RESPIRATORY EMERGENCIES

An Introduction

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• Respiratory Arrest

Inadequate Breathing Defined

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

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

Respiratory Conditions• COPD

EmphysemaChronic BronchitisBlack Lung

• CHFHypoxic Drive

NEVER WITHHOLD OXYGEN

Airway Management and VentilationRespiratory Failure; Respiratory Arrest

• Rescue Breathing• Mouth-Mask• BVM• Airway Adjunct• Suctioning