Acute respiratory Flashcards
PE, pneumothorax, pneumonia
What is the definition of a pulmonary embolus?
An emboli lodged within the pulmonary circulation.
The lung parenchyma is ventilated but not perfused.
What are the risk factors for a pulmonary embolus?
Risk factors for venous thromboembolism-
CT Sil Vous Plais:
C:
- cancer
- chemo
- CF
- COPD
- factor C deficiency
T:
- trauma
- time (age)
- thrombocytosis
S
- stasis
- surgery
- Factor S deficiency
V
- Varicose veins
- Virchow’s triad
- Factor V Leiden
P
- Pill OCP
- Pregnancy
- Previous VTE
- Polycythaemia
What is the presentation of an acute submassive/small PE?
Sudden onset Pleuritic chest pain SOB \+/- haemoptysis \+/- haemodynamic compromise
What will you find on examination of a Pt with a PE?
Tachypnoea Tachycardia Lower limb swelling/redness/hotness Cyanosis May have signs of shock
What is the scoring system used to dictate PE investigations?
Well’s score, points for:
- Previous DVT/PE
- Evidence of DVT
- Stasis
- Cancer
- Opinion is PE
- Rate Raised (>100)
- Exsanguination (Haemoptysis)
What should you do if the Well’s score is >=4?
Admit to hospital
Perform a CTPA
What should you do if the Well’s score is <4?
Measure the D-dimer (fibrin degradation product)
If D-dimer is positive, admit and do CTPA
If D-dimer is negative, consider alt diagnosis
What other investigations other than CTPA/D-dimer can you do for a PE?
ECG
CXR
What would an ECG show on a Pt with a PE?
Sinus tachycardia
Right axis deviation
RBBB
S1Q3T3
What would an CXR show on a Pt with a PE?
Pleural effusion
Elevation of hemidiaphragm
Westermark’s sign
What would your first line manage be for a Pt with a PE?
Analgesia
Oxygen >94%
Fluids
How would you manage a haemodynamically unstable Pt with a PE?
Respiratory support
1st line: Thrombolysis
2nd line: Embolectomy
IV Thrombolytics (fibrinolytics):
- Alteplase
- Streptokinase
RISK OF HAEMORRHAGE
How would you manage a haemodynamically stable Pt with a PE?
Respiratory support
ANTICOAGULATION:
- Immediately start apixaban/rivaroxaban (DOAC) if suspect PE
- LMWH for 5 days = bridging warfarin
- Warfarin or DOAC for 3 months if obvious reversable cause- 6 if cancer or irreversable/unclear cause
What is the definition of a pneumothorax?
Accumulation of air in the pleural space
What are the types of pneumothoraces?
PRIMARY-
no underlying respiratory illness (typically young and otherwise healthy patient)
SECONDARY-
associated with pre-existing lung pathology OR 50+ old smoking
What is the presentation of a pneumothorax?
Sudden onset
SOB
Chest pain
What are the risk factors for a pneumothorax?
Underlying lung disease
Smoking
CTD
Trauma
What will you find on examination of a Pt with a pneumothorax?
Reduced/absent breath sounds
Hyper-resonance
Reduced chest expansion
What investigations would you do on a Pt with a pneumothorax?
CXR
CT
Why is a CXR important for a pneumothorax?
Can differentiate between a bullae and pneumothorax
Can locate the pneumothorax
Why is a CT important for a pneumothorax?
Can differentiate between a bullae and pneumothorax
Can locate the pneumothorax
Is more sensitive than a CXR
What is the management plan for a primary pneumothorax either:
- <2cm
- asymptomatic (no SOB)
O2
Consider discharge + OPD review
What is the management plan for a primary pneumothorax either:
- > 2cm
- Symptomatic (SOB)
Needle aspiration
If unsuccessful –> chest drain
Then, observation and O2
What is the management plan for a secondary pneumothorax either:
- <2cm
- asymptomatic (no SOB)
If <1cm, high flow O2 + observe
If 1-2cm –> needle aspiration –> if unsuccessful –> chest drain
What is the management plan for a secondary pneumothorax either:
- > 2cm
- Symptomatic (no SOB)
Chest drain
Lanky Schmidt is a tall, 29 year old male. He has presented to A+E feeling short of breath. He has right sided pleuritic chest pain. He is a non-smoker and otherwise healthy.
A chest radiograph shows a right sided pneumothorax 11mm in diameter.
How should the medical team proceed?
Needle Aspiration and give O2
What would you find on examination of a tension pneumothorax that you wouldn’t find in a normal pneumothorax?
Tracheal deviation
Distended neck veins
Displaced apex beat
What is the definition of a pneumonia?
Inflammation of the alveoli which can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Inflammation results in air sacs filling with fluid or pus
What are the types of pneumonia?
Community-acquired pneumonia
Hospital-acquired pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia
What are the common causes of CAPs?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
What is the presentation of pneumonias?
Fever Malaise Rigors Productive cough Pleuritic chest pain
What will you find on examination of a Pt with pneumonia?
Pyrexia Cyanosis Tachypnoea Confusion Decreased expansion Dull percussion Increased vocal resonance Bronchial breathing
What investigations would you do on a Pt with pneumonia?
Bloods (FBC, CRP)
Sputum sample- MC&S
Blood cultures if severe
CXR
What is the scoring system to assess the severity of a pneumonia?
CURB 65 Confusion Urea >7mmol/L RR >=30 BP: SBP<90mmHg, DBP<=60mmHg Age >=65
What would you do for a Pt with a CURB-65 score of 0-1?
Treat at home if possible
What would you do for a Pt with a CURB-65 score of 2?
Consider hospital treatment
What would you do for a Pt with a CURB-65 score of 3+?
Severe, treat in ITU
What is the management for a Pt with pneumonia?
Antibiotics
Oxygen
Analgesics
Fluids
What antibiotics would you give a low severity pneumonia?
Oral amoxicillin