Respiratory Emergencies Chapter 16

Questions and Answers

A 29-year-old woman is experiencing a severe asthma attack. What should you do?

Apply a CPAP unit, transport immediately, and attempt to establish vascular access en route to the hospital. (correct)

Start an IV of normal saline, administer methylprednisolone via IV push, and transport as soon as possible.

Attempt to slow her breathing with respiratory coaching, administer a nebulized bronchodilator, and transport.

Begin assisting her ventilations with a bag-mask device and 100% oxygen and prepare to intubate her trachea.

Which of the following clinical findings is MOST suggestive of pneumonia in a patient with COPD?

Fever and localized crackles (correct)

Nonproductive cough

White sputum and rales

Dyspnea and diffuse wheezing

Based on the patient's presentation, what should you be MOST suspicious for?

Spontaneous pneumothorax

A pleural effusion

Hyperventilation syndrome

Acute pulmonary embolism (correct)

Patients with COPD typically experience exacerbations because of what?

A secondary condition such as congestive heart failure or a pneumothorax. Signup and view all the answers

What causes emphysema?

Chronic destruction of the alveolar walls Signup and view all the answers

Bedridden patients with excessive pulmonary secretions are MOST prone to developing which condition?

Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

A patient with status asthmaticus commonly presents with which symptoms?

Physical exhaustion and inaudible breath sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the classic presentation of chronic bronchitis?

Excessive mucus production and a chronic or recurrent productive cough Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST appropriate treatment for a patient with dyspnea and diminished breath sounds?

Administering high-flow supplemental oxygen and transporting at once Signup and view all the answers

Patients with decompensated asthma or COPD who require positive-pressure ventilation:

May develop a pneumothorax or experience a decrease in venous return to the heart if they are ventilated too rapidly Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Asthma Attack Management

Severe asthma attack often requires immediate intervention, especially if previous treatments fail.
In cases where patients are tachypneic and wheezing, CPAP application may be beneficial.
Establishing vascular access during transport can be critical in acute scenarios.

Clinical Indicators of Pneumonia in COPD

Fever accompanied by localized crackles is a significant indicator of pneumonia in patients with COPD.

Presentation of Acute Pulmonary Issues

Tripod position, sharp chest pain, and sudden dyspnea raise suspicion for acute pulmonary embolism.
Patients experiencing sudden dyspnea with pleuritic chest pain may have significant pulmonary conditions.

COPD Exacerbations

Acute exacerbations in COPD patients can be triggered by secondary conditions such as heart failure or pneumothorax.

Emphysema Etiology

Chronic destruction of alveolar walls characterizes emphysema, differentiating it from conditions with excessive mucus production.

Infection Risks in Bedridden Patients

Bedridden patients with pulmonary secretions are highly susceptible to developing pneumonia.

Status Asthmaticus Symptoms

Patients often exhibit physical exhaustion and may have inaudible breath sounds due to severe respiratory distress.

Chronic Bronchitis Characteristics

Chronic bronchitis typically manifests as excessive mucus production and a persistent productive cough.

Treatment for Acute Chest Pain and Dyspnea

In cases with pleuritic chest pain and hypoxia, administering high-flow supplemental oxygen and transporting the patient promptly is ideal.

Ventilation Concerns in Pulmonary Diseases

Positive-pressure ventilation in patients with asthma or COPD must be cautious, as rapid ventilation can lead to complications like pneumothorax or decreased venous return.

Description

Test your knowledge on respiratory emergencies with a focus on severe asthma attacks. This quiz covers critical assessments and appropriate interventions for patients in distressing situations. Enhance your understanding of emergency care protocols and improve your response skills.