Standard

 

EMS 130 – Respiratory Function and Management

Course Description

This unit is designed to help the Paramedic assess and treat a wide variety of respiratory related illnesses in the pediatric and adult patient.  Topics include a review of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology of foreign body airway obstruction, recognition of respiratory compromise, use of airway adjunctive equipment and procedures, current therapeutic modalities for bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, spontaneous pneumothorax, and hyperventilation syndromes.  This section also provides expanded information for adult respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary thromboembolism, neoplasms of the lung, pneumonia, emphysema, pulmonary edema, and respiratory infections.  This course provides instruction on topics in Division 2 (Airway), Section 1 (Airway Management and Ventilation) and Division 5 (Medical), Section 1 (Respiratory) of the USDOT/NHTSA Paramedic National Standard Curriculum.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Airway anatomy and physiology

Class

4

Pathophysiology of respiratory diseases

D. Lab

3

Physiology of ventilation and respiration

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

Pharmacological intervention of respiratory emergencies

Credit

5

Integration of assessment findings and management

 

 

Special considerations

 

 

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

EMS 126, EMS 128 , EMS 127, EMS 129

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

AHS 101

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

AIRWAY ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHYSIOLOGY OF VENTILATION AND RESPIRATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION OF RESPIRATORY EMERGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTEGRATION OF ASSESSMENT FINDINGS AND MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

 

 

 

 


 

UNIT TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

2-1     At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to establish and/ or maintain a patent airway, oxygenate, and ventilate a patient.

 

COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES

At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to:

 

2-1.1  Explain the primary objective of airway maintenance. (C-1)

2-1.2  Identify commonly neglected prehospital skills related to airway. (C-1)

2-1.3  Identify the anatomy of the upper and lower airway. (C-1)

2-1.4  Describe the functions of the upper and lower airway. (C-1)

2-1.5  Explain the differences between adult and pediatric airway anatomy. (C-1)

2-1.6  Define gag reflex. (C-1)

2-1.7  Explain the relationship between pulmonary circulation and respiration. (C-3)

2-1.8  List the concentration of gases that comprise atmospheric air. (C-1)

2-1.9  Describe the measurement of oxygen in the blood. (C-1)

2-1.10         Describe the measurement of carbon dioxide in the blood. (C-1)

2-1.11         Describe peak expiratory flow. (C-1)

2-1.12         List factors that cause decreased oxygen concentrations in the blood. (C-1)

2-1.13         List the factors that increase and decrease carbon dioxide production in the body. (C-1)

2-1.14         Define atelectasis. (C-1)

2-1.15         Define FiO2. (C-1)

2-1.16         Define and differentiate between hypoxia and hypoxemia. (C-1)

2-1.17         Describe the voluntary and involuntary regulation of respiration. (C-1)

2-1.18         Describe the modified forms of respiration. (C-1)

2-1.19         Define normal respiratory rates and tidal volumes for the adult, child, and infant. (C-1)

2-1.20         List the factors that affect respiratory rate and depth. (C-1)

2-1.21         Explain the risk of infection to EMS providers associated with ventilation. (C-3)

2-1.22         Define pulsus paradoxes. (C-1)

2-1.23         Define and explain the implications of partial airway obstruction with good and poor air exchange. (C-1)

2-1.24         Define complete airway obstruction. (C-1)

2-1.25         Describe causes of upper airway obstruction. (C-1)

2-1.26         Describe causes of respiratory distress. (C-1)

2-1.27         Describe manual airway maneuvers. (C-1)

2-1.28         Describe the Sellick (cricoid pressure) maneuver. (C-1)

2-1.29         Describe complete airway obstruction maneuvers. (C-1)

2-1.30         Explain the purpose for suctioning the upper airway. (C-1)

2-1.31         Identify types of suction equipment. (C-1)

2-1.32         Describe the indications for suctioning the upper airway. (C-3)

2-1.33         Identify types of suction catheters, including hard or rigid catheters and soft catheters. (C-1)

2-1.34         Identify techniques of suctioning the upper airway. (C-1)

2-1.35 Identify special considerations of suctioning the upper airway. (C-1)

 

2-1.36         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment and technique of  tracheobronchial suctioning in the intubated patient. (C-3)

2-1.37         Describe the use of an oral and nasal airway. (C-1)

2-1.38         Identify special considerations of tracheobronchial suctioning in the intubated patient. (C-1)

2-1.39         Define gastric distention. (C-1)

2-1.40         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment and technique for inserting a nasogastric tube and orogastric tube. (C-1)

2-1.41         Identify special considerations of gastric decompression. (C-1)

2-1.42         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, and technique for inserting an oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway (C-1)


2-1.43         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, and technique for ventilating a patient by: (C-1)

Mouth-to-mouth

Mouth-to-nose

Mouth-to-mask

One person bag-valve-mask

Two person bag-valve-mask

Three person bag-valve-mask

Flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device

2-1.44         Explain the advantage of the two person method when ventilating with the bag-valve-mask. (C-1)

2-1.45         Compare the ventilation techniques used for an adult patient to those used for pediatric patients. (C-3)

2-1.46 Describe indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, and technique for ventilating a patient with an automatic transport ventilator (ATV). (C-1)

2-1.47         Explain safety considerations of oxygen storage and delivery. (C-1)

