21. The concept of adequate vs. inadequate breathing is one that must be stressed to new EMT-Bs. The mere thought of providing artificial ventilation to a person who has some respiratory effort is confusing. Ventilating a nonbreathing patient is difficult, let alone one who is breathing. Explain to new EMT-Bs that they should work with the patient’s respiratory effort and coach the patient when appropriate. P RECEPTOR P EARL
22. Breathing Difficulty A chief complaint representing a patient’s feeling of labored or difficult breathing K EY TERM
49. 1. Describe signs of adequate and inadequate breathing. 2. Explain the indications and contraindications of a prescribed inhaler. 3. List the “rights” of medication administration. R EVIEW QUESTIONS