ADDRESSING THE PATIENT IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

Scenario: John was admitted to the ICU with
difficulty breathing.He was intubated and placed
on mechanical ventilation.

Potential problems of the patient on mechanical
ventilation will include :
- anxiety related to mechanical ventilation, the 
doctor orders medication to reduce anxiety and 
make breathing easier.
- impaired gas exchange, checking breath sounds,
suctioning secretions to maintain a patent airway.
Troubleshooting alarms will also be necessary .

- Patient and family education will help to decrease
anxiety. Patient restraints may be necessary to
prevent self extubation.

Learn more by watching the video:
Sessions 44 -The patient on mechanical ventilation




Aortic rupture may occur as a result of trauma.
Shortness of breath, chest or upper back pain
are some of the symptoms.

Cardiac Tamponade may be caused by penetrating 
trauma such as a knife wound. Pericardiocentesis
is usually done to remove the blood in the pericardial
sac. Learn more, by clicking on the link below:

A pneumothorax may occur as a result of a rib fracture.
The punctured lung, collapses.

Scenario: A patient was involved in a car accident. 
Trauma to the chest area, has resulted in a pneumothorax.
He was also having difficulty breathing, so the medical team
initiated CPR and placed an ETT ( endotracheal tube). 
Learn more about: Pneumothorax


 

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