blood clot or other obstruction. |
Pulmonary embolism (PE) Signs and symptoms | include possible history of recent surgery, or long bone fracture, chest pain, tachypnea, chest pain, hemoptysis, and sudden cardiac arrest. |
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | RSV is a respiratory infection very common in infants and children. It is extremely contagious. The virus can survive on surfaces, clothing, etc. |
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Signs and symptoms | include cold like symptoms, poor fluid intake, and signs of dehydration. |
Hyperventilation syndrome | Hyperventilation syndrome is characterized by rapid breathing and is often associated with distraught patients. |
Hyperventilation syndrome can be a sign of serious underlying medical problems. | Attempt to calm patient, remove from stressful situation. Never have patient breathe into a paper bag or oxygen mask without oxygen. |
ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT | Consider continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), and metered-dose inhaler (MOl) or small-volume nebulizer (SVN) medications per local protocol and with approval of medical direction. |