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Respiratory Distress Emergencies - Coggle Diagram
Respiratory Distress Emergencies
Asthma: A chronic respiratory disorder in which there is increased responsiveness of the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles to various triggers resulting in narrowing of the airways
Cause: Spasm and constriction to the bronchi:
Symptoms
Labored breathing
Anxiety
Coughing Spasm
Wheezing
PABCD Treatment
P: upright or as comfortable for patient
A & B: Maintain open airway & breathe for patient if necessary
C: Monitor Pulse
D: Monitor vitals, activate EMS, administer albuterol 2-4 puffs initially may repeat after 10-20 min, administer O2
Signs of recovery: Patients breathing returns to normal rate and sound
Signs of deterioration: Breathing does not improve; cyanosis develops; vital signs are unstable; re-evaluate diagnosis
Airway Obstruction
Cause: Foreign body in pharynx or larynx
Symptoms
Choking
Gagging
Violent expiratory effort
Substernal notch retraction
Cyanosis
Labored Breathing
Rapid then decreased pulse
Respiratory Arrest
Cardiac Arrest
PACD Treatment
P: Supine if patient is consciousness, otherwise upright or as comfortable for patient as possible
A & B: If patient shows universal signs of choking, preform Helmich maneuver, continue until clear or patient loses consciousness- otherwise attempt to clear airway
D: Activate EMS
Signs of Recovery: Breathing returns to normal; foreign body is removed or swallowed
Signs of deterioration: Cyanosis becomes obvious; patient loses consciousness; cardiac or respiratory arrest; re- evaluate diagnosis; maintain basic life support; await EMS
Hyperventilation (Panic Attack)
Cause: Excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide; producing respiratory alkalosis (can be associated with panic attack/ acute anxiety)
Symptoms
Rapid, shallow breathing
Confusion
Vertigo (dizziness)
Paresthesia (numbness of tingling of extremities)
Carpo-pedal spasm (cramping of hands or feet)
Chest tightness
PABCD Treatment
P: Upright/ semi-reclining
A & B: Maintain open airway & do NOT administer oxygen
C: Monitor pulse and BP
D: If unsure of hyperventilation or if you are suspicious of diabetes (rapid shallow breathing could indicate diabetic acidosis) - consider activating EMS immediately
D: Instruct pt. to hold hands over mouth to breath for 10 seconds then breathe, then repeat
D: Monitor Vitals
Signs of deterioration: Patient loses consciousness, vital signs are unstable, re-evaluate diagnosis
Signs of recovery: Patients breathing may return to normal
