Hyperventilation:
-A condition whereby rapid, deep breathing occurs, thus eliminating more carbon dioxide than is produced
Normal respiration rate:
-10-16 RPM; Rarely exceeds 22 RPM
Hyperventilation affects ________% of the population:
-6-15%
Hyperventilation is more common in:
-Females (30-40)
Lack of carbon dioxide leads to:
-Respiratory alkalosis (increase in blood pH)
Hyperventilation is common when individuals are:
-Exposed to high altitudes
-Pregnant
-Take CNS stimulants
-Experience aspirin toxicity
-Extremely anxious
Optimal pH:
-7.4 slightly alkaline
Hyperventilation pH:
-7.5 or higher
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperventilation:
-Abnormally prolonged rapid and deep respirations
-Decrease in carbon dioxide causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels leading to decreased cardiac output, and can cause palpitations and chest pain
-Impairment of problem solving abilities, motor coordinat
Hyperventilation symptoms cont..
-Apprehension
-Diaphoresis
-Trembling
-Fatigue
-Circumoral paresthesia
-Possible unconsciousness
-Feeling of suffocation (air hunger)
Hyperventilation symptoms may mimic a:
-Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism:
-Blockage of pulmonary artery
Pulmonary embolism patients will not exhibit:
-Spasms of hands and ankles nor will they experience circumoral paresthesia
Hyperventilation treatment:
-Place patient in position of their choice (usually upright)
-Loosen tight clothing in neck region
-Work with patient to control rate of respirations
-Have patient count to 10 in one breath
-Breathe through pursed lips or nose
-Do not use paper bag due to
Seizure:
-Temporary episode of behavior alteration due to massive abnormal electrical discharges in the brain
-Can be recorded on EEG
-May be accompanied by convulsions or other neurological, sensory, or emotional changes
-Can be caused by systemic distress-isolat
Damage or diseases of the brain that cause seizures:
-Tumors
-Trauma
-Perinatal injuries
-Toxins
-Infectious agents
-Electrolyte imbalance
-Uremia
-Drug withdrawal
-Sedative hypnotics
-Vascular disorders
T or F: Seizures have a genetic tendency.
-True
T or F: Half of all seizures are idiopathic
-True