Sounds Like Trouble
A high pitched whistling sound indicating bronchospasm
Wheezing
A patient sitting upright and leaning forward is using this position to breathe easier.
Tripod position
Rales and pink frothy sputum suggest this condition
CHF with pulmonary edema
Normal oxygen saturation for a healthy adult
95% to 100%
The preferred positioning for most respiratory distress patients
Sitting upright
Crackling sounds often heard in CHF or pneumonia
Rales
Retractions below the ribs or sternum indicates this type of muscle use to breathe
Accessory muscle use
Wheezing after allergen exposure suggests this respiratory emergency
Asthma attack
This device delivers low flow oxygen
Nasal cannula
Assisting with a patient’s prescribed inhaler is appropriate for this condition
Asthma
Breath sounds that are faint or barely heard
Diminished breath sounds
This condition causes prolonged exhalation due to airway narrowing/obstruction
COPD
When you press on a patient's skin and an indention remains
Pitting edema
This device provides both oxygenation and ventilation support
BVM (bag valve mask)
A worsening respiratory patient with altered mental status indicates this
hypoxia
Low pitched, continuous rubbing or snoring sounds
Rhonchi
The medical term for a patient who can't speak in full scentences
one or two word dyspnea
Dyspnea with absence of lung sounds unilaterally may be the result of
Spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
You must inflate the reservoir bag on this device prior to placing it on a patient
NRB (non-rebreather mask)
This transport priority applies to severe respiratory distress with low SpO₂
Immediate or rapid transport
harsh "grating" or "creaking" sound
Pleural rub
Back up system in people with COPD where their respiratory drive is based on oxygen levels
Hypoxic drive
A diabetic patient with nausea, back pain and shortness of breath but no wheezing may be having this
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
A COPD patient should receive oxygen cautiously to avoid this complication
Hypoventilation or respiratory depression
A 28 year old female recently delivered a baby by c-section. She is now experiencing sudden shortness of breath and has cape cyanosis. What should you suspect?
Pulmonary embolism