EMT Chapter 15 Respiratory Emergencies

Questions and Answers

Your patient has a chronic respiratory condition. His stimulus to breathe is triggered by low oxygen levels in the blood. This is known as the ___________.

hypoxic drive

Which of the following must be assessed in every respiratory patient?

lung sounds

Crackles (rales) are caused by _________.

air passing through fluid

"PASTE" is an alternate assessment tool for ___________.

respiratory patients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a genetic disorder that predisposes the patient to repeated lung infections?

cystic fibrosis Signup and view all the answers

In what area of the lungs does respiration occur?

alveoli Signup and view all the answers

In order for efficient pulmonary gas exchange to occur:

oxygen and carbon dioxide must be able to freely diffuse across the alveolar-capillary membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is MOST characteristic of adequate breathing?

24 breaths/min with bilaterally equal breath sounds and pink skin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would be LEAST likely to result in hypoxia?

severe anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST likely cause of the 59-year-old male's condition with emphysema?

spontaneous pneumothorax Signup and view all the answers

Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) would MOST likely be contraindicated in which of the following situations?

shortness of breath and a blood pressure of 76/56 mm Hg Signup and view all the answers

Asthma is caused by a response of the:

immune system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST important treatment for the patient with acute shortness of breath and wheezing?

epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

When auscultating the lungs of a patient with respiratory distress, you hear adventitious sounds. This means that the patient has:

abnormal breath sounds. Signup and view all the answers

While auscultating an elderly woman's breath sounds, which condition is MOST consistent with low-pitched 'rattling' sounds?

aspiration pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

You are assisting an asthma patient with his prescribed metered-dose inhaler. After the patient takes a deep breath and depresses the inhaler, what should you instruct him to do?

hold his breath for as long as he comfortably can. Signup and view all the answers

A pleural effusion is MOST accurately defined as:

fluid accumulation outside the lung. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely condition of the 3-year-old male suffering from severe shortness of breath and making high-pitched noises?

viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the auscultation findings, the patient is most likely suffering from:

bronchiolitis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely condition of the 54-year-old female patient in the homeless shelter with cough and green sputum?

tuberculosis. Signup and view all the answers

Dyspnea is MOST accurately defined as:

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Signup and view all the answers

When the level of arterial carbon dioxide rises above normal, what happens?

respirations increase in rate and depth. Signup and view all the answers

An alert patient has a regular pattern of inhalation and exhalation with clear breath sounds. These findings are consistent with:

adequate air exchange. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the hypoxic drive is correct?

the hypoxic drive stimulates a person to breathe on the basis of low oxygen levels. Signup and view all the answers

When administering supplemental oxygen to a hypoxemic patient with a chronic lung disease, you should: __________.

adjust the flow rate accordingly until you see symptom improvement, but be prepared to assist his or her ventilations. Signup and view all the answers

Acute pulmonary edema would MOST likely develop as the result of:

toxic chemical inhalation. Signup and view all the answers

Hyperventilation could be associated with all of the following, EXCEPT:

a narcotic overdose. Signup and view all the answers

Alkalosis is a condition that occurs when:

blood acidity is reduced by excessive breathing. Signup and view all the answers

Common signs and symptoms of acute hyperventilation syndrome include:

tachypnea and tingling in the extremities. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do for a 21-year-old female who has apparently overdosed and is semiconscious with slow, shallow respirations?

insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

A 22-year-old female patient is complaining of dyspnea and numbness and tingling in her hands and feet after an argument. What should you do?

provide reassurance and give oxygen as needed. Signup and view all the answers

A 62-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure presents with severe respiratory distress. What should you do?

apply a CPAP device, monitor his blood pressure, and observe him for signs of improvement or deterioration. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory Emergencies Overview

Chronic respiratory conditions can trigger breathing based on low oxygen levels, known as hypoxic drive.
Lung sounds are essential to assess in all respiratory patients to diagnose conditions.

Common Respiratory Sounds

Crackles (rales) indicate air passing through fluid in the lungs.
Abnormal breath sounds, or adventitious sounds, suggest respiratory distress or complications.

Assessment Tools and Methods

PASTE is a useful tool for evaluating respiratory patients.
Adequate breathing is characterized by 24 breaths/min, bilaterally equal breath sounds, and pink skin.

Respiratory Conditions

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder leading to frequent lung infections.
Respiration occurs primarily in the alveoli, where gas exchange happens across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Breathing Efficiency

Efficient gas exchange requires freedom for oxygen and carbon dioxide movement.
Symptoms of hypoxia are less likely in conditions like severe anxiety.

Specific Patient Cases

A 59-year-old male with emphysema and unilaterally diminished breath sounds likely faces a spontaneous pneumothorax after a cough.
CPAP is contraindicated in patients experiencing severe shortness of breath with very low blood pressure.

Medical Treatments

Asthma is primarily caused by an immune system response.
For anaphylactic patients showing symptoms such as wheezing and low blood pressure, epinephrine is the critical treatment.

Pediatric Considerations

In a young child with severe shortness of breath and recent upper respiratory infection symptoms, the likely diagnosis is a viral infection.
A child with signs of RSV infection and worsening cough is likely suffering from bronchiolitis.

Disease Features

Tuberculosis can present with cough, night sweats, chest pain, and green sputum in an elderly patient.
Dyspnea is defined as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Physiology and Responses

An increase in arterial carbon dioxide raises respiratory rate and depth due to the body’s response to maintain balance.
Signs of alkalosis arise from reduced blood acidity due to excessive breathing.

Hyperventilation and Overdose Protocols

Symptoms of acute hyperventilation syndrome include tachypnea and tingling in extremities.
In cases of narcotic overdose, employ a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation for support.

Psychological Impact

Emotional distress can lead to hyperventilation, necessitating reassurance and supplemental oxygen.
For patients with severe respiratory distress from heart failure, employing a CPAP device is crucial while monitoring vital signs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on respiratory emergencies with this EMT Chapter 15 flashcard quiz. Each card covers crucial concepts, definitions, and assessments needed for effective patient care in respiratory conditions. Perfect for EMT students preparing for exams.