IDENTIFYING RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

Updated 7/25

The heart and lungs depend on each other and have
to work together. The heart depends on the lungs
 for oxygen rich blood, and the lungs depend on
the heart to pump blood around the body. 

If the left side of the heart fails, blood will backup
 into the lungs, causing difficulty breathing.

Causes of respiratory distress include :
- Pneumonia, COPD, ARDS, trauma,
- Congestive heart failure, 
- Myocardial Infarction, and more.

Regardless of the cause, poor oxygenation to the lungs
results in anxiety. Breathing is compromised, and intubation,
mechanical ventilation, or/and a higher level of care may be 
needed to improve oxygenation to the lungs and body tissues,
during this crucial period.

Enjoy watching the videos:

Sessions 44- The patient on mechanical ventilation

Nursing Fundamentals

Learn more about: Heart facts and the EKG