Respiratory Distress and Failure Flashcard 3

C. Rationale: Some clinical conditions that cause hypoxemia include (1) low atmospheric oxygen concentration, (2) alveolar hypoventilation, (3) diffusion defect, (4) ventilation and perfusion mismatch, and (5) right-to-left shunt.

D. Rationale: The pulse oximeter measures the percentage of oxygenated red blood cells in a certain volume of blood by comparing how much the blood is absorbing red light and infrared light. Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive device that can be used by EMS, clinics, and in the hospital setting.

B. Rationale: Opioids cause respiratory depression in overdose patients. The antidote is naloxone, a drug that competitively inhibits the opioid molecule for its receptor sites.

B. Rationale: Hypoxemia is a physiologic condition where the blood exhibits a decreased arterial oxygen saturation as measured by a percentage of the total volume of blood. Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive way to assess for possible hypoxemia. An arterial blood gas is the definitive tool to diagnose hypoxemia. Hypoxia is a condition where tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen supply.

A. Rationale: The jaw-thrust and the head tilt-chin lift maneuvers are noninvasive ways of opening the airway by preventing the tongue from falling back and resting on the posterior hypopharynx.

A. Rationale: Heliox is a helium-oxygen mixture used to treat moderate to severe croup. Helium is a very inert gas and supports more laminar flow entry. It is used to displace nitrogen which is the predominating gas in the ambient environment.

C. Rationale: The best method to clear the airway from secretions, blood, or vomitus is to use a suction machine. If there is none available in out-of-hospital emergencies, the rescuer may place an unconscious patient with breathing and a pulse into the recovery position, lying on their left side with the head supported by a makeshift pillow or the patient’s arms. The Trendelenburg position is used for patients with shock, while a cricothyroidotomy is used in complete upper airway obstruction.

C. Rationale: Neurologic conditions such as seizures, head injuries, brain tumors, CNS infections, hydrocephalus, neuromuscular diseases, metabolic abnormalities, and drug overdose cause disordered breathing when the respiratory centers are involved.

D. Rationale: Treatment of ARDS involves correcting the patient’s hypoxemia. Increasing the PEEP to improve oxygen saturation is an effective treatment. Tidal volumes must be maintained at a low level of about 5–8 mL/kg, and the peak inspiratory pressure should be kept below 30–35 cm H₂O.

C. Rationale: Hemoglobin is an iron-rich cellular protein that binds oxygen to red blood cells in the alveoli.