Respiratory Arrest Flashcards
(15 cards)
What does respiratory arrest refer to?
Cessation of breathing, an emergency condition requiring immediate intervention.
What are common causes of respiratory arrest?
Various factors including obstructed airways, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, drug overdose or poisoning.
Name a neuromuscular disorder that can cause respiratory arrest.
Myasthenia gravis
Other examples include Guillain-Barre syndrome and amytrophic lateral sclerosis.
What is a pulmonary condition that can lead to respiratory arrest?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Other examples include cystic fibrosis and asthma.
How can central nervous system disorders contribute to respiratory arrest?
They can affect the brainstem’s respiratory centres, causing central hypoventilation.
What type of trauma can impair ventilation and lead to respiratory arrest?
Pneumothorax
Also includes haemothorax.
What is anaphylaxis and how does it relate to respiratory arrest?
It can cause acute airway obstruction, leading to respiratory arrest.
What is a common effect of toxic ingestion or inhalation on the respiratory system?
It can depress the nervous system or damage lung tissue.
What infections can cause significant lung damage leading to respiratory arrest?
Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
What is agonal breathing?
Characterised by gasping, laboured breaths that occur infrequently and irregularly.
What are some clinical features of respiratory arrest?
Cyanosis, decreased consciousness, pulse changes (tachycardia to bradycardia), dysphonia, aphonia, silent chest, use of accessory muscles, nasal flaring.
What is the first step in managing respiratory arrest?
Maintaining oxygenation and ventilation.
What should be done if decreased oxygen levels are detected in a patient with respiratory arrest?
Consider airway adjuvants.
What is an important part of post-arrest care?
Care in HDU or ICU.
Fill in the blank: The management of respiratory arrest includes commencing _______.
CPR
