PLACE LABEL HERE
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
STANDING ORDERS
Respiratory Care initiated standing order
based on medical staff approved policy (7504-10-04-01).
Respiratory Distress: Emergency Intervention by Respiratory Care
For all patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of acute respiratory distress as evidenced by at
least one of the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Rapid, labored breathing
Rales and wheezes
Productive cough with frothy sputum
Diaphoresis
Cyanosis
1.
Pulse oximeter to obtain SpO2
2.
O2 administration based on SpO2 or ABG
3.
Arterial blood gas if needed
4.
Call patient's physician and/or a MRT if needed
5.
Wheezing Present (if indicated, check which one was administered):
 Albuterol 2.5 mg per inhalation x 1 dose prn wheezing
or
 Xopenex (levalbuterol) 1.25 mg per inhalation x 1 dose prn severe wheezing
6
Stidor Present (if indicated, check if administered):
 Racemic EPInephrine 0.5 ml per inhalation x 1 dose prn stridor
7.
Chest x-ray
8.
CPAP of 8-10 cmH2O if patient exhibits signs of obstructive sleep apnea
9.
BiPAP 14/8 with rate of 10 and FiO2 to maintain SpO2 > 90%
________ ________ ___________________________
Date
Time
Respiratory Therapist Signature
_________________________ ___________
Physician Signature
PID Number
Send copy to pharmacy
*1-32588*
FORM 1-32588 REV. 11/2013
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