SIGN AND MILD MODERATE SEVERE RESPIRATORY

SYMPTOM ARREST
ASSESSMENT IMMINENT
Breathless While Walking While at rest While at rest
Can Lie down (infant; softer, (infant; stops
shorter cry; feeding)
difficulty feeding)
Prefers sitting
Talks in Sentences Phrases Words
Alertness May be agitated Usually agitated Usually agitated Drowsy or
confused
Respiratory Rate Increased Increased Often >30 bpm
Accessory Muscle Usually not Commonly Usually present Paradoxic
Used; present Present thoracoabdominal
Suprasternal movement
Retractions
Wheeze Moderate, often Loud, throughout Usually loud Absence of
only and exhalation throughout wheeze
expiratory inhalation and
exhalataion >120
Pulse (beats/min) <100 100-120 >120 Bradycardia
Pulsus paradoxus Absent ,10 mmHg May be present Often present 20- Absence suggest
10-25 mm Hg 40 mmHg (child) respiratory
muscle fatigue

FUNCTIONAL MILD MODERATE SEVERE RESPIRATORY

ASSESSMENT ARREST
IMMINENT
PEF (percent >70% -40% - 69% or 50% <25% PEF testing
predicted or response lasts may not be
percentile appropriate in
personal best) severe attacks
Oxygen saturation >95% 90-95% <90%
(on room air) at
sea level
PaO2 (on room Normal ≥60 mmHg <60 mmHg;
air) possible cyanosis
PCO2 <42 mmHg <42 mmHg ≥42 mmHg;
possible
respiratory failure