2-1.48         Identify types of oxygen cylinders and pressure regulators (including a high-pressure regulator and a therapy regulator). (C-1)

2-1.49         List the steps for delivering oxygen from a cylinder and regulator. (C-1)

2-1.50         Describe the use, advantages and disadvantages of an oxygen humidifier. (C-1)

2-1.51         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, liter flow range, and concentration of delivered oxygen for supplemental oxygen delivery devices. (C-3) 

2-1.52         Define, identify and describe a tracheostomy, stoma, and tracheostomy tube. (C-1)

2-1.53         Define, identify, and describe a laryngectomy. (C-1)

2-1.54         Define how to ventilate with a patient with a stoma, including mouth-to-stoma and bag-valve-mask-to-stoma ventilation. (C-1)

2-1.55         Describe the special considerations in airway management and ventilation for patients with facial injuries. (C-1)

2-1.56         Describe the special considerations in airway management and ventilation for the pediatric patient. (C-1)

2-1.57         Differentiate endotracheal intubation from other methods of advanced airway management. (C-3)

2-1.58         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages and complications of endotracheal intubation. (C-1)

2-1.59 Describe laryngoscopy for the removal of a foreign body airway obstruction.  (C-1)

2-1.60         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment, and technique for direct laryngoscopy. (C-1)

2-1.61         Describe visual landmarks for direct laryngoscopy. (C-1)

2-1.62         Describe use of cricoid pressure during intubation. (C-1)

2-1.63         Describe indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment and technique for digital endotracheal intubation. (C-1)

2-1.64         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment and technique for using a dual lumen airway. (C-3)

2-1.65         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications and equipment for rapid sequence intubation with neuromuscular blockade. (C-1)

2-1.66         Identify neuromuscular blocking drugs and other agents used in rapid sequence intubation. (C-1)

2-1.67         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications and equipment for sedation during intubation. (C-1)

2-1.68         Identify sedative agents used in airway management. (C-1)

2-1.69         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment and technique for nasotracheal intubation. (C-1)

2-1.70         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages and complications for performing an open crichothyrotomy. (C-3)

2-1.71         Describe the equipment and technique for performing an open cricothyrotomy. (C-1)

2-1.72         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment and technique for  transtlaryngeal catheter ventilation (needle cricothyrotomy). (C-3)

2-1.73         Describe methods of assessment for confirming correct placement of an endotracheal tube. (C-1)

2-1.74         Describe methods for securing an endotracheal tube. (C-1)

 

2-1.75         Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment and technique for extubation. (C-1)

2-1.76         Describe methods of endotracheal intubation in the pediatric patient. (C-1)

 

AFFECTIVE OBJECTIVES

At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to:

 

2-1.77         Defend the need to oxygenate and ventilate a patient. (A-1)

2-1.78         Defend the necessity of establishing and/ or maintaining patency of a patient’s airway. (A-1)

2-1.79         Comply with standard precautions to defend against infectious and communicable diseases. (A-1)

 

 

 

PSYCHOMOTOR OBJECTIVES

At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to:

 

2-1.80         Perform body substance isolation (BSI) procedures during basic airway management, advanced airway management, and ventilation. (P-2)

2-1.81         Perform pulse oximetry. (P-2)

2-1.82         Perform end-tidal CO2 detection. (P-2)

2-1.83         Perform peak expiratory flow testing. (P-2)

2-1.84         Perform manual airway maneuvers, including: (P-2)

a.       Opening the mouth

b.       Head-tilt/ chin-lift maneuver

c.       Jaw-thrust without head-tilt maneuver

d.       Modified jaw-thrust maneuver

2-1.85         Perform manual airway maneuvers for pediatric patients, including: (P-2)

a.       Opening the mouth

b.       Head-tilt/ chin-lift maneuver

c.       Jaw-thrust without head-tilt maneuver

d.       Modified jaw-thrust maneuver

2-1.86         Perform the Sellick maneuver (cricoid pressure). (P-2)

2-1.87         Perform complete airway obstruction maneuvers, including: (P-2)

a.       Heimlich maneuver

1.                                Finger sweep

2.                                Chest thrusts

3.                                Removal with Magill forceps

2-1.88         Demonstrate suctioning the upper airway by selecting a suction device, catheter and technique. (P-2)

2-1.89         Perform  tracheobronchial suctioning in the intubated patient by selecting a suction device, catheter and technique. (P-2)

2-1.90         Demonstrate insertion of a nasogastric tube. (P-2)

2-1.91         Demonstrate insertion of an orogastric tube. (P-2)

2-1.92         Perform gastric decompression by selecting a suction device, catheter and technique. (P-2)

2-1.93         Demonstrate insertion of an oropharyngeal airway. (P-2)

2-1.94         Demonstrate insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway. (P-2)

2-1.95         Demonstrate ventilating a patient by the following techniques: (P-2)

a.       Mouth-to-mask ventilation

4.                                One person bag-valve-mask

5.                                Two person bag-valve-mask

6.                                Three person bag-valve-mask

7.                                Flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device

8.                                Automatic transport ventilator

9.                                Mouth-to-stoma

10.                             Bag-valve-mask-to-stoma ventilation

2-1.96 Ventilate a pediatric patient using the one and two person techniques. (P-2)

