Question

On the following: please explain in detail everything as Respiratory Therapists we do to support our patients. Explain why you are making your recommendations.

You are in the ER and a 13 yr old is admitted into bed 1. The female is unable to talk secondary to increased shortness of breath. This is the second admission within 2 weeks. What are your suspicions and what are your recommendations?

What could this patient be suffering from? Most kids and teenagers miss school secondary to this

Answer 1

Solution

When inspiration and expiration does not maintain optimum ventilation, ineffective breathing pattern must be focused. Moreover altered rate, rhythm and depth of breathing results in shortness of breath in children. Therefore this causes lack of oxygen supply to the cells.

The most common cause of shortness of breath in children is due to upper respiratory tract infection or other respiratory ailments including, asthma, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. As the child is admitted with shortness of breath within 2 weeks there might be some chronic disease associated with the shortness of breath. Therefore upon admission to ER, place the patient in a proper alignment for maximum breathing along with oxygen supply as per doctor’s advice to reduce the respiratory problem and monitoring the oxygenation and ventilation pattern. Diaphragmatic breathing should be encouraged and evaluation of the nutrition level with respect to albumin level, electrolyte level. Further initial recommendation includes intake of plenty of fluids, washing of hands thoroughly before taking meals and calm and comfortable environment without pollution are much needed followed by detailed medical examination is priority.