Daniel Wesley: Acute Breathing Difficulties

Question 1

What is a nursing plan for a pt who is short of breath, slipped down the bed, unable to talk in full sentences, removed nasal cannula and is confused?

Answer 1

Carry out set of obs
Give O2 accordingly
Sit pt up in bed
Encourage deep breaths
?saline nebs - consider salbutamol and ipratropium
Sputum sample

Question 2

At what level of oxygen do you give it through certain masks?

Answer 2

1-4l = nasal specs
5-10l = face mask
15l = non-rebreathe bag

Question 3

What are salbutamol and ipratropium?

Answer 3

Bronchodilators
Salbutamol is short acting
Ipratropium is long acting

Question 4

What is hydrocortisone?

Answer 4

Steroid

Reduces inflammation and helps to clear secretions

Question 5

What’s included in the ABCDE assessment?

Answer 5

A = is the airway patent?
B = does the other require O2, check SATs, RR, depth and regularity of breathing
C = HR, BP, capillary refill, urine
D = BM, GCS
E = ?canula, ?wound, ?bleeding