Knowing when a patient is in respiratory distress and will likely be intubated is a key skill you will use regularly as a nurse. Nurses in all settings come into contact with patients who decompensate, and knowing when you need to intervene can mean the difference between life and death.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

* Normal respiratory findings

* The general signs of respiratory compromise

* The process of emergent intubation

* What medication to avoid if your patient is hyperkalemic

* Care of the patient after intubation

Want to learn more about conducting a respiratory assessment? Take a deep dive into this key skill in Episode 237.

Ready to explore further? Learn more about acute respiratory distress syndrome in Episode 137.

Read the article "When to Intubate Your Patient".

Are you struggling in your Med Surg class? What if I told you that it’s not you at all…it’s likely the way it’s being taught! Enroll in Med Surg Solution to get simplified explanations and study guides for 57 key disease conditions.

The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this website are for educational purposes only. No content on this website is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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