RESPIRATORY EMERGENCIES

Nose/mouth – pharynx/oropharynx – Larynx – Trachea – Bronchi – Bronchioles – Lungs- Alveoli

The intercostal muscles and the diaphragm contract, increasing the size of the thoracic cavity. The diaphragm moves slightly downward, the ribs move upward/outward and air flows into the lungs

InhalationExhalation is the reverse

ALL IS NORMAL BASED ON………

• Tidal VolumeThe amount of air moved into or out of the

lungs in a single breathNormal is 500 ml

• Minute VolumeThe amount of air moved in or out of the lungs

in one minute minus dead spacemV= RR x vT – dead space (150) ml

• Normal Minute Volume

12bpm x 500 mL – 150 mL/bpm dead space=5850mL/minute

Rate Rhythm Quality Depth12-20 regular breath adequate

sounds

Skin is warm/pink/dry

INADEQUATE BREATHING• Respiratory Distress• Respiratory Failure

Inadequate Breathing Defined• Breathing that is not sufficient to support life

Signs of Inadequate Breathing

• Respiratory Distress

• Respiratory Failure

• Respiratory Arrest

Patient AssessmentRate Rhythm Quality12-20 Regular Depth (minute volume)

NoneToo FastToo Slow

• Oxygen TherapyNasal CanulaeNon-Rebreather

Oxygen Therapy (administration)Examples requiring O2 administration:• Respiratory or cardiac arrest• Heart attack • Stroke• Shock• Blood loss• Lung disease• Broken bones• Head injuries

• HypoxiaDeprivation of adequate supply of

oxygen• Hypercarbia

Excessive amount of Carbon Dioxide in the blood

Breathing DifficultiesSigns and Symptoms• Shortness of breath• Tightness in the chest• Restlessness • Increased pulse rate• Decreased pulse rate (especially in infants and

children)• Changes in breathing rate/rhythm

• Pale, cyanotic or flushed skin• Noisy breathing• Inability to speak in full sentences• Use of accessory muscles• Retractions• AMS• Coughing• Flared nostrils; pursed lips• Positioning• Barrel chest• Tripod Position

Tripod Position•Permits unhampered movement of respiratory muscles

Respiratory Conditions• COPD

EmphysemaChronic BronchitisBlack Lung

• CHFHypoxic Drive

NEVER WITHHOLD OXYGEN

Pulmonary Edema• Abnormal collection of fluid in the alveoli• Left-sided heart failure• orthopnia

Asthma• Seen in young and old alike• Episodic disease• May be triggered by an allergic reaction

When an attack occurs• Small bronchioles become narrow• Overproduction of thick mucus• Small passages practically shut down• Flow restricted in one direction

Expiratory wheezesAir is trapped in the lungs