Respiratory Distress

Published

I was just wondering the steps are nurse would take if someone presented to the emergency room in respiratory distress.

Could someone please provide me with a detailed assessment?

Thanks,

Nikki:uhoh3:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg.

Nikki,

You will learn this as you begin your assessments. Your ER will have a protocol based on the info gathered on your initial nursing assessment. Assess oxygenation status--RR, lung sounds, SPO2, respiratory history, presence of obstructions, history recent illness, hemodynamic status. O2 and blood gases as ordered. Keep client calm as possible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room.

Is this for a school assignment? Just think of your ABCs - can't do anything until airway secured. Then you can't do anything until the pt can breathe adequately. Sometimes it just takes a neb tx, sometimes some Lasix, sometimes you have to intubate. We won't do your homework for you, but we will certainly help to point you in the right direction or critique you if you're moving the wrong way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No this is not homework, just a question that we were told to think about for the near future

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg.
No this is not homework, just a question that we were told to think about for the near future

That makes it homework! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room.

Like I said, I'm happy to help talk you through this, but please don't expect to post a question and get it answered from A-Z. Part of the process of knowing this stuff is figuring it out for yourself. PM me if you want some help, or feel free to keep posting on the board. There are a lot of very experienced and smart people here who are happy to help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion