BCEN Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards

A patient with hemoptysis, night sweats, and weight loss from a country with high TB prevalence. What is the priority infection control measure?

Answer: Airborne isolation in a negative-pressure room

Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis requires airborne precautions in a negative-pressure room to prevent spread of aerosolized mycobacteria.

What is the classic CXR finding in a patient with pulmonary edema from acute left heart failure?

Answer: Bilateral perihilar ('bat-wing') infiltrates

Bilateral perihilar infiltrates in a bat-wing pattern on CXR reflect fluid redistribution from pulmonary venous hypertension in acute pulmonary edema.

Which condition is defined by PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 200, bilateral infiltrates on CXR, and no evidence of cardiogenic edema?

Answer: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

ARDS is defined by the Berlin criteria: acute onset, bilateral infiltrates, P/F ratio < 300 (severe < 100), and non-cardiogenic cause.

When using a non-rebreather mask, what minimum flow rate is required to keep the reservoir bag inflated?

Answer: 10–15 L/min

A flow rate of 10–15 L/min is needed to maintain reservoir bag inflation and deliver up to 90–95% FiO2 via non-rebreather mask.

A patient with a foreign body airway obstruction is unconscious after failed back blows. What is the next step?

Answer: Perform abdominal thrusts in supine position and visualize airway

In an unconscious patient with FBAO, perform CPR with each breath attempt preceded by looking in the mouth for a visible foreign body.

Subcutaneous emphysema (crepitus) palpated in the neck after chest trauma suggests what injury?

Answer: Tracheobronchial injury or pneumothorax

Air escaping from a tracheobronchial tear or pneumothorax tracks into subcutaneous tissue, causing the crackling crepitus felt in the neck and chest.