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 Inhalation Exhalation is the reverse ALL IS NORMAL BASED ON………

Tidal Volume The amount of air moved into or out of the lungs in a single breath Normal is 500 ml

Minute Volume The amount of air moved in or out of the lungs in one minute minus dead space mV= RR x vT – dead space (150) ml

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

RateRhythmQualityDepth 12-20regularbreath 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 Assessment RateRhythm Quality 12-20RegularDepth (minute volume) None Too Fast Too Slow

Oxygen Therapy Nasal Canulae Non-Rebreather

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

Hypoxia Deprivation of adequate supply of oxygen Hypercarbia Excessive amount of Carbon Dioxide in the blood

Breathing Difficulties Signs 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

Permits unhampered movement of respiratory muscles

Respiratory Conditions COPD Emphysema Chronic Bronchitis Black Lung CHF Hypoxic 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 wheezes Air is trapped in the lungs