Breathing Conditions

Question 1

Define asthma (1)

Answer 1

Asthma is the recurring sudden attacks of difficult breathing characterised by wheezing and difficulty in expiration

Question 2

What are the 3 categories of asthma attack? (3)

Answer 2

• Mild
• Severe
• Life-threatening

Question 3

What 4 things should re record when dealing with an asthma patient? (4)

Answer 3

• Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
• Symptom response to salbutamol inhaler
• Pulse and respiratory rates
• SpoO2 check

Question 4

What are the symptoms of mild asthma? (3)

Answer 4

• Increasing symptoms
• PEF = >50% - 75% best or predicted
• No features of acute severe asthma

Question 5

What are the symptoms of severe asthma? (4)

Answer 5

• PEF 33% - 50% best or predicted
• RR >25%
• HR >110
• Inability to complete sentences in one breath

Question 6

What are the symptoms of life-threatening asthma? (9)

Answer 6

• PEF <33%
• SpO2 rate at <92%
• Silent chest
• Cyanosis
• ALOC

Question 7

What is poison? (1)

Answer 7

Poison is any substance which, if taken into the body in sufficient amounts, may cause harm or even death.

Question 8

How can we recognise an opiate overdose? (8)

Answer 8

• Nausea
• Seizures
• Euphoria
• ‘PU’ of AVPU
• Pinpoint pupils
• Pale, cyanosed lips
• Reduced RR <10
• Coma

Question 9

How can we treat/manage casualties experiencing an opiate overdose? (7)

Answer 9

• Full history if possible
• Check, clear, maintain airway
• High concentration of oxygen
• Ventilation
• Access circulation
• Specific antidote may be required if known cause e.g. Narcan
• Evacuate asap, bring any evidence