Indications for Endotracheal Intubation
Signs and Symptoms:
Altered Mental Status:
Unresponsiveness or decreased level of consciousness
GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) score ≤ 8
Respiratory Distress:
Visible use of accessory muscles
Nasal flaring
Paradoxical breathing
Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the lips or skin)
Inability to Protect Airway:
Gag reflex absent
Pooling of secretions or blood in the mouth
Severe Respiratory Effort:
Labored breathing
Agonal respirations
Stridor or severe wheezing
Vital Signs:
Oxygen Saturation:
SpO2 < 90% on supplemental oxygen
Respiratory Rate:
RR > 30 breaths per minute or < 10 breaths per minute
Blood Gas Analysis (if available):
PaO2 < 60 mmHg
PaCO2 > 50 mmHg with pH < 7.35
Heart Rate:
Tachycardia (HR > 100 bpm) or bradycardia (HR < 60 bpm) associated with respiratory distress
Blood Pressure:
Hypotension (systolic BP < 90 mmHg) or severe hypertension in the context of respiratory failure
These objective findings can help guide the decision to perform endotracheal intubation in an inpatient setting.
Visual Guide:
To create an engaging and memorable visual guide, here’s a suggested layout:
Central Title: Indications for Endotracheal Intubation
Sections:
Altered Mental Status: Brain icon
Unresponsiveness or decreased level of consciousness
GCS score ≤ 8
Respiratory Distress: Lungs icon
Visible use of accessory muscles
Nasal flaring
Paradoxical breathing
Cyanosis
Inability to Protect Airway: Throat icon
Gag reflex absent
Pooling of secretions or blood in the mouth
Severe Respiratory Effort: Breathing icon
Labored breathing
Agonal respirations
Stridor or severe wheezing
Vital Signs:
Oxygen Saturation: Oximeter icon
SpO2 < 90% on supplemental oxygen
Respiratory Rate: Clock with breath icon
RR > 30 or < 10 breaths per minute
Blood Gas Analysis: Blood drop icon
PaO2 < 60 mmHg
PaCO2 > 50 mmHg with pH < 7.35
Heart Rate: Heart icon
Tachycardia (HR > 100 bpm) or bradycardia (HR < 60 bpm)
Blood Pressure: BP cuff icon
Hypotension (systolic BP < 90 mmHg) or severe hypertension
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