2-1.97         Perform ventilation with a bag-valve-mask with an in-line small-volume nebulizer. (P-2)

2-1.98         Perform oxygen delivery from a cylinder and regulator with an oxygen delivery device. (P-2)

2-1.99                  Perform oxygen delivery with an oxygen humidifier. (P-2)

2-1.100        Deliver supplemental oxygen to a breathing patient using the following devices:  nasal cannula, simple face mask,  partial rebreather mask, non-rebreather mask, and venturi mask (P-2)

2-1.101        Perform stoma suctioning. (P-2)

2-1.102        Perform retrieval of foreign bodies from the upper airway. (P-2)

2-1.103        Perform assessment to confirm correct placement of the endotracheal tube. (P-2)

2-1.104        Intubate the trachea by the following methods: (P-2)

         a.       Orotracheal intubation

         b.       Nasotracheal intubation

         c.       Multi-lumen airways

11.           Digital intubation

         d.       Transillumination

         e.       Open cricothyrotomy

2-1.105        Adequately secure an endotracheal tube. (P-1)

2-1.106        Perform endotracheal intubation in the pediatric patient. (P-2)

2-1.107        Perform transtracheal catheter ventilation (needle cricothyrotomy). (P-2)

2-1.108        Perform extubation. (P-2)

2-1.109        Perform replacement of a tracheostomy tube through a stoma. (P-2)

 

 

 

DECLARATIVE

 

I.        Introduction

A.       The body’s need for oxygen

B.       Primary objective of emergency care

1.       Ensure optimal ventilation

a.       Delivery of oxygen

b.       Elimination of CO2

C.      Brain death occurs within 6 to 10 minutes

D.      Major prehospital causes of preventable death

1.       Early detection

2.       Early intervention

3.       Lay-person BLS education

E.       Most often neglected of prehospital skills

1.       Basics taken for granted

2.       Poor techniques

a.       BVM seal

b.       Improper positioning

c.       Failure to reassess

 

II.       Anatomy of upper airway

A.       Function of the upper airway

1.       Warm

2.       Filter

3.       Humidify

B.       Pharynx

1.       Nasopharynx

a.       Formed by the union of facial bones

b.       Orientation of nasal floor is towards the ear not the eye

c.       Separated by septum

d.       Lined with

(1)     Mucous membranes

(2)      Cilia

e.       Turbinate

(1)     Parallel to nasal floor

(2)      Provide increased surface area for air

(a)      Filtration

(b)      Humidifying

(c)      Warming

f.        Sinuses

(1)     Cavities formed by cranial bones

(2)               Appear to further trap bacteria and act as tributaries for fluid to and from Eustachian tubes and tear ducts

(a)      Commonly become infected

(b)      Fracture of certain sinus bones may cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak

 

 

g.       Tissues extremely delicate and vascular

(1)               Improper or overly aggressive placement of tubes or airways will cause significant bleeding which may not be controlled by direct pressure

2.       Oropharynx

a.       Teeth

(1)      32 adult

(2)      Requires significant force to dislodge

(3)      May fracture or avulse causing obstruction

b.       Tongue

(1)     Large muscle attached at the mandible and hyoid bones

(2)      Most common airway obstruction

c.       Palate

(1)      Roof of mouth separates oro/ nasopharynx

(a)      Anterior is hard palate

(b)      Posterior (beyond the teeth) is soft palate

d.       Adenoids

(1)     Lymph tissue located in the mouth and nose that filters bacteria

(2)      Frequently infected and swollen

e.       Posterior tongue

f.        Epiglottis

g.       Vallecula

(1)     "Pocket" formed by the base of the tongue and epiglottis

(2)     Important landmark for endotracheal intubation

C.      Larynx

1.       Attached to hyoid bone

a.       "Horseshoe-shaped” bone between the chin and mandibular angle

b.       Supports trachea

c.       Made of cartilage

2.       Thyroid cartilage

a.       First tracheal cartilage

b.       "Shield-shaped"

(1)     Cartilage anterior

(2)     Smooth muscle posterior

c.       Laryngeal prominence

(1)      "Adam's Apple" anterior prominence of thyroid cartilage

(2)     Glottic opening directly behind

3.       Glottic opening

a.       Narrowest part of adult trachea

b.       Patency heavily dependent on muscle tone

c.       Contain vocal bands

(1)     White bands of cartilage

(2)      Produce voice

4.       Arytenoid cartilage

a.       "Pyramid-like" posterior attachment of vocal bands

b.       Important landmark for endotracheal intubation

 

 

5.       Pyriform fossae 

a.       “Hollow pockets” along the lateral borders of the larynx

6.       Cricoid ring

a.       First tracheal ring

b.       Completely cartilaginous

c.       Compression occludes esophagus (Sellick maneuver)

7.       Cricothyroid membrane

a.       Fibrous membrane between cricoid and thyroid cartilage

b.       Site for surgical and alternative airway placement

8.       Associated structures

a.       Thyroid gland

(1)      Located below cricoid cartilage

(2)     Lies across trachea and up both sides

b.       Carotid arteries

(1)      Branches cross and lie closely alongside trachea

c.       Jugular veins

(1)     Branch across and lie close to trachea

 

