Medical Emergencies: Hyperventilation and Seizure Disorders

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