Respiratory Emergencies

• Without oxygen, brain cells can begin to die in ___ to ____ minutes?

  4; 6
• an emergency for when a person isn't breathing but has a pulse?

  respiratory
• between 4-6 minutes of a respiratory emergency?

  brain damage possible
• between 6-10 minutes of lack of oxygen means?

  brain damage likely
• over 10 minutes without oxygen means?

  irreversible brain damage certain
• when breathing becomes difficult and can lead to respiratory failure?

  respiratory distress
• respiratory distress can lead to?

  respiratory arrest
• when breathing stops, agonal breaths do not count as breathing?

  respiratory arrest
• causes of this include: partially obstructed airway, illness, chronic conditions (asthma, emphysema, congestive heart failure), electrocution, heart attack, injury to head, chest, lungs or abdomen, allergic reactions, drug overdose, poisoning, emotional distress, anaphylactic shock?

  respiratory distress
• signs of this include abnormal breathing rate, abnormal quality of breath, and abnormal breath sounds?

  respiratory distress
• slow breathing is also referred to as?

  bradypnea/hypoventilation
• rapid breathing is also known as?

  tachypnea/hyperventilation
• quality of breath is how ______ or ______ the breath is?

  deep; shallow
• abnormal breath sound that is whistling is called?

  wheezing
• abnormal breath sound that is high pitched squeaking?

  stridor
• signs of this include changes in level of consciousness, increased heart rate, skin(appearance - flushed, pale, ashen, cyanotic; feel - moist), difficulty speaking or sudden silence?

  respiratory distress
• respiratory distress does what to consciousness?

  changes
• respiratory distress does what to heart rate?

  increases
• symptoms of this include dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, tingling sensation at digits and extremities, general anxiety, chest tightness/tension?

  respiratory distress
• when caring for respiratory distress, do you need to know the exact cause to provide initial care?


  no
• when caring for respiratory distress, you should maintain an _____________ and summon ____?

  open airway, EMS
• care for __________ includes:

  • maintain open airway
  • summon EMS
  • Help victim in comfortable position that makes breathing easier
  • Reassure and comfort victim
  • assist with any prescribed MEDICATION (asthma inhaler)
  • Keep victim from getting chilled or overheated
  • Administer emergency oxygen and monitor oxygen saturation (if trained/available)
  • Check for other life-threatening conditions
  • Interview victim and any bystanders
  • respiratory distress
• once you begin care, you can't?

  leave
• asthma, vocal cord dysfunction, emphysema, bronchitis, anaphylaxis, hyperventilation, obstructed airway are all?

  common breathing conditions
• when airways swell, narrowing air passages?

  asthma
• asthma trigger (dust, exercise, etc) causes spasm of bronchi muscles?

  asthma attack
• sign of this is wheezing when EXHALING?

  asthma
• this condition is controlled with meds (metered-dose inhaler)?

  asthma
• an asthma inhaler may take _____ minutes to reach full effectiveness?

  5-15
• with asthma, you should place victim in?

  position that helps breathing
• presents similarly to asthma

  • may be triggered similarly - lung irritants, URI, exercise
  • Does NOT involve the lower airways?

  vocal cord dysfunction
• causes swollen lining of airway and excess mucus?

  asthma
• characterized by:

  • more difficult to inhale than exhale
  • asthma medications do not ease symptoms
  • vocal cords do not open correctly?

  vocal cord dysfunction
• causes wheezing when inhaling?

  vocal cord dysfunction
• treatment for vocal cord dysfunction includes?

  breathing techniques, speech therapy, avoiding irritants
• condition where lungs lose their ability to exchange CO2 and O2 effectively?

  emphysema
• common cause of emphysema?

  smoking
• signs and symptoms of this disorder include:

  • shortness of breath
  • restlessness
  • confusion
  • weakness?
  • emphysema
• inflammation of the lining of the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles that causes build-up of mucus that obstructs air passages?

  bronchitis
• signs and symptoms:

  • persistent cough
  • tightness in the chest
  • trouble breathing?

  bronchitis