III.      Anatomy of lower airway

A.       Function of the lower airway

1.       Exchange of O2 and CO2

B.       Location of the lower airway

1.       From fourth cervical vertebrae to xiphoid process

2.       From glottic opening to pulmonary capillary membrane

C.      Structures of the lower airway

1.       Trachea

a.       Trachea bifurcates at carina into

(1)     Right and left mainstem bronchi

(2)      Right mainstem has lesser angle

(a)      Foreign bodies, ET tubes commonly displace here

b.       Lined with

(1)     Mucous cells

(2)      Beta 2 receptors  - dilate bronchioles

2.       Bronchi

a.       Mainstem bronchi enter lungs at hilum

b.       Branch into narrowing secondary and tertiary bronchi that branch into bronchioles

3.       Bronchioles

a.       Branch into alveolar ducts that end at alveolar sacs

4        Alveoli

a0      "Balloon-like” clusters

b0      Site of gas exchange

c0      Lined with surfactant

(1)     Decreases surface tension of alveoli which facilitates ease of expansion

(2)      Alveoli become thinner as they expand which makes diffusion of O2/ CO2 easier

(3)      If surfactant is decreased or alveoli are not inflated, alveoli collapse (atelectasis)

5        Lungs

a0      Right lung

(1)     3 lobes

b0      Left lung

(1)      2 lobes

c0      Lobes made of parenchymal tissue

d0      Membranous outer lining called pleura

e0      Lung capacity

IV       Differences in pediatric airway

A0      Pharynx

1        A proportionately smaller jaw causes the tongue to encroach upon the airway

2        Omega shaped, floppy epiglottis

3        Absent or very delicate dentition

B0      Trachea

1        Airway is smaller and narrower at all levels

2        Larynx lies more superior

3        Larynx is "funnel-shaped" due to narrow, undeveloped cricoid cartilage

4        Narrowest point is at cricoid ring before 10 years of age

5        Further narrowing of the airway by tissue swelling of foreign body results in major increase in airway resistance

C0     Chest wall

1        Ribs and cartilage are softer

2        Cannot optimally contribute to lung expansion

3        Infants and children tend to depend more heavily on the diaphragm for breathing

 

V        Lung/ respiratory volumes

A0      Total lung volume

1        Adult male, 6 liters

2        Not all inspired air enters alveoli

3        Minor diffusion of O2 takes place in alveolar ducts and terminal bronchioles

B0      Tidal volume

1        Volume of gas inhaled or exhaled during a single respiratory cycle

2        5-7cc/ kg (500 cc normally)

C0     Dead space air

1        Air remaining in air passageways, unavailable for gas exchange (approximately 150cc)

2        Anatomic dead space

a0      Trachea

b0      Bronchi

 

3        Physiologic dead space

a0      Dead space formed by factors like disease or obstruction

(1)     COPD

(2)     Atelectasis

D0     Minute volume

1        Amount of gas moved in and out of the respiratory tract per minute

2        Determined by

a0      Tidal volume - dead space volume times respiratory rate

E0      Functional reserve capacity

1        After optimal inspiration: optimum amount of air that can be forced from the lungs in a single exhalation

F0      Residual volume

1        Volume of air remaining in lungs at the end of maximal expiration

G0     Alveolar air

1        Air reaching the alveoli for gas exchange (alveolar volume)

2        Approximately 350 cc

H0     Inspiratory reserve

1        Amount of gas that can be inspired in addition to tidal volume

I0       Expiratory reserve

1        Amount of gas that can be expired after a passive (relaxed) expiration

J0      FiO2

1        Percentage of oxygen in inspired air (increases with supplemental oxygen)

a0      Commonly documented as a decimal (e.g., FiO2 = .85)

VI       Ventilation

A0      Definition - movement of air into and out of the lungs

B0      Phases

1        Inspiration

a0      Stimulus to breathe from respiratory center

b0      Impulse transmitted to diaphragm via phrenic nerve

(1)      Diaphragm - "muscle of respiration"

(2)      Separates thoracic from abdominal cavity

c0      Diaphragm contracts - "flattens"

(1)     Causes intrapulmonic pressure to fall slightly below atmospheric pressure

d0      Intercostal muscles contract

e0      Ribs elevate and expand

f0       Air is drawn into lungs like a vacuum

g0      Alveoli Inflate

h0      O2/ CO2 are able to diffuse across membrane

2        Expiration

a0      Stretch receptors in lungs signal respiratory center via vagus nerve to inhibit inspiration (Hering-Breuer Reflex)

b0      Natural elasticity (recoil) of the lungs passively expires air

 

 

VII      Respiration

A0      Definition

1        Exchange of gases between a living organism and its environment

2        The major gases of respiration are oxygen and carbon dioxide

B0      Types

1        External respiration - exchange of gasses between the lungs and the blood cells

2        Internal respiration - exchange of gases between the blood cells and tissues

C0     The transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the human body

1        Diffusion - passage of solution from area of higher concentration to lower concentration

a0      O2/ CO2 dissolve in water and pass through alveolar membrane by diffusion

