Trouble Breathing & Nausea/Vomiting
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TROUBLE BREATHING
Trouble breathing is also known as shortness of breath or dyspnea. Patients often describe it as a feeling of not getting enough air, tightness in their chest or a feeling that they cannot catch their breath. Having trouble breathing can cause fear or anxiety, sometimes with a sense of panic that can cause the person to get restless.
SIGNS OF TROUBLE BREATHING IN THE NON-VERBAL PATIENT • Rapid rate of breathing • Pushing with abdomen when breathing out • Pulling with chest muscles when breathing in • Sweati ng • Worried look on face • Wheezing • Blue or gray color in lips, fingertips, toes, end of nose or ears COMMON MEDICATIONS USED AT ELIZA- BETH HOUSE FOR TROUBLE BREATHING Morphine, Ativan (lorazepam), Versed (midazolam), Duoneb (albuterol and ipratropium) inhaled nebu- lizer breathing treatment or calming music
TO HELP WITH TROUBLED BREATHING, STAY CALM, CALL YOUR NURSE AND DO OR HELP WITH THE FOLLOWING: • Sit up taller, either in bed or in a chair • Take slow, deep breaths, breathing in through the nose and out slowly through pursed lips (puckered like when whistling). A good trick is to imagine slowly smelling flowers and then slowly blowing out candles on a cake. • Open a window (if it’s not too hot outside), use a fan or air conditioner with air movement towards the patient’s face (fans available upon request) • While oxygen may help in certain situations, it will not always help with trouble breathing. Please discuss options for oxygen with your nurse or doctor. • Keep area quiet to decrease any anxiety • Use relaxing activities such as meditation, prayer • Avoid asking the patient to speak
Nausea and vomiting are common problems with many serious illnesses. Medical treatments, medica- tions, anxiety, or the illness itself can cause nausea and vomiting. Please call your nurse if you believe medications are needed for nausea. NAUSEA & VOMITING NON-MEDICAL WAYS TO HELP WITH NAUSEA: • Limit movement when feeling nauseated or queasy • Rest and avoid rapid changes in position • Sit upright or turn to side to prevent choking with vomiting • Slowly sip ginger ale, peppermint or ginger tea without drinking too much too fast • Rinse mouth after vomiting • Take any medications to prevent nausea at least 30 minutes before eating AVOID: • Eating sooner than 2 hours after vomiting • Heavy or fatty meals • Lying down after eating • Caff eine • Strong smells COMMON MEDICATIONS USED AT ELIZABETH HOUSE FOR NAUSEA: Zofran (ondansetron), Haldol (haloperidol), Ativan (lorazepam), Reglan (metoclopramide)
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