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Questions and Answers
What are examples of obstructive lung diseases?
What device can be used with a metered-dose inhaler to hold medication until it is inhaled?
A pulse oximeter reading of less than what percentage indicates hypoxia in a patient with breathing difficulty?
If a patient's breathing rate or tidal volume is found to be inadequate, what should be initiated?
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What must be obtained before administering metered-dose inhalers by an EMT?
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What is the priority consideration when assessing a patient with breathing difficulty?
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When might you consider administering positive pressure ventilation to a patient?
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Which of the following is true regarding the use of metered-dose inhalers (MDIs)?
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What is a characteristic of beta agonist medications used in aerosolized metered-dose inhalers?
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In a scenario where you suspect a patient is hypoxic, which pulse oximeter reading indicates a cause for concern?
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Which of the following symptoms indicates severe asthma exacerbation requiring immediate attention?
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What is a common treatment for an acute severe asthma attack?
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What condition is characterized by persistent asthma attacks that do not respond to typical treatments?
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What is a common physical appearance noted in patients with emphysema?
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Which of the following factors can contribute to increased airway resistance during an asthma attack?
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What lung sounds are most often associated with chronic bronchitis?
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Which symptom is NOT typically observed in a patient with emphysema?
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What symptom is considered an ominous sign during an asthma attack?
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What is the primary strategy for managing a patient experiencing shortness of breath?
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What is a potential complication associated with patients experiencing chronic lung conditions?
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What symptom is most indicative of pneumonia?
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What is a common feature of acute pulmonary edema?
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Which condition is associated with sudden rupture of the visceral lining?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of hyperventilation syndrome?
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What should be administered to a patient exhibiting symptoms of epiglottitis?
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Which of the following is a sign of pulmonary embolism?
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What is a potential assessment finding in a patient with acute pulmonary edema?
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What is a typical emotional reaction in patients experiencing hyperventilation syndrome?
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Which of the following conditions can lead to whooping cough?
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Which characteristic is associated with Cheyne-Stokes respirations?
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What is the primary function of the diaphragm in the respiratory system?
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Which sign is most indicative of early hypoxia?
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What commonly causes wheezing in patients with respiratory issues?
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What does the term 'tidal volume' refer to in respiratory physiology?
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In cases of respiratory distress, patients often find it easier to breathe in which position?
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What is primarily reduced in COPD patients due to emphysema?
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What does the presence of retractions in a patient indicate?
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Which condition is characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls and reduced gas exchange?
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Study Notes
Patient Assessment and Treatment
- Determine if the patient's breathing is adequate or inadequate.
- Elicit a focused history by asking questions regarding the patient's symptoms, duration, exacerbating factors, and past medical history.
- Initiate treatment steps based on the assessment findings, ensuring a methodical approach to care.
- If oxygen therapy is indicated, select the appropriate adjunct, such as a nasal cannula or non-rebreather mask, depending on the severity of the patient's condition.
- Ensure proper patient positioning for transport; the optimal position may vary based on the patient's breathing status (e.g., sitting upright for easier breathing).
Respiratory Conditions
- Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma fall under the category of obstructive lung diseases.
- Symptoms include difficulty in exhaling air and airflow limitations, which may lead to hypoxia.
Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI)
- Two common adjunct devices for MDIs are a spacer and a valved holding chamber, enhancing medication delivery.
- EMTs require approval from medical direction to administer MDIs, either through online or offline orders.
- For patients exhibiting respiratory distress, a pulse oximeter reading below 94 percent indicates hypoxia.
Emergency Interventions
- If a patient's breathing rate or tidal volume is inadequate, positive pressure ventilation should be initiated immediately.
- Consider this patient a priority case and contemplate calling for advanced life support backup to ensure timely intervention.
Prescribed Inhaler Information
- Commonly used medication is delivered via aerosolized metered-dose inhaler.
- Dosage frequency is determined by medical direction and must be adhered to carefully.
- The inhaler's action includes bronchodilation, primarily through beta agonist effects that relax smooth muscles in the bronchi, reducing airway resistance.
- Be aware of possible side effects when administering inhalers to patients.
Patient Assessment and Treatment
- Determine if the patient's breathing is adequate or inadequate.
- Elicit a focused history by asking questions regarding the patient's symptoms, duration, exacerbating factors, and past medical history.
- Initiate treatment steps based on the assessment findings, ensuring a methodical approach to care.
- If oxygen therapy is indicated, select the appropriate adjunct, such as a nasal cannula or non-rebreather mask, depending on the severity of the patient's condition.
- Ensure proper patient positioning for transport; the optimal position may vary based on the patient's breathing status (e.g., sitting upright for easier breathing).
Respiratory Conditions
- Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma fall under the category of obstructive lung diseases.