2        Oxygen content of blood

a0      Dissolved O2 crosses pulmonary capillary membrane and binds to hemoglobin (Hgb) of red blood cell

b0      Oxygen is carried

(1)      Bound to hemoglobin

(2)      Dissolved in plasma

c0      Approximately 97% of total O2 is bound to hemoglobin

d0      O2 saturation

(1)      % of hemoglobin saturated

(2)      Normally greater than 98%

3        Oxygen in the blood

a0      Bound to hemoglobin

(1)      SaO2

b0      Dissolved in plasma

(1)      PaO2

4        Carbon dioxide content of the blood

a0      CO2 is a byproduct of cellular work (cellular respiration)

b0      CO2 is transported in blood as bicarbonate ion

c0      About 33% is bound to hemoglobin

d0      As O2 crosses into blood, CO2 diffuses into alveoli

e0      Carbon dioxide in the blood

(1)      PaCO25       Diagnostic testing

a0      Pulse oximetry

b0      Peak expiratory flow testing

c0      End-tidal CO2 monitoring

d0      Other equipment

 

VIII      Causes of decreased oxygen concentrations in the blood

A0      Lower partial pressure of atmospheric O2

B0      Lower hemoglobin levels in blood

C0     Trauma

1        Less surface area for gas exchange

a0      Pneumothorax

b0      Hemothorax

c0      Combination of pneumothorax and hemothorax

2        Decreased mechanical effort

a0      Pain

b0      Traumatic suffocation

c0      Hypoventilation

D0     Medical

1        Physiological barriers

a0      Pneumonia

b0      Pulmonary edema

c0      COPD

 

IX       Carbon dioxide in blood

A0      Increases

1        Hypoventilation

B0      Decreases

1         Hyperventilation

 

X        The measurement of gases

A0      Total pressure

1        The combined pressure of all atmospheric gases

2        100% or 760 torr at sea level

B0      Partial pressure

1        The pressure exerted by a specific atmospheric gas

C0     Concentration of gases in the atmosphere

1        Nitrogen       597.0 torr (78.62%)

2        Oxygen         159.0 torr (20.84%)

3        CO2               0.3 torr ( 0.04%)

4        Water            3.7 torr ( 0.5%)  

D0     Water vapor pressure

E0      Alveolar gas concentration

1        Nitrogen       569.0 torr (74.9%)

2        Oxygen         104.0 torr (13.7%)

3        CO2              40.0 torr ( 5.2%)

4        Water           47.0 torr ( 6.2%) XI   Respiratory rate

A0      Definition - the number of times a person breathes in one minute                            

B0      Neural control

1        Primary control from the medulla and pons

2        Medulla

a0      Primary involuntary respiratory center

b0      Connected to respiratory muscles by vagus nerve

3        Pons

a0      Apneustic center - secondary control center if medulla fails to initiate respiration

b0      Pneumotaxic center - controls expiration

C0     Chemical stimuli

1        Receptors for O2/ CO2 balance

a0      Cerebrospinal fluid pH

b0      Carotid bodies (sinus)

c0      Aortic arch

2        Hypoxic drive - respiratory stimulus dependent on O2 rather than CO2 in the blood

D0     Control of respiration by other factors

1        Body temperature - respirations increase with fever

2        Drug and medications - may increase or decrease respirations depending on their physiologic action

3        Pain - increases respirations

4        Emotion - increases respirations

5        Hypoxia - increases respirations

6        Acidosis - respirations increase as compensatory response to increased CO2 production

7        Sleep - respirations decrease

 

XII      Pathophysiology

A0      Obstruction

1        Tongue

a0      Most common airway obstruction

b0      Snoring respirations

c0      Corrected with positioning

2        Foreign body

a0      May cause partial or full obstruction

b0      Symptoms include

(1)      Choking

(2)     Gagging

(3)      Stridor

(4)      Dyspnea

(5)     Aphonia (unable to speak)

(6)     Dysphonia (difficulty speaking)

3        Laryngeal spasm and edema

a0      Spasm

(1)     Spasmotic closure of vocal cords

(2)      Most frequently caused by

(a)      Trauma from over aggressive technique during intubation

(b)      Immediately upon extubation especially when patient is semiconsciousb0        Edema

(1)      Glottic opening becomes extremely narrow or totally obstructed

(2)      Most frequently caused by

(a)     Epiglottitis (a bacterial infection of the epiglottis)

(b)      Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)

(c)      Relieved by

(3)      Aggressive ventilation

(4)      Forceful upward pull of the jaw

(5)     Muscle relaxants

4        Fractured larynx

a0      Airway patency dependent upon muscle tone

b0      Fractured laryngeal tissue

(1)     Increases airway resistance by decreasing airway size through

(a)      Decreasing muscle tone

(b)      Laryngeal edema

(c)      Ventilatory effort

5        Aspiration

a0      Significantly increases mortality

(1)     Obstructs airway

(2)      Destroys delicate bronchiolar tissue

(3)      Introduces pathogens

(4)      Decreases ability to ventilate     

 

XIII      Airway evaluation

A0      Essential parameters

1        Rate

a0      Normal resting rate in adults - 12-24

2         Regularity

a0      Steady pattern

b0      Irregular respiratory patterns are significant until proven otherwise

3        Effort

a0      Breathing at rest should be effortless

b0      Effort changes may be subtle in rate or regularity

c0      Patients often compensate by preferential positioning

(a)      Upright sniffing

(b)      Semifowlers

(c)      Frequently avoid supine

B0      Recognition of airway problems

1        Respiratory distress

a0      Upper and lower airway obstruction

b0      Inadequate ventilation

c0      Impairment of the respiratory muscles

d0      Impairment of the nervous system

2        Difficulty in rate, regularity, or effort is defined as dyspnea

3        Dyspnea may be result of or result in hypoxia

a0      Hypoxia - lack of oxygen

b0      Hypoxia - lack of oxygen to tissues

c0      Anoxia - total absence of oxygen

4        Recognition and treatment of dyspnea is crucial to patient survival

a0      Expert assessment and management is essential   

(1)     The brain can survive only a few minutes of anoxia

(2)      All therapies fail if airway is inadequate

 

