Acute Dyspnea

Imminent Respiratory Arrest

Signs

•Depressed mental status, which can occur with severe hypoxia or hypercarbia

•Inability to maintain respiratory effort (bradypnea, poor inspiratory effort, or agonal respirations)

•Cyanosis, which is uncommon and indicates severe hypoxia or methemoglobinemia

 

Management

Endotracheal intubation

Cricothyrotomy when there is upper airway obstruction

Oxygen Therapy

Determine the Cause