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36	Dyspnea Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Patient may not be alert enough to complain of shortness of breath.
37	Treatment of Dyspnea Perform initial assessment. Place the patient on oxygen. If patient is in respiratory distress, ventilate. Check pulse.
38	Upper or Lower Airway Infection Infectious diseases may affect all parts of the airway. The problem is some form of obstruction to the air flow or the exchange of gases.
39	Treatment Upper or Lower Airway Infection Administer warm, humidified oxygen. Do not attempt to suction the airway or insert an oropharyngeal airway in a patient with suspected epiglottitis. Transport patient in position of comfort.
40	Acute Pulmonary Edema Fluid build-up in the lungs Signs and symptoms Dyspnea Frothy pink sputum History of chronic congestive heart failure Recurrence high
41	Treatment Acute Pulmonary Edema Administer 100% oxygen. Suction secretions. Transport in position of comfort.
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43	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) COPD is the result of direct lung and airway damage from repeated infections or inhalation of toxic agents. Bronchitis and emphysema are two common types of COPD. Abnormal breath sounds may be present. Rhonchi and wheezes
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45	Treatment Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assist with prescribed inhaler if patient has one. Transport promptly in position of comfort.
46	Spontaneous Pneumothorax Accumulation of air in the pleural space Caused by trauma or some medical conditions Dyspnea and sharp chest pain on one side Absent or decreased breath sounds on one side
47	Treatment Spontaneous Pneumothorax Administer oxygen. Transport in position of comfort. Monitor closely.
48	Pleural Effusion Collection of fluid outside lung Causes dyspnea Caused by irritation, infection, or cancer Decreased breath sounds over region of the chest where fluid has moved the lung away from the chest wall Eased if patient is sitting up
49	Treatment Pleural Effusion Definitive treatment is performed in a hospital. Administer oxygen and support measures. Transport promptly.
50	Pulmonary Embolism A blood clot that breaks off and circulates through the venous system Signs and symptoms Dyspnea Acute pleuritic pain Hemoptysis Cyanosis Tachypnea Varying degrees of hypoxia
51	Treatment Pulmonary Embolism Administer oxygen. Place patient in comfortable position, usually sitting. Assist breathing as necessary. Keep airway clear. Transport promptly.
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53	Hyperventilation Overbreathing resulting in a decrease in the level of carbon dioxide Signs and symptoms Anxiety and Agitation Numbness A sense of dyspnea despite rapid breathing Dizziness Tingling in hands and feet Chest Pain associated with Respirations Muscle spasms in fingers and toes Increased Respiratory Rate
54	Treatment Hyperventilation Complete initial assessment and history of the event. Assume underlying problems. Do not have patient breathe into a paper bag. Give oxygen. Reassure patient and transport.
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56	Inhaler Medications Trade Name Generic Name Proventil albuterol Ventolin albuterol Bronkosol isoetharine Alupent metaproterenol Brethine terbutaline Metaprel metaproterenol Atrovent ipatropium bromide
57	Assisting with an Inhaler Check inhaler’s expiration date Ask if any doses have already been taken Compare with prescribed dosage Make sure inhaler is at room temperature Shake inhaler vigorously several times Remove oxygen mask Nasal cannulas can be left in place
58	Assisting with an Inhaler continued Have patient place inhaler in mouth Have patient inhale slowly and deeply while depressing the inhaler Have patient hold breath for as long as comfortable Allow patient to breath a few times, then repeat second dose, if ordered Record time, dose, medication, vital signs and any changes
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75	NEBULIZED ALBUTEROL Dose = 2.5mg/3cc per treatment Use at 6L for approx. 15 mins Watch for Side Effects Use Albuterol when you hear wheezing, indicating spasms or mucus in the lower airway.
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