Questions and Answers
After providing supplemental oxygen to a conscious and alert 29-year-old female with asthma who complains of difficulty breathing, what should you do next?
What is a pleural effusion MOST accurately defined as?
Albuterol is a generic name for which of the following?
Alkalosis is a condition that occurs when:
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An alert patient with a regular pattern of inhalation and exhalation and clear breath sounds is consistent with what?
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Asthma is caused by a response of the:
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At the onset of an acute asthma attack, patients commonly experience difficulty breathing and:
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Common signs and symptoms of acute hyperventilation syndrome include:
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Dyspnea is MOST accurately defined as:
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Harsh, high-pitched inspiratory sounds are characteristic of:
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Hyperventilation could be associated with all of the following, EXCEPT:
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In order for efficient pulmonary gas exchange to occur, what must happen?
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In what area of the lungs does respiration occur?
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The two processes that occur during respiration are:
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When assessing for fluid collection in the lungs during auscultation of lung sounds, which approach should you take?
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When auscultating the lungs of a patient with respiratory distress, hearing adventitious sounds indicates:
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When the level of carbon dioxide rises above normal, what typically happens?
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Which of the following conditions would be LEAST likely to result in hypoxia?
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Which of the following is MOST characteristic of adequate breathing?
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Which of the following statements regarding pulse oximetry is correct?
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A young female is unconscious after intentionally ingesting a large amount of aspirin. You will MOST likely find her respirations to be:
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Which of the following statements regarding hypoxic drive is correct?
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When auscultating an elderly woman's breath sounds, low-pitched 'rattling' sounds at the bases of both lungs MOST likely indicate which condition?
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You respond to a call for a 67-year-old female with respiratory distress. What should you suspect given her symptoms?
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The respiratory distress that accompanies emphysema is caused by:
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You receive a call for a 70-year-old female with respiratory distress. What should you do next?
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When assisting an asthma patient with their prescribed metered dose inhaler, what should you instruct the patient to do after exhaling?
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Study Notes
Respiratory Emergencies Overview
- Difficulty breathing after an activity, such as jogging, can indicate an asthma attack, assessed by bilateral expiratory wheezing.
- Pleural effusion is classified as fluid accumulation outside the lung, leading to potential respiratory complications.
Medication and Treatment
- Albuterol is commonly known as Ventolin, a bronchodilator used in asthma management.
- Antihistamines are not typically the first-line treatment for acute asthma attacks; instead, beta-agonist inhalers are checked for prior prescription.
Respiratory Conditions
- Alkalosis is caused by excessive breathing leading to reduced blood acidity.
- Clear and equal breath sounds reflect adequate air exchange, indicating no respiratory distress.
Asthma Characteristics
- Asthma attacks often present with expiratory wheezing as a distinctive respiratory symptom.
- The immune system plays a crucial role in triggering asthma episodes.
Hyperventilation and Dyspnea
- Tachypnea and peripheral tingling are common in acute hyperventilation syndrome, characterized by rapid breathing.
- Dyspnea refers to shortness of breath, highlighting the difficulty in breathing.
Abnormal Breath Sounds
- Stridor is a high-pitched sound indicating an upper airway obstruction.
- Adventitious sounds during auscultation suggest abnormal lung function.
Gas Exchange and Respiratory Efficiency
- Effective pulmonary gas exchange requires free diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the alveolar-capillary membrane.
- Normal respiration comprises inspiration and expiration processes.
Recognition of Hypoxia
- Symptoms of hypoxia can include altered mental status, although severe anxiety is least likely among common causes.
- Pulse oximetry is critical in assessing oxygen saturation, particularly in conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, which may yield falsely low readings.
Specific Cases and Emergencies
- Unconsciousness from aspirin overdose typically results in deep, rapid respirations.
- A patient with aspiration pneumonia may exhibit low-pitched rattling sounds during breath auscultation.
Acute Conditions Indications
- Symptoms of acute pulmonary embolism may include sudden shortness of breath and facial cyanosis.
- Chronic stretching of alveolar walls in conditions like emphysema results in significant respiratory distress.
Emergency Response Procedures
- In cases of respiratory distress, such as with congestive heart failure, applying a pulse oximeter and assessing vital signs are critical initial steps.
- When assisting an asthma patient with a metered dose inhaler, instructing them to hold their breath post-inhalation aids in medication absorption.
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Description
Test your knowledge on respiratory emergencies with this quiz based on EMT Chapter 16. Assess your understanding of asthma treatments and the management of breathing difficulties. Perfect for aspiring EMTs and medical students preparing for emergencies.