5        Visual techniques

a0      Position

(1)      Tripod positioning

(2)      Orthopnea

b0      Rise and fall of chest

c0      Gasping

d0      Color of skin

e0      Flaring of nares

f0       Pursed lips

g0      Retraction

(1)      Intercostal

(2)      Suprasternal notch

(3)      Supraclavicular fossa

(4)      Subcostal

6        Auscultation techniques

a0      Air movement at mouth and nose

b0      Bilateral lung fields equal

7        Palpation Techniques

a0      Air movement at mouth and nose

b0      Chest wall

(1)      Paradoxical motion

(2)      Retractions

8        Bag-valve-mask

a0      Resistance or changing compliance with bag-valve-mask ventilations

9        Pulsus paradoxus

a0      Systolic blood pressure drops greater than 10mm Hg with inspiration

(1)      Change in pulse quality maybe detected

(2)      Seen in COPD, pericardial tamponade

(3)     Possible increase in intrathoracic pressure

10      History

a0      Evolution

(1)      Sudden

(2)      Gradual over time

(3)      Known cause or "trigger"

b0      Duration

(1)      Constant

(2)      Recurrent

c0      Ease - what makes it better?

d0      Exacerbate - what makes it worse?

e0      Associate

(1)      Other symptoms (productive cough, chest pain, fever, etc...)

f0       Interventions

(1)      Evaluations/ admissions to hospital

(2)      Medications (include compliance)

(3)      Ever intubated

11      Modified forms of respiration

a0      Protective reflexes

(1)      Cough

(a)      Forceful, spastic exhalation

(b)      Aids in clearing bronchi and bronchioles

(2)      Sneeze - clears nasopharynx

(3)      Gag reflex - spastic pharyngeal and esophageal reflex from stimulus of the posterior pharynx

 

b0      Sighing

(1)      Involuntary deep breath that increases opening of alveoli

(2)      Normally sigh about once per minute

c0      Hiccough - intermittent spastic closure of glottis

12      Respiratory pattern changes

a0      Cheyne-Stokes

(1)      Gradually increasing rate and tidal volume followed by gradual decrease

(2)      Associated with brain stem insult

b0      Kussmaul’s breathing

(1)      Deep, gasping respirations

(2)      Common in diabetic coma

c0      Biot’s respirations

(1)      Irregular pattern, rate, and volume with intermittent periods of apnea

(2)      Increased intracranial pressure

d0      Central neurogenic hyperventilation

(1)      Deep rapid respirations similar to Kussmall's

(2)      Increased intracranial pressure

e0      Agonal

(1)      Slow, shallow, irregular respirations

(2)      Resulting from brain anoxia

13      Inadequate ventilation

a0      Occurs when body cannot compensate for increased O2 demand or maintain O2/ CO2 balance

b0      Many causes

(1)      Infection

(2)      Trauma

(3)      Brainstem insult

(4)      Noxious or hypoxic atmosphere

(5)      Renal failure

c0      Multiple symptoms

(1)      Altered response

(2)      Respiratory rate changes (up or down)

 

XIV     Supplemental oxygen therapy

A0      Rationale

1        Enriched O2 atmosphere increases oxygen to cells

2        Increasing available O2 increases patient's ability to compensate

3        O2 delivery method must be reassessed to determine adequacy and efficiency

B0     Oxygen source

1        Compressed gas

a0      Oxygen compressed in gas form in an aluminum or steel tank

b0      Common sizes and volumes

(1)      D    400L

(2)      E    660L

(3)      M    3450L

c0      O2 delivery measured in liters/ min (LPM)

