Feedback:Respiratory Distress Patient

[DirtJerZ]

Im not trying to suggest that spo2 is the best diagnostic, but there are too many things missing from the assessment to determine what type of distress the patient is currently in. I do not know very much about v/q mismatching but will research it.

[VentMedic]

Im not trying to suggest that spo2 is the best diagnostic, but there are too many things missing from the assessment to determine what type of distress the patient is currently in. I do not know very much about v/q mismatching but will research it.

Excellent! Let me help you out with a couple of links.

Alveolar Gas Equation (PAO2) - Interactive site for the formula

http://vam.anest.ufl.edu/simulations/alveo...n_complete.html

Actually that whole website has some interesting stuff including how a BVM works.

http://vam.anest.ufl.edu/simulations/simulationportfolio.php

Arterial Blood Gases

http://www.cprworks.com/ABG%20interpretation.html

ABGs simplified

Interpretation of the Arterial Blood Gas

http://www.orlandoregional.org/pdf%20folde...Blood%20Gas.pdf

Good PPT presentation on Hypoxia, V/Q mismatch and Shunting

http://www.anest.ufl.edu/ccm/Hypoxia_files...#slide0011.html

V/Q Mismatch

http://www.emedicine.com/ped/byname/respiratory-failure.htm

Respiratory Physiology: Pulmonary Circulation, V/Q mismatch, PAO2

http://medschool.slu.edu/gpbs/syllabus/200...physiology2.pdf

PaO2, SaO2 and Oxygen content

http://www.lakesidepress.com/pulmonary/ABG/PO2.htm

Oxyhemoglobin Dissociation Curve

http://www.ventworld.com/resources/oxydisso/dissoc.html

[MedicEllis]

Well, if it was pneumonia in my state he would be going bls to the hospital, 99% spo2 is better than mine. ?

Yikes, not trying to be harsh here, but I know of no where in the US were SOB/DIB is considered BLS. EVEN if you suspect pneumonia. Granted 50%+ of the pneumonia pt I do transport (prob average 200+ a year) Get only a saline lock, and transport with standard ALS. That doesn't mean that these pt don't at least get a ALS assessment, with further Tx consideration (ie, albuterol/atrovent neb Tx, fluid bolus, IV Solu-medrol...ect)

100% of these pneumonia pt if they walked in (to the ER) get monitor and IV, chest xray, blood work along with supportive antibiotics (depending on there age PO or IV) and a good majority are admitted at least for a obs bed.

With that said, why wouldn't you work these pt up (meaning full ALS)?