Assessment of respiratory distress
-important to perform early assessment of level of respiratory distress
1. is patient speaking in full sentences?
2.
... [Show More] are they short of breath when they talk
-if yes, you need to manage sxms first and obtain HPI later
Classification of breath sounds
Breath sounds are classified into normal tracheal sound, normal lung sound or vesicular breath sounds, and bronchial breath sound. Bronchial breath sounds are further subdivided into three types: Tubular, cavernous, and amphoric.
Signs and symptoms of emphysema
barrel chest
pursed lip breathing
dyspnea on exertion
Signs and symptoms of epiglottitis
Fever, drooling, difficulty swallowing
*tripod position - child leans over and jaw is thrust out to take in air, child refuses to lie down*
enlarged round epiglottis on lateral neck x-ray
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia
exertional dyspnea, a productive cough, chest discomfort and pain, wheezing, headache, nausea and vomiting, musculoskeletal pain, weight loss, and confusion
Signs and symptoms of simple pneumothorax
shortness of breath.
chest pain, which may be more severe on one side of the chest.
sharp pain when inhaling.
pressure in the chest that gets worse over time.
blue discoloration of the skin or lips.
increased heart rate.
rapid breathing.
Treatment of an asthma patient
open constricted airways, dry secretions and reduce inflammation. Nebulized albuterol, connected to oxygen at 6-8 LPM, is the first EMS treatment for asthma. Albuterol stimulates beta-2 receptor sites to causes rapid bronchodilation.
Fundamentals of operating an AED
1). Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts.
2). Open the person's shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry. If the person is wearing any medication patches, you should use a gloved (if possible) hand to remove the patches before wiping the person's chest.
3). Attach the AED pads, and plug in the connector (if necessary).
4). Make sure no one is, including you, is touching the person. Tell everyone to "stand clear."
5). Push the "analyze" button (if necessary) and allow the AED to analyze the person's heart rhythm.
6). If the AED recommends that you deliver a shock to the person, make sure that no one, including you, is touching the person - and tell everyone to "stand clear." Once clear, press the "shock" button.
7). Begin CPR after delivering the shock. Or, if no shock is advised, begin CPR. Perform 2 minutes (about 5 cycles) of CPR and continue to follow the AED's prompts. If you notice obvious signs of life, discontinue CPR and monitor breathing for any changes in condition.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke
facial drooping
sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, leg or one side of the body
loss of movement and sensation on one side of the body
speech disorders
aphasia
sudden and severe headache
trouble walking
confusion, combativeness
tongue deviation [Show Less]