Interstitial Lung Diseases

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Does patient require emergent intubation?
    • Airway protection
    • Hypercarbia (pending ventilatory failure)
    • Refractory hypoxia
  • Does patient have evidence of acute MI?
    • Chest pain, ECG changes, elevated cardiac enzymes
  • Does patient have evidence of shock?
    • Severe hypovolemia or CHF (volume overload)

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Last updated: April 28, 2010