Respiratory Assessment and Red Flags
Crackles, hypoxia, and fever in an ED patient should immediately raise concern for this diagnosis.
What is pneumonia?
This medication may be ordered in severe asthma because it helps with smooth muscle relaxation/bronchodilation.
What is Magnesium Sulfate?
This condition is usually viral and should not routinely be treated with antibiotics.
What is acute bronchitis?
This provider is allowed to push propofol or ketamine when for emergency intubations
What is an RN or paramedic?
Failure to protect the airway, inadequate oxygenation, or ineffective ventilation are indications for this intervention.
What is intubation?
This bedside monitor helps you quickly assess ventilation status in an intubated or critically ill patient.
What is end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂)?
Giving too much oxygen to a COPD patient can wsorsen ventilation because it causes loss of this.
What is hypoxic drive?
This common respiratory virus requires airborne and droplet precautions in the ED
What is COVID-19?
Sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, anxiety, and chest pain in the ED should raise concern for this.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
When a ventilator alarm sounds, your first action should be to do this.
What is assess the patient and ensure ABCs (disconnect and bag if needed)?
A ventilated patient suddenly decompensates—this mnemonic helps guide your rapid assessment.
What is DOPE?
A patient having an acute exacerbation of COPD may present with these symptoms.
What are pursed-lip breathing, tripod positioning, and wheezing?
Antivirals are most effective for influenza when given within this time frame.
What is the first 48 hours?
Pink frothy sputum and severe respiratory distress are classic signs of this emergency.
What is pulmonary edema?
Continuous bubbling in the chest tube water-seal chamber indicates this problem.
What is an air leak?
A COPD patient becomes more lethargic after receiving high-flow oxygen—this lab abnormality is most concerning.
What is elevated CO₂ (hypercapnia)?
Prolonged expiration and reduced peak expiratory flow rate are hallmark findings of this condition.
What is asthma?
Fever, cough, dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis should make you concerned for this diagnosis.
What is pneumonia?
Subcutaneous emphysema and sudden unilateral chest pain are classic signs of this condition.
What is a pneumothorax?
Clamping a chest tube for more than a moment can cause this dangerous complication.
What is a tension pneumothorax?
This assessment should be continuously monitored in all mechanically ventilated patients
What are heart rate, cardiac rhythm, SpO₂, and EtCO₂?
A patient with asthma is no longer wheezing but remains tachypneic—this finding is concerning for what?
What is minimal air movement and impending respiratory failure?
If a patient's initial lactate is >2, the second lactate should be drawn at this time.
What is once the fluid bolus is complete?
This complication of pulmonary embolism causes hypotension and signs of shock.
What is right ventricular failure?
If a chest tube becomes dislodged from the patient, this dressing technique should be used.
What is a sterile occlusive dressing taped on three sides?