Questions and Answers
What is a primary characteristic of asthma?
Which of the following is a common sign of respiratory distress?
What is the recommended response for a patient experiencing hyperventilation?
What is a critical sign to watch for during anaphylaxis?
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What breathing rate constitutes bradypnea in adults?
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Which of the following breathing sounds is indicative of respiratory obstruction?
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What treatment is commonly prescribed to asthmatics to manage their condition?
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Which symptom is associated with inadequate breathing in children?
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What is the primary symptom of hyperventilation?
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Which method is recommended as a last resort for managing hyperventilation?
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What is a common cause of anaphylaxis related to food?
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How does the body react to an allergen during anaphylaxis?
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What vital sign is most likely to be affected during anaphylaxis?
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In what temperature range should inhalers be stored?
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What sign may indicate that a person is hyperventilating?
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Which of the following is a symptom of respiratory distress in an individual experiencing hyperventilation?
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Which sign or symptom is NOT associated with anaphylaxis?
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What is the primary action of the EpiPen during an anaphylactic reaction?
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What are the two essential indications for administering an EpiPen?
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During an anaphylaxis response, which action should be performed first after administering an EpiPen?
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Which of the following signifies a potential side effect of using an EpiPen?
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What is a common symptom of respiratory distress that needs monitoring?
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Which option correctly describes part of the EpiPen administration process?
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When administering rescue breathing, which special consideration is important?
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What is the correct dosage for an adult EpiPen?
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In the context of respiratory distress, which of the following is a recommended care action?
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Study Notes
Breathing Terminology
- Dyspnea: Shortness of breath.
- Tachypnea: Rapid breathing, exceeding normal rates.
- Bradypnea: Slow breathing, below normal rates.
- Apnea: Complete absence of breathing.
- Hypocapnia: Low arterial carbon dioxide levels.
Adequate and Inadequate Breathing
- Normal breathing rates: Adult 12-20 breaths/min, Child 15-30, Infant 25-50.
- Considerations for assessment: Rate and depth of breathing.
- Indicators of inadequate breathing: Fewer than 4-6 or more than 40 breaths/min may require Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) assistance.
Signs of Inadequate Breathing
- Absent, minimal, or uneven chest movements.
- Breathing limited to abdomen (abdominal breathing).
- No air exchange felt or audible at the nose/mouth.
- Diminished or absent breath sounds.
- Abnormal noises such as wheezing, stridor, or snoring.
- Breathing rate excessively rapid or slow.
- Shallow, deep, or labored breathing.
Additional Signs of Inadequate Breathing
- Cyanosis: Blue or gray coloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds.
- Prolonged inspirations or expirations indicating airway obstruction.
- Difficulty speaking or completing sentences due to shortness of breath.
- Retractions: Pulling in of the muscles above the clavicles and between ribs in children.
- Nasal flaring, particularly in infants and children.
Causes of Breathing Emergencies
- Obstructed Airway: Choking incidents.
- Medical conditions such as Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI).
- Chest/lung injuries and various respiratory diseases (e.g., Asthma, Emphysema).
- Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and drug-related issues.
- Environmental factors: electrocution, poisoning, drowning, and shock.
- Hyperventilation as a cause of breath distress.
Asthma
- Characterized by narrowing of air passages due to bronchiole spasms.
- Common triggers include allergens, emotional stress, or exercise.
- Key sign of asthma is wheezing upon exhalation.
Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
- Swelling and redness, particularly facial and of the tongue.
- Rapid or difficult breathing, burning sensation on skin.
- Presence of hives, itching, rash, and weakness.
- Nausea, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.
- Weak or rapid pulse and coughing or wheezing.
“EpiPen” Auto-Injector
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Dosages:
- Adult: 0.3 mg
- Infant/Child: 0.15 mg.
- Indications: Severe allergic reaction with respiratory distress or shock; medication must be physician-prescribed.
- Contraindications: No contraindications in life-threatening situations.
EpiPen Administration
- Follow the "4 rights" for administration.
- Remove grey activation cap, place on lateral thigh.
- Push firmly against thigh until activated, hold for 10 seconds.
- Massage the thigh post-injection and document details.
- Dispose of injector in a sharps container.
Actions and Side Effects of EpiPen
- Actions: Dilates bronchioles, constricts blood vessels.
- Possible side effects: Increased heart rate, pallor, dizziness, chest pain, headache, nausea, and restlessness.
- Reassessment: Monitor vital signs, prepare for CPR, document actions.
Care for Respiratory Distress
- Perform initial assessment and call for emergency help.
- Keep the victim calm and comfortable.
- Gather SAMPLE history and conduct a physical exam.
- Assist with any prescribed medications.
- Monitor vital signs and protect from temperature extremes.
Respiratory Arrest
- Occurs when breathing ceases.
- Consider special requirements for rescue breathing, including the risk of gastric distention and vomiting.
- Adjust techniques based on specific patient needs (e.g., mouth-to-stoma breathing).
Hyperventilation
- Results from rapid breathing, leading to excessive CO2 exhalation.
- Triggered often by anxiety or fear.
- Signs include rapid breathing, feelings of suffocation, dizziness, and numbness in extremities.
Management of Hyperventilation
- Provide reassurance and calm the patient.
- Guide them to slow their breathing, potentially through nostril pinching.
- As a last resort, have them breathe into a bag, ensuring it's not related to asthma.
Anaphylaxis Overview
- Severe allergic response resulting in blood vessel dilation and airway swelling.
- Body reacts to allergens through the immune system, releasing histamines.
- Causes include certain foods (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), medications, insect stings, and plant interactions.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the terminology related to breathing emergencies, highlighting key terms such as dyspnea, tachypnea, and apnea. It also addresses the normal ranges of breathing based on age and the importance of both the rate and depth of breaths. Test your knowledge on these critical concepts in respiratory emergencies.