- Symptoms include difficulty in exhaling air and airflow limitations, which may lead to hypoxia.
Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI)
- Two common adjunct devices for MDIs are a spacer and a valved holding chamber, enhancing medication delivery.
- EMTs require approval from medical direction to administer MDIs, either through online or offline orders.
- For patients exhibiting respiratory distress, a pulse oximeter reading below 94 percent indicates hypoxia.
Emergency Interventions
- If a patient's breathing rate or tidal volume is inadequate, positive pressure ventilation should be initiated immediately.
- Consider this patient a priority case and contemplate calling for advanced life support backup to ensure timely intervention.
Prescribed Inhaler Information
- Commonly used medication is delivered via aerosolized metered-dose inhaler.
- Dosage frequency is determined by medical direction and must be adhered to carefully.
- The inhaler's action includes bronchodilation, primarily through beta agonist effects that relax smooth muscles in the bronchi, reducing airway resistance.
- Be aware of possible side effects when administering inhalers to patients.
Upper and Lower Airway Anatomy
- Upper airway includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, and larynx.
- Lower airway consists of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.
Respiratory Muscles
- Main muscles involved: sternocleidomastoid, diaphragm, intercostals.
- Active inspiration and passive exhalation are key processes in respiration.
Gas Exchange
- Diffusion allows oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange at the capillary level.
- Tidal volume is defined as one inhalation and one exhalation.
Signs of Hypoxia
- Initial signs include anxiety/agitation.
- Hypoxemia: decreased oxygen in bloodstream.
- Hypoxia: decreased oxygen in tissues.
- Dyspnea refers to shortness of breath, while apnea indicates respiratory arrest.
Assessing Breath Sounds
- Wheezing: high-pitched, musical sounds due to bronchiolar constriction, often related to asthma.
- Rhonchi: snoring or rattling sounds caused by thick mucus secretions.
- Rales (Crackles): bubbly or crackling sounds associated with fluid in the alveoli.
Respiratory Distress Indicators
- Signs include fast or slow respiratory rates, cool clammy skin, cyanosis, increased breathing effort, and the use of accessory muscles.
- Patients often prefer sitting upright or in a semi-Fowler's position to ease breathing.
COPD Overview
- Comprises primarily emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
- Features of emphysema: loss of lung tissue elasticity, air trapping, reduced gas exchange, and labored breathing.
- Symptoms include barrel-chest appearance, wheezing, dry cough, and chronic shortness of breath.
Chronic Bronchitis Characteristics
- Caused by smoking, marked by inflammation of bronchi and excessive mucus production.
- Symptoms include bluish skin, excessive sputum, dyspnea, and pedal edema.
Asthma
- Condition characterized by bronchospasm, edema, and mucus in lower airways.
- Symptoms during an attack include dyspnea, cough, wheezing, tachycardia, and anxiety.
- Severe attacks may result in silent chest indicating lack of air movement.
Pneumonia
- Acute infectious disease common in the elderly and those with weak immune systems.
- Signs include fever, productive cough, chest pain, and dyspnea.
- May produce green or yellow sputum.
Pulmonary Embolism
- Obstruction of blood flow due to blood clots, air bubbles, or fat particles.
- Symptoms include sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, chest pain, and possible cough with blood.
Acute Pulmonary Edema
- Fluid accumulates in pulmonary spaces due to cardiogenic or non-cardiogenic reasons.
- Signs include tachycardia, anxiety, crackles in lung sounds, and pink frothy sputum.
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
- Caused by rupture of visceral lining, often in tall, thin males.
- Symptoms include sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and decreased breath sounds on one side.
Hyperventilation Syndrome
- Characterized by rapid, shallow breathing leading to carpal spasm and numbness.
- Emotional upset is a common trigger; may result in fainting.
Viral Respiratory Infections
- Widespread in all age groups, particularly serious for children.
- Can lead to complications if not treated.
Epiglottitis
- Inflammation leading to swelling of the epiglottis, potentially life-threatening.
- Symptoms include high fever, drooling, and inspiratory stridor.
Whooping Cough
- Upper airway infection characterized by uncontrollable coughing fits, primarily affecting children.
- Symptoms start with cold-like symptoms, progressing to severe coughing episodes.
Respiratory Patterns
- Cheyne-Stokes: alternating deep and shallow breaths with periods of apnea, often seen in brain injuries.
- Kussmaul: abnormally slow and deep breaths associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Pediatric and Geriatric Considerations
- Respiratory compromise may manifest differently across age groups with unique assessment and care needs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on medical emergency protocols in Chapter 16. This quiz covers vital questions regarding patient assessment, treatment steps, and oxygen administration. Perfect for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking to reinforce their understanding of critical care procedures.