d0      Calculating tank life

(1)      Tank pressure (psi) x 0.28 = volume

(2)      Volume/ LPM = tank life in minutes 2     Liquid oxygen

a0      O2 cooled to its aqueous state

(1)      Converts to gaseous state when warmed                        

b0      Advantage

(1)      Much larger volume of gaseous O2 can be stored in aqueous state

c0      Disadvantage

(1)      Units generally require upright storage

(2       Special requirements for large volume storage and cylinder transfer

C.      Regulators

1.       High-pressure

a.       Attached to cylinder stem delivers cylinder gas under high pressure

b.       Used to transfer cylinder gas from tank to tank

2.       Therapy regulators

a.       Attached to cylinder stem

b.       50psi escape pressure is "stepped down" through regulator mechanism

c.       Subsequent delivery to patient is adjustable low pressure

D.      Delivery devices

1.       Nasal cannula

a.       Nasally placed O2 catheter for oxygen enrichment

b.       Optimal delivery: 40% at 6 L/ min

c.       Indications

(1       Low to moderate O2 enrichment

(2       Long term O2 maintenance therapy      

d.       Contraindications           

(1       Poor respiratory effort

(2       Severe hypoxia

(3       Apnea

(4       Mouth breathing

e.       Advantages

(1       Well tolerated

f.        Disadvantages

(1       Does not deliver high volume/ high concentration

2.       Simple face mask

a.       Full airway enclosure with open side ports

(1       Room air is drawn through side ports on inspiration

(2       Diluting O2 concentration

b.       Indications

(1       Delivery of moderate to high O2 concentrations

(2       Range - 40-60% at 10 L/ min

c.       Advantages

(1       Higher O2 concentrations

d.       Disadvantages

(1       Delivery of volumes beyond 10 L/ min does not enhance O2 concentration

e.       Special considerations

(1       Mask leak around face decreases O2 concentration

3.       Partial rebreather

a.       Mask vent ports covered by one-way disc

                                    (a       Residual expired air mixed in mask and rebreathed

(1       Room air not entrained with inspiration

b.       Indications

c.       Contraindications

(1       Apnea

(2       Poor respiratory effort

d.       Advantages

(1       Inspired gas not mixed with room air

(a       Higher O2 concentrations attainable

(2       Disadvantages

(a       Delivery of volumes beyond 10 L/ min does not enhance O2 concentration

(3       Special considerations

(a       Mask leak around face decreases O2 concentration

4.       Non-rebreather mask

a.       Mask side ports covered by one-way disc

b.       Reservoir bag attached

c.       Range: 80-95+% at 15 L/ min

d.       Indications

(1       Delivery of highest O2 concentration

e.       Contraindications

(1       Apnea

(2       Poor respiratory effort

f.        Advantages

(1       Highest O2 concentration

(2       Delivers high volume/ high O2 enrichment

(3       Patient inhales enriched O2 from reservoir bag rather than residual air

g.       Disadvantages

5.       Venturi mask

a.       Mask with interchangeable adapters

(1       Adapters have port holes that entrain room air as O2 passes

(2       Patient receives a highly specific concentration of O2

(3       Air is entrained by venturi principle

6.       Small volume nebulizer

a.       Delivers aerosolized medication

b.       O2 enters an aerosol chamber containing 3-5 ccs of fluid

c.       Pressurized O2 mists fluid

E.       Oxygen humidifiers

1.       Sterile water reservoir for humidifying O2

2.       Good for long term O2 administration

3.       Desirable for croup/ Epiglottitis/ bronchiolitis

F.       Tracheostomy, stoma, and tracheostomy tubes

1.       Tracheostomy

a.       Surgical opening into trachea

(1       Done in operating room under controlled conditions

(2       A stoma located just superior to the suprasternal notch

2.       Stoma        

a.       Resultant orifice connecting trachea to outside air

b.       Patient now breathes through this surgical opening

3.       Tracheostomy tube

a.       Plastic tube placed within tracheostomy site

b.       15 mm connector for ventilator acceptance

 

 

 

XV.     Ventilation

A.       Mouth-to-mouth

1.       Most basic form of ventilation

2.       Indications

a.       Apnea from any mechanism when other ventilation devices are not available

 

3.       Contraindications

a.       Awake patients

b.       Communicable disease risk limitations

4.       Advantages

a.       No special equipment required

b.       Delivers excellent tidal volume

c.       Delivers adequate oxygen

5.       Disadvantages

a.       Psychological barriers from

(1       Sanitary issues

(2       Communicable disease issues

(a       Direct blood/ body fluid contact

(b       Unknown communicable disease risks at time of event

6.       Complications

a.       Hyperinflation of patient's lungs

b.       Gastric distension

c.       Blood/ body fluid contact manifestation

d.       Hyperventilation of rescuer

B.       Mouth-to-nose

1.       Ventilating through nose rather than mouth

2.       Indications

a.       Apnea from any mechanism

3.       Contraindications

a.       Awake patients

4.       Advantages

a.       No special equipment required

5.       Disadvantages

a.       Direct blood/ body fluid contact

b.       Psychological limitations of rescuer

6.       Complications

a.       Hyperinflation of patient's lungs

b.       Gastric distension

c.       Blood/ body fluid manifestation

d.       Hyperventilation of rescuer

C.      Mouth-to-mask

1.       Adjunct to mouth-to-mouth ventilation

2.       Indications

a.       Apnea from any mechanism

3.       Contraindications

a.       Awake patients

4.       Advantages

a.       Physical barrier between rescuer and patient blood/ body fluids

b.       One-way valve to prevent blood/ body fluid splash to rescuer

c.       May be easier to obtain face seal

5.       Disadvantages

a.       Useful only if readily available

6.       Complications

a.       Hyperinflation of patient's lungs

b.       Hyperventilation of rescuer

c.       Gastric distention                    

7.       Method for use

a.       Position head by appropriate method

b.       Position and seal mask over mouth and nose

c.       Ventilate as appropriate

D.      One person bag-valve-mask

1.       Fixed volume self inflating bag can deliver adequate tidal volumes and O2 enrichment

2.       Indications

a.       Apnea from any mechanism

b.       Unsatisfactory respiratory effort

3.       Contraindications

a.       Awake, intolerant patients

4.       Advantages

a.       Excellent blood/ body fluid barrier

b.       Good tidal volumes

c.       Oxygen enrichment

d.       Rescuer can ventilate for extended periods without fatigue

5.       Disadvantages

a.       Difficult skill to master

b.       Mask seal may be difficult to obtain and maintain

c.       Tidal volume delivered is dependent on mask seal integrity

6.       Complications

a.       Inadequate tidal volume delivery with

(1       Poor technique

(2       Poor mask seal

(3       Gastric distention

7.       Method for use

a.       Position appropriately

b.       Choose proper mask size - seats from bridge of nose to chin

c.       Position, spread/ mold/ seal mask

d.       Hold mask in place

e.       Squeeze bag completely over 1.5 to 2 seconds for adults

f.        Avoid overinflation

g.       Reinflate completely over several seconds

8.       Special considerations

a.       Medical

(1       Observe for

(a       Gastric distension

(b       Changes in compliance of bag with ventilation

(c       Improvement or deterioration of ventilation status ( i.e., color change, responsiveness, air leak around mask)

