Respiratory Emergencies
How long can the brain survive without oxygen before damage begins?
About 3 minutes
A pleural effusion involves fluid where?
In the pleural space between lung and chest wall
What does COPD stand for?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
What is the hallmark symptom of asthma?
Wheezing
What is a pulmonary embolism (PE) usually caused by?
A blood clot (often from DVT)
What condition occurs when the lung collapses due to air in the pleural space?
Pneumothorax
What diagnostic test confirms a pleural effusion?
Chest X-ray or ultrasound
Why should COPD patients not receive excessive oxygen?
It can cause hypercapnia and respiratory failure
What is the rescue medication for asthma attacks?
Albuterol (short-acting bronchodilator)
What tests helps detect a PE?
D-dimer, CT angiogram, ultrasound of the leg, V/Q scan
In a tension pneumothorax, what critical sign indicates mediastinal shift?
Deviated trachea
Name one treatment for pleural effusion.
Thoracentesis, chest tube, diuretics, or antibiotics
What is the target SpO₂ range for COPD patients?
88–92%
What life-threatening form of asthma does not respond to usual treatments?
Status asthmaticus
Name manifestations of pulmonary HTN
SOB during ADLs and exercise, cyanosis, and tachycardia
What is the immediate emergency treatment for a tension pneumothorax?
Needle thoracostomy, followed by a chest tube
What is atelectasis?
Collapse or incomplete expansion of alveoli/lung tissue
What are the two main conditions under COPD?
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
List two findings in status asthmaticus.
Absent lung sounds, air trapping, hypoxia, hypercapnia, acidosis
Name two treatments for ARDS.
Mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, antibiotics (if infection)
What are three key signs of a tension pneumothorax besides tracheal deviation?
Tachycardia (>134 bpm), hypotension, jugular venous distension, cyanosis, or respiratory failure
What are two preventive measures for atelectasis?
Incentive spirometry and early ambulation (mobility)
What term describes COPD patients who are cyanotic and edematous?
“Blue bloaters” (chronic bronchitis)
What does pulsus paradoxus indicate during an asthma attack?
A drop in systolic BP during inspiration
In ARDS, what classic appearance shows on chest X-ray?
White-out appearance