Obstructive Airway Diseases are Asthma (4-5%) and COPD: sometimes divided into emphysema and chronic bronchitis (20% of adult males). Contributing factors: Stress Infection Exercise Tobacco smoke can cause asthma and…
Assessment Findings: Major focus is recognizing life-threats Altered mental status Severe cyanosis Absent breath sounds Stridor 1-2 word dyspnea Tachycardia>120/min Pallor, diaphoresis Use of accessory muscles Focused History Ever had…
Extremely common: two categories, acute and chronic, both can present as life threatening. Respiratory System: filters, warming. Humidifying and exchanging more than 10,000L of air per day (adult). Upper: mouth,…
Other Special Considerations: Toxicology: average 4-5 prescriptions routinely> drug interactions>non-compliance>side effects Substance Abuse: stress, depression, confusion, falls Environmental Emergencies: sensitive to changes in temperature Trauma: osteoporosis makes it easy to…
Specific Systems: Ask them “What has Changed?” Respiratory complaints: watch for Pneumonia, PE, CPOD, Cardiovascular: watch for CHF, what medications, take orthostatics Nervous system: watch for Stroke, and determine when…