![]() It is important to monitor whether the condition of the patient is worsening with time.įocused Physical Exam Note if the patient can only speak in 1-2 word sentences. Is the patient talking with you? Can they speak in complete sentences? Are they feeling tired? Thick mucus that is yellow or greenish can indicate a respiratory infection, pink/frothy sputum indicates a potential cardiac origin. "Is anything coming up when you cough?" Ask for a description Add in the OPQRST mnemonic to your history taking. Pain with breathing should increase your level of suspicion that the patient may be having a cardiac event or a pulmonary embolism. "Is there any pain when you breathe?" Ask for a description of the nature and quality This is especially important for toxic inhalation and allergic reactions. "What were you doing when it started? How long has this been going on? How has is changed over time?"įind out whether any things such as movement or environmental factors are making the situation better or worse. Use the PASTE mnemonic during the Signs and Symptoms step of the SAMPLE history to elicit the characteristics of the patient's dyspnea to help with the differential diagnosis. Once immediate threats to life have been addressed, focus in on the underlying causes and potential treatments for a patient in respiratory distress. You should not hesitate to start high flow oxygen therapy during your primary assessment. Severe dyspnea is a potentially life threatening situation which can deteriorate rapidly. Having a structured and systematic approach to these cases will help you develop and streamline the diagnostic workup and more quickly determine transport priority. ![]() Narrowing the differential diagnosis in the prehospital setting is important. Origins can involve many body systems, such as pathology affecting the lungs and airway, cardiovascular/hematologic dysfunction, and infection. Anything that can impair oxygenation and/or ventilation can cause dyspnea. 1:04 Non-Rebreather Mask O2 Administrationĭyspnea, the sensation of breathlessness and the patient's reaction to it, is often described by patients as difficulty breathing or chest tightness.0:10 Alertness and Orientation Assessment (A&O).0:05 Scene Assessment Upon Arrival (PENMAN).
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