Asphyxia PDF - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

ASPHYXIA A condition of insufficient oxygen and accumulating carbon dioxide in the blood and tissues, asphyxia results from interference with respiration. It leads to cardiopulmonary arrest and is fatal without prompt treatment. CAUSE...

ASPHYXIA A condition of insufficient oxygen and accumulating carbon dioxide in the blood and tissues, asphyxia results from interference with respiration. It leads to cardiopulmonary arrest and is fatal without prompt treatment. CAUSES Asphyxia results from any internal or external condition or substance that inhibits respiration. Hypoventilation, stemming from narcotic abuse medullary disease or hemorrhage, respiratory muscle paralysis, or cardiopulmonary arrest. Intrapulmonary obstruction, associated with airway obstruction, pulmonary oedema, pneumonia, and near drowning. Extrapulmonary obstruction, as in tracheal compression from a tumour, pneumothorax, strangulation, trauma or suffocation. Inhalation of toxic agents, resulting carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, and excessive oxygen inhalation. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS History received from family members or friends or emergency personel will reveal the cause. Signs and symptoms depends on duration and degree of the Asphyxia. Generally, the patient appears anxious, agitated or confused and dyspraxia. Neck muscles are prominent. There is wheezing, stridor, apnea, bradypnea occasional tachypnea, and fast, slow, or absent pulse. On inspection, there is little or no air moving in or out of the nose and mouth. Pale skin. Cyanosis in mucous membrane, lips, and nail beds. There is carbon monoxide poisoning in bite stage. Mucous membranes appear cherry red. Auscultation reveals decreased or absent breath sounds. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, the most important test, indicates decreased PaO2 (less than 60mmHg) and increased PaO2 (more than 50 mmHg) Chest x rays may detect a foreign body, pulmonary oedema, or atelectasis. Toxicology tests may show drugs, chemicals, or abnormal haemoglobin. [ Pulmonary function tests may indicate respiratory muscle weakness. TREATMENT Asphyxia requires immediate respiratory with Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Endotracheal intubation, supplemental oxygen. Mechanic ventilation and pulse oximetry as needed. It calls for prompt treatment of the underlining cause, Bronchoscopy for extraction of a foreign body. A narcotic antagonist like naloxone for narcotic overdose. Gastric lavage for poisoning. NURSING DIAGNOSIS Anxiety Decreased Cardiac out put Risk for aspiration Risk for suffocation Impaired gas exchange Ineffective airway clearance Ineffective breathing pattern Ineffective individual coping [ COMPLICATIONS Without timely intervention, asphyxia can lead to neurologic damage and death.