Why is my patient constantly taking inspiritory breaths through her nose?

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It has just started a few days ago. Sounds like she is constantly sniffling. I'm a new nurse.

does this indicate inadequate oxygen?

thanks in advance!!

-AW

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome!!!!

It is difficult to tell from here.... ;)((HUGS)) It might be a habit, she might have the sniffles, or she might be feeling a little breathless. Take her vitals. Check the O2 sat. Ask her maybe she is feeling a lite sad and doesn't know how to start...so she is sniffling to get some one to ask....are you ok?

Let us know..... :)

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Perhaps you should seek guidance from an experienced coworker? Per TOS, you cannot ask for medical advice for yourself or anyone else. We are not there to assess your patient; you are. And if this is where you run to for help with a patient, I must seriously question your critical thinking abilities. Why on earth would you use an anonymous website (with your full name to boot!?!) to seek help in your professional duties?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

We talk about patients all the time it is personal advice we don't give but you are right Rose .....Op....if you are at work OP ask a senior staff member to take a look and always if you are worried call the MD.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Most of my inspirations are nasal,do you think people should only inspire orally? Most people breathe nasally. Perhaps nasal congestion. Did you ask your patient if she is short of breath? Did you ask your nursing colleagues?

Nasal inspiration is more normal than not. Grass and ragweed pollen levels are high this time of year. Perhaps it's simple increased nasal secretions in relation to change of environment.

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ThAnks guys..

Maybe this wasn't the right place to post, sorry. I do private duty, and it don't have support staff. I have researched online but not finding anything useful. My PT has CHF and I was wondering if there was a correlation.

I only asked sked the question here because most of my online research (I've been looking about an hour) leads me to different threads on this site.. That is why I started the account.

thank again, wasn't trying to get anyone upset.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You should have a RN clinical supervisor to consult with especially as an inexperienced new grad. Call him/her for advice.

Are there signs of increased work of breathing, pink moist mucus membranes? Shortness of breath? Decreases pulse ox? Decreases cap refill? Increased congestion or nasal secretions? Change in lung sounds or vital signs?

If you are seeing someone with a respiratory condition the 485 should include orders for respiratory issues and changes in status even if it's simply notify physician and case manager.

My grandmother always breathes nasally and has CHF/COPD and an alphabet soup of other issues. Cold & allergy seasons it's not easy to listen to as she snorks & sniffles away. Allergy & cold medicines are contraindicated for her, so her visiting nurse obtained an order for saline nasal spray. As long as grandmas pulse ox is over 92, brisk cap refill and not SOB all is good in her world

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