b.       Trauma

(1       Very difficult to perform with cervical spine immobilization in place

E.       Two person bag-valve-mask ventilation method

1.       Most efficient method

2.       Indications

a.       Bag-valve-mask ventilation on any patient

(1       Especially useful for cervical spine immobilized patients

(2       Difficulty obtaining or maintaining adequate mask seal

3.       Contraindications

a.       Awake, intolerant patients

4.       Advantages

a.       Superior mask seal

b.       Superior volume delivery

5.       Disadvantages

a.       Requires extra personnel

6.       Complications

a.       Hyperinflation of patient's lungs

b.       Gastric distension

7.       Method for use

a.       First rescuer maintains mask seal by appropriate method

b.       Second rescuer squeezes bag

8.       Special considerations

a.       Observe chest movement

b.       Avoid overinflation

c.       Monitor lung compliance with ventilations

F.       Three person bag-valve-mask ventilation

1.       Indications

a.       Bag-valve-mask ventilation on any patient

(1       Especially useful for cervical spine immobilized patients

(2       Difficulty obtaining or maintaining adequate mask seal

 

2.       Contraindications

a.       Awake, intolerant patients

3.       Advantages

a.       Superior mask seal

b.       Superior volume density

4.       Disadvantages

a.       Requires extra personnel

b.       “Crowded” around airway

5.       Complications

a.       Hyperinflation of patient’s lungs

b.       Gastric distension

6.       Method for use

a.       First rescuer maintains mask seal by appropriate method

b.       Second rescuer holds mask in place

c.       Third rescuer squeezes bag and monitors compliance

7.       Special considerations

a.       Avoid overinflation

b.       Monitor lung compliance with ventilations

G.      Flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation devices

1.       The valve opening pressure at the cardiac sphincter is approx 30 cm H2O

2.       These devices operate at or below 30 cm H2O to prevent gastric distension

3.       Indications

a.       Delivery of high volume/ high concentration of O2 (1 L/ sec)

b.       Awake compliant patients

c.       Unconscious patient with caution

4.       Contraindications

a.       Noncompliant patients

b.       Poor tidal volume

c.       Small children

5.       Advantages

a.       Self administered

b.       Delivers high volume/ high concentration O2

c.       O2 delivered in response to inspiratory effort (no O2 wasting)

d.       O2 volume delivery is regulated by inspiratory effort minimizing overinflation risk

e.       O2 volume delivery is also restricted to less than 30 cm H2O

6.       Disadvantages

a.       Cannot monitor lung compliance

b.       Requires O2 source

7.       Complications

a.       Gastric distension

b.       Barotrauma

8.       Method

a.       Mask is held manually in place

b.       Negative pressure upon inspiration triggers O2 delivery or medic triggers release button

c.       Patient is monitored for adequate tidal volume and oxygenation

H.      Automatic transport ventilators

1.       Volume/ rate controlled

2.       Indications

a.       Extended ventilation of intubated patients

b.       In situations in which a BVM is used

c.       Can be used during CPR

3.       Contraindications

a.       Awake patients

b.       Obstructed airway

c.       Increased airway resistance

(1       Pneumothorax (after needle decompression)

(2       Asthma

(3       Pulmonary edema

 

4.       Advantages

a.       Frees personnel to perform other tasks

b.       Lightweight

c.       Portable

d.       Durable

e.       Mechanically simple

f.        Adjustable tidal volume

g.       Adjustable rate

h.       Adapts to portable O2 tank

5.       Disadvantages

a.       Cannot detect tube displacement

b.       Does not detect increasing airway resistance

c.       Difficult to secure

d.       Dependent on O2 tank pressure

I.        Cricoid pressure - Sellick’s maneuver

1.       Pressure on cricoid Ring

2.       Occludes esophagus

3.       Facilitates intubation by moving the larynx posteriorly

4.       Helps to prevent passive emesis

5.       Can help minimize gastric distension during bag-valve-mask ventilation

6.       Indications

a.       Vomiting is imminent or occurring

b.       Patient cannot protect own airway

7.       Contraindications

a.       Use with caution in cervical spine injury

8.       Advantages

a.       Noninvasive

b.       Protects from aspiration as long as pressure is maintained

 

9.       Disadvantages

a.       May have extreme emesis if pressure is removed

b.       Second rescuer required for bag-valve-mask ventilation

c.       May further compromise injured cervical spine

10.     Complications

a.       Laryngeal trauma with excessive force

b.       Esophageal rupture from unrelieved high gastric pressures

c.       Excessive pressure may obstruct the trachea in small children

11.     Method

a.       Locate the anterior aspect of the cricoid ring

b.       Apply firm, posterior pressure