EMS Cardiac & Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards

A patient with known COPD is in severe respiratory distress with SpO2 of 82%. What oxygen delivery device is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Venturi mask titrated to 88–92% SpO2

COPD patients require controlled oxygen via Venturi mask targeting SpO2 of 88–92% to avoid suppressing their hypoxic drive.

Which breath sounds are characteristic of acute pulmonary edema?

Answer: Bilateral crackles (rales) in the lung bases

Acute pulmonary edema causes fluid in the alveoli, producing bilateral basilar crackles (rales) due to fluid-filled air sacs re-opening.

What position should a patient with acute pulmonary edema be placed in to improve respiratory effort?

Answer: High Fowler's (sitting upright)

High Fowler's position (sitting upright, legs dangling) reduces venous return and relieves cardiac workload, improving breathing in pulmonary edema.

A patient has tracheal deviation to the right, absent breath sounds on the left, and severe respiratory distress after a motor vehicle crash. What condition should be suspected?

Answer: Left-sided tension pneumothorax

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side, absent breath sounds, and hemodynamic instability indicate tension pneumothorax requiring immediate needle decompression.

Where is needle decompression performed for a tension pneumothorax using the traditional approach?

Answer: 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line

Traditional needle decompression is performed at the 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line, just above the 3rd rib to avoid neurovascular structures.

A patient with asthma is unresponsive to two bronchodilator treatments and has silent chest on auscultation. What does this indicate?

Answer: Severe bronchospasm with near-total airway obstruction (status asthmaticus)

Silent chest in an asthmatic indicates severe airflow limitation — air movement is so minimal that wheezing disappears, signaling impending respiratory failure.