Respiratory arrest

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

The cessation of normal breathing due to failure of the lungs to function effectively. it can be partial or complete obstruction of the airway. Asthma is a type of respiratory arrest + some anaphylactic shock can cause obstruction of the airway

Question 2

Signs

Answer 2

unresponsiveness, absence of spontaneous breathing, not chest rise/fall, progressive colour change (cyanosis), unable to feel air coming from mouth + nose, wheezing/gasping

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

difficulty breathing, feeling of losing consciousness

Question 4

Action

Answer 4

artificial ventilation

Question 5

Breathing

Answer 5

check for paradoxical chest + abdominal movements
adults 12-20 per min, children 20-30 breaths per min
check for use of accessory muscles of respiration (neck muscles)