Category: Respiratory
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Mastering Patient Assessment: The Ultimate Question Bank for Student Paramedics
A thorough patient assessment is vital component of effective paramedic practice. It’s more than just asking questions – it’s about gathering crucial information that can shape effective treatment. This patient assessment question bank is designed to help you build confidence in conducting detailed, systematic evaluations. With questions broken down into head-to-toe assessments, body systems and…
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Cardiorespiratory Arrest vs Cardiac Arrest: A Detailed Comparison
In emergency and paramedic service two conditions often encountered are cardiorespiratory arrest and cardiac arrest. While they may sound similar and are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent different clinical scenarios with specific implications for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. What is Cardiorespiratory Arrest? Cardiorespiratory arrest, also known as cardiopulmonary arrest, is a condition where both cardiac…
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Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Nervous System in Paramedicine
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are two branches of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest” response. Sympathetic Nervous…
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Understanding Hypoxia: Signs, Symptoms and Pathophysiology
Hypoxia is a critical condition characterised by an inadequate supply of oxygen to body tissues. Four Types of Hypoxia Hypoxic Hypoxia: Hypoxic hypoxia occurs when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen to the tissues due to reduced partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in the arterial blood. This can result from factors such as high…
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Paediatric Assessment Triangle: A Comprehensive Guide
The Paediatric Assessment Triangle is a rapid assessment tool that allows healthcare providers to quickly evaluate a paediatric patient’s overall condition. Comprising three key components – Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to the Skin – the Paediatric Assessment Triangle provides critical insights into a child’s well-being and helps identify potential life-threatening conditions. Paediatric Assessment…
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What is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)?
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving medical technique that provides temporary respiratory and/or circulatory support to patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. This advanced therapy acts as a bridge, allowing the lungs or heart to rest and heal while providing oxygenation and circulation externally. ECMO involves the use of a sophisticated medical device…
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Pallor vs Cyanosis comparison
Pallor refers to an unhealthy pale appearance of the skin, whereas cyanosis refers to a bluish discolouration of the skin due to lack of oxygen in the blood. Pallor Pallor is a medical term that refers to an abnormally pale appearance of the skin and mucous membranes. The pathophysiology of pallor can be related to…
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Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. It is characterised by episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which can range from mild to severe. The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is thought to be…
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that make it difficult to breathe. The two main conditions that make up COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic Bronchitis “Blue Bloaters” Characterised by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. The…
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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterised by severe respiratory failure and pulmonary inflammation. It is a complex clinical syndrome that can develop as a result of direct lung injury or as a consequence of systemic inflammation. Pathophysiology ARDS is characterised by a complex cascade of pathological events that lead to severe…