EM #2 Flashcards
(421 cards)
What interview technique should you use if someone is profoundly SOB?
yes/no questions
What are asthma risk factors? (5)
- Current steroid use/recent withdrawal
- comorbid conditions
- serious psyc illness (dx-dx interactions, poor-self care)
- illicit drugs (COCAINE)
- low socioeconomic class)
What are risk factors fro death from asthma? (5)
- Prior intubations
- previous ICU admissions for asthma
- recent/frequent ED visits for asthma
- Use of 2+ albuterol inhalers in past month
- use of air conditioning
What are warning signs for severe asthma exacerbation? (7)
- Peak flow under 180 L/min
- PaO2 under 60mmHg
- PCO2 over 45mmHg
- mental status change
- cardiac arrhythmias
- pulsus paradoxus over 20mmHg
- pneumothorax
What SaO2 do you want to keep as asthmatic patient above?
95
What do you want to be continually monitoring on an asthmatic patient?
Pulse ox
What is the MOA of albuterol? (4)
- Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle
- decrease histamine release
- inhibit microvascular leakage into airways
- increase mucocilliary clearance
How often should you eval an asthmatic patient?
after EACH treatment (subjective response, PFT)
What are common SE of albuterol?
tachycardia, tremor, anxiety
What is an alternative to albuterol is someone is allergic to it?
levoalbuterol
What class of drug is albuterol?
B2 agonist
What class of drug is levoalbuterol?
B2 agonist with some B1 activity
What is the MOA of steroids in regards to asthma exacerbation?
- Inhibit airway inflammation
- reverse B-R downregulation
- block leukotriene synthesis
- Inhibit cytokine production and adhesion protein activation
In simple terms, how do steroids help with asthma exacerbation?
speed recovery and reduce recurrence!
What route of steroid admin has NO role in acute asthma exacerbations?
inhaled!
What is a drug commonly given during asthma exacerbation that produces beonchodilation but also has cardiac SE?
epinephrine
Who do you have to be careful of giving epinephrine to?
elderly peeps
What is an alternative to epi that can be given for asthma exacerbations that has LESS CARDIAC SE?
terbutaline
What are 3 other drugs that aren’t commonly used for asthma exacerbations but were in the ppt?
- theophylline
- Mg sulfate (relaxes smooth muscle)
- Heliox
What is status asthmaticus?
severe, prolonged asthma attack which can not be broken by usual treatment
What can status asthmaticus lead to?
severe acidosis
What should be done before crisis of cardiac arrest in status asthmaticus?
Intubation
What are criteria for admission for asthma exacerbation? (5)
- FAILURE OG POST-TREATMENT PFT to increase by 15 percent above initial value, or absolute PFT under 200
- Repeat visit w/n 3 days with no improvement of sxs
- changes in MS
- persistent hypoxia
- persistent increase in work of breathing
What are the 3 steps in COPD management?
- Medication therapy and supplemental O2
- positive pressure ventilation
- Intubation