In the early stages of acute asthma, hyperventilation may result in respiratory alkalosis. This is because
obstructed lung units (slow compartment) are relatively less numerous than unobstructed lung units (fast
compartment). Hyperventilation allows carbon dioxide removal via the fast compartment. However, as the
disease progresses and more lung units become obstructed, an increase in the slow compartments
occurs, resulting in decreased ability for carbon dioxide removal and eventually causing hypercarbia.
Medscape, Status Asthmaticus
BiPap- Bilevel positive airway pressure, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
with pressure support breaths. It is used during noninvasive positive pressure
ventilation. It delivers a preset inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) during
inspiration and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP).
7. Discuss consent for treatment of a minor. How does the nurse proceed if the
parent is unreachable?
If the child was brought into the ER by another care provider other than the parents
that care provider may give consent by proxy if the parents allow for it. In
emergencies, the nurse should document any efforts made to obtain consent, and
appropriate care should be given.