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Respiratory Emergencies - Coggle Diagram
Respiratory Emergencies
Respiratory Diseases
Bronchiolitis
A respiratory illness that often occurs due to RSV and results in severe inflammation of the bronchioles.
Pneumonia
An infection of the lungs.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
An infection in the lungs and breathing passages. Can lead to other illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia as well as serious heart and lung problems in premature infants and in children who have depressed immune system. Highly Contagious
Pertussis (whooping cough)
An airborne bacterial infection that primarily affects children younger than 6 years.
Epiglottitis
A life threatening disease of the epiglottis. Often seen in infants and children.
Influenza Type A
An animal respiratory disease that has mutated to infect humans.
Tuberculosis (TB)
A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Pulmonary Edema
Fluid that builds up within the alveoli and in the lung tissue between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries. Usually a result of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A slow process of dilation and disruption of the airways and alveoli caused by chronic bronchial obstruction.
Chronic Bronchitis
Ongoing irritation of the trachea and bronchi.
Emphysema
A loss of elastic material in the lungs that occurs when the alveolar air spaces and obstructed of airflow out of the lungs.
Asthma
An acute spasm of the bronchioles associated with excessive mucus production and with swelling of the mucous lining of the respiratory passages.
Hay Fever
also known as "Allergic Rhinitis". Causes cold like symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and sinus pressure. Symptoms usually caused by outdoor allergens.
Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)
A severe allergic reactions characterized by airway swelling and dilation of blood vessel all over the body which may significantly lower blood pressure.
Pneumothorax
A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space.
Pleural Effusion
A collection of fluid outside the lung on one or both sides of the chest.
Pulmonary Embolism
A blood clot formed in a vein, usually in the legs or pelvis, that breaks off and can also come from the right atrium in a patient with atrial fibrillation.
Hyperventilation
Over breathing to the point that the level of arterial carbon dioxide falls below normal.
Alkalosis
The buildup of excess base (lack of acids) in the body fluids.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
A colorless, odorless, tasteless, and highly poisonous gas known as the "silent killer".
Croup
Caused by inflammation and swelling of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea. (Children ages 6 months- 3 years)
Assessment Findings
COPD
May present with adventitious breath sounds such as crackles, rhonchi, and wheezes or may have severely diminished breath sounds due to poor air movement.
Asthma
Wheezing as the patient attempts to exhale through partially obstructed air passages. Patient may also have a total blockage and become cyanotic and respiratory arrest may quickly develop.
Anaphylaxis (Shock)
Widespread hives, itching, signs of shock, and signs and symptoms similar to asthma. Complete airway blockage can occur in a matter of minutes.
Pneumothorax
Sharp stabbing pain on one side that is worse during inspiration and expiration or with certain movements of the chest wall. Breath sounds may be absent or decreased on the affected side. May be hard to detect breath sounds in a patient with severe emphysema.
Pleural Effusion
May have decreased breath sounds over the region of the chest where the fluid has moved the lungs away from the chest wall. May feel better sitting upright.
Pulmonary Embolism
Dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, varying degrees of hypoxia, cyanosis, acute chest pain, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
Hyperventilation
May experience anxiety, dizziness, numbness, tingling of hands and feet, and painful spasms of the hands and/or feet. May feel like they can breath even with the rapid breathing that they are doing.
Carbon Dioxide Poisoning
Report of headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea/ vomiting. May have impaired judgment, confusion, and hallucinations. In worst situations may cause syncope or seizures.
Treatments
Epiglottitis
Keep patient in position of comfort and give high-flow oxygen. Do not place anything in mouth as it can cause an airway obstruction. Focus on adequate airway and promptly transport to an ED.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Look for signs of dehydration, treat airway and breathing problems as appropriate. Humidified oxygen is helpful if available.
Croup
Croup often responds well to administration of humidification oxygen. Note that bronchodilators are not indicated for coup and can worsen a patient's symptoms.
Bronchiolitis
Provide appropriate oxygen therapy and let patient remain in position of comfort. Reassess frequently for signs of worsening. Be prepared to provide airway management and positive-pressure ventilation should the patient develop respiratory failure.
Pneumonia
Provide airway support and provide supplemental oxygen. Use oxygen appropriate adjuncts and supportive measures if needed. Evaluate patient treatment through reassessment and prepare for possible deterioration in the patient's condition.
Pertussis
Children younger than 1 year should be treated at a hospital. Children may vomit and not want to eat or drink. Watch for signs of dehydration. May want to suction thick secretions to clear the airway. Give oxygen by most means necessary. In geriatric it maybe cause pneumonia.
Tuberculosis (TB)
If you suspect your patient may have active TB, you need to wear (at a minimum) your gloves, eye protection, and an N-95 respirator.
Pulmonary Edema
Supply with oxygen and transport promptly.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Administer oxygen, bronchodilators, and CPAP machine.
Asthma
Assist patient with their inhaler or nebulizer if they have one and listen to the patient as they know their usual symptoms and exactly what they need to help them.
Anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock)
If patient has an epinephrine injector, EpiPen, we can assist in administering it. Oxygen and histamines may be useful. Medical direction should guide appropriate therapy.
Pneumothorax
Continually reassess for anxiety, increased dyspnea, hypotension, absent or severely decreased breath sounds on one side, the presence of jugular vein distension, and cyanosis.
Pleural Effusion
Patient may feel better if sitting upright. Nothing will relieve all of their symptoms besides removing the fluid which can only be done by a physician in the hospital.
Hyperventilation
Verbally instruct the patient to slow their breathing, however if that does not work, give supplemental oxygen and provide transport to the hospital.
Carbon Dioxide Poisoning
Decontaminate patient. Access the patient, paying special attention to breath sounds because inhalation injury can cause lung damage and aspiration pneumonia that can turn into pulmonary edema.
Assessment Findings
Croup
Stridor and a seal barking cough.
Epiglottitis
Looks ill, report of sore throat, and a high fever. Often found in tripod position and drooling. Stridor is a late sign in the development of the airway obstruction.
RSV
Very contagious and can be spread through droplets when the patient coughs or sneezes. Can survive on surfaces and clothing.
Bronchiolitis
Frequently found in newborns and toddlers especially boys, whose airways can easily become blocked. Common during winter and spring months.
Pneumonia
Usually comes second to a upper respiratory infection such as a cold or sore throat. Can be caused by a virus, bacterium, or chemical injury after an accidental ingestion or a direct lung injury from a submersion incident. Intubation and tracheostomy can increase the chance of developing pneumonia.
Pertussis
Feverish and exhibit a "whoop" sound on inspiration after a coughing attack. Common cold symptoms with long coughing spells, while also not wanting to eat or drink.
Tuberculosis
Report fever, coughing, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss. If infection becomes severe patient might experience shortness of breath, coughing, productive sputum, bloody sputum, and chest pain.
Pulmonary Edema
Difficulty breathing after exertion, patient has cool, diaphoretic, and cyanotic skin and you will hear adventitious breath sounds like crackles or wheezing. Pulse may be tachycardic. May have hypertension early, followed by deterioration to hypotension as a late finding.