Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards

A patient presents with sudden-onset dyspnea and unilateral leg swelling. Wells score is 6. What is the next step?

Answer: CT pulmonary angiography

A Wells score ≥5 indicates high probability of PE; guidelines recommend proceeding directly to CTPA rather than D-dimer, which has limited value in high-probability cases.

Which finding best differentiates cardiogenic pulmonary edema from ARDS on chest X-ray?

Answer: Cardiomegaly and Kerley B lines in cardiogenic edema

Cardiomegaly and Kerley B lines (representing dilated lymphatics) on CXR support cardiogenic pulmonary edema rather than ARDS.

A patient has a suspected foreign body airway obstruction and becomes unconscious. What is the immediate next step?

Answer: Begin CPR and look for the object during ventilation attempts

If a choking victim becomes unresponsive, lower them to the floor, begin CPR, and look in the mouth for the object before each breath attempt.

Confirmation of endotracheal tube placement should be verified by which MOST reliable method?

Answer: Continuous waveform capnography

Continuous waveform capnography (ETCO2) is the most reliable method to confirm and continuously monitor ETT placement in the trachea.

A patient with severe asthma exacerbation has a PEFR of 25% predicted. Which disposition is most appropriate?

Answer: Admit to ICU and consider intubation

A PEFR below 40% predicted after initial treatment indicates a severe or life-threatening exacerbation requiring ICU admission and possible intubation.

When performing rapid sequence intubation (RSI), what is the purpose of applying cricoid pressure (Sellick maneuver)?

Answer: Prevent regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents

Cricoid pressure compresses the esophagus against the cervical vertebra to prevent passive regurgitation and aspiration during RSI.