Chapter 17 Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
Key Terms
constriction, or blockage, of the bronchi that lead form the trachea to the lungs
Bronchoconstriction
Key Terms
a form of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) consisting of a mask and a means of blowing oxygen or air into the mask to prevent airway collapse or to help alleviate difficulty breathing
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Key Terms
another term for expiration
Exhalation
Key Terms
a passive process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm relax, causing the chest cavity to decrease in size and force air from the lungs
Expiration
Key Terms
another term for inspiration
Inhalation
Key Terms
an active process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm contract, expanding the size of the chest cavity and causing air to flow into the lungs
Inspiration
Short Answer
What would you expect a patient’s respiratory rate to do when the patient gets hypoxic? Why?
All patients (adults, children, and infants) who become hypoxic will see an increase in their respiratory rate. Sensors in the brainstem and heart constantly detect how much oxygen is being carried in the blood. If it is too low, signals from the brain are sent to breathing muscles to increase the respiratory rate.
Short Answer
What would you expect a patient’s pulse rate to do when the patient gets hypoxic? Why?
The effect of hypoxia on the patient’s pulse rate may vary depending on the patient’s age. In an adult, hypoxia will increase the heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure. This is due to the direct stimulation of the sensors near the heart (aortic bodies) that detect low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. In children and infants, the heart rate may briefly increase but often falls sharply to become very slow (bradycardic).
Short Answer
List the signs of inadequate breathing.
Signs of inadequate breathing include a breathing rate above or below normal; irregular rhythm; diminished, unequal, or absent breath sounds; labored or increased respiratory effort; use of accessory muscles (may be pronounced in infants and children and involve nasal flaring, seesaw breathing, grunting, and retractions between the ribs and above the clavicles and sternum); and shallow respiratory depth.
Short Answer
Would you expect to assist a patient with his prescribed inhaler when he is experiencing congestive heart failure? Why or why not?
A patient in heart failure can also suffer from bronchoconstriction and wheezes. If bronchoconstriction is apparent and the patient’s physician has prescribed the inhaler’s use during such a situation, then it is indicated. The medication will have the side effect of increasing heart rate, so be sure to monitor vital signs and limit repeated doses of the medication.
Short Answer
List some differences between adult and infant/child respiratory systems.
Differences between adult and child/infant respiratory systems include:
- Mouth and nose—In general, all structures are smaller and more easily obstructed in children than in adults.
- Pharynx—Infant’s and children’s tongues take up proportionally more space in the mouth than do adults’.
- Trachea—The trachea is narrower and obstructed more easily by swelling; it is also softer and more flexible. Like other cartilage in the infant and child, the cricoid cartilage is less developed and less rigid.
- Diaphragm—The chest wall is softer; infants and children tend to depend more heavily on the diaphragm for breathing.
Short Answer
List the signs and symptoms of breathing difficulty.
Signs and symptoms of breathing difficulty include altered level of consciousness, dizziness, fainting, restlessness, anxiety, confusion, combativeness, cyanosis, straining neck and facial muscles, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, flaring nostrils, pursed lips, coughing, crowing, high-pitched barking, respiratory noises such as wheezing or rattling, and the patient’s sitting in a tripod position.
