Breathing Emergencies Terminology

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary characteristic of asthma?

Increased breathing rate

Excessive mucus production

Difficulty in swallowing

Narrowing of air passages (correct)

Which of the following is a common sign of respiratory distress?

Increased appetite

Regular breathing pattern

Increased blood pressure

Cyanosis of skin and lips (correct)

What is the recommended response for a patient experiencing hyperventilation?

Advise the patient to breathe into a paper bag (correct)

Call for emergency medical services

Provide oxygen immediately

Encourage the patient to take deeper breaths

What is a critical sign to watch for during anaphylaxis?

Shortness of breath with wheezing Signup and view all the answers

What breathing rate constitutes bradypnea in adults?

4-6 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following breathing sounds is indicative of respiratory obstruction?

Wheezing Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is commonly prescribed to asthmatics to manage their condition?

Inhalers Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with inadequate breathing in children?

Retractions during inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom of hyperventilation?

Rapid, shallow breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended as a last resort for managing hyperventilation?

Breath slowly into a paper or plastic bag Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of anaphylaxis related to food?

Peanuts Signup and view all the answers

How does the body react to an allergen during anaphylaxis?

By releasing an explosive amount of histamine Signup and view all the answers

What vital sign is most likely to be affected during anaphylaxis?

Decreased oxygen saturation Signup and view all the answers

In what temperature range should inhalers be stored?

59-86° F Signup and view all the answers

What sign may indicate that a person is hyperventilating?

Feeling of suffocation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of respiratory distress in an individual experiencing hyperventilation?

Short, shallow breaths Signup and view all the answers

Which sign or symptom is NOT associated with anaphylaxis?

Chronic fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of the EpiPen during an anaphylactic reaction?

Dilates the bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What are the two essential indications for administering an EpiPen?

Signs of severe allergic reaction and medication prescribed Signup and view all the answers

During an anaphylaxis response, which action should be performed first after administering an EpiPen?

Call 911 for emergency assistance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following signifies a potential side effect of using an EpiPen?

Increased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of respiratory distress that needs monitoring?

Rapid or difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes part of the EpiPen administration process?

Place injector against the thigh Signup and view all the answers

When administering rescue breathing, which special consideration is important?

Be cautious of gastric distention Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct dosage for an adult EpiPen?

.3 mg Signup and view all the answers

In the context of respiratory distress, which of the following is a recommended care action?

Help the victim rest comfortably Signup and view all the answers

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

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.