Approach to a Lower Respiratory Complaint

Question 1

Where does the 2nd rib join the sternum?

Answer 1

at the sternal angle

Question 2

where does the neurovascular bundle run?

Answer 2

along the inferior margin of each rib

Question 3

What is a fast respiratory rate?

Answer 3

anything greater than 25

Question 4

What is Chheyne-Stokes breathing?

Answer 4

periodic breathing; gradual hyperapnea, then hypopnea

Question 5

when is Cheyne-Stokes breathing seen?

Answer 5

often seen in heart failure

Question 6

What is Kussmaul breathing?

Answer 6

abnormal respiratory pattern; deep rapid breathing

Question 7

when might you see Kussmaul breathing?

Answer 7

in patients with metabolic acidosis (like DKA)

Question 8

What are the supraclavicular accessory muscles for breathing?

Answer 8

scalene muscles and sternocleidomastoid

Question 9

What is Empyema?

Answer 9

an abscess in the lung parenchyma that requires drainage

Question 10

What type of sound is crackles?

Answer 10

an inspiratory sound

Question 11

what are common causes of crackles?

Answer 11

PNA, CHF, COPD, asthma

Question 12

What is end tidal CO2?

Answer 12

the concentration of CO2 in exhaled air at the end of respiration

Question 13

What does end tidal CO2 measure?

Answer 13

ventilation

Question 14

What is a normal end tidal Co2 (PETCO2)?

Answer 14

35-40

Question 15

what is a normal PaCO2?

Answer 15

35-45

Question 16

what is atelectasis?

Answer 16

the loss of lung volume due to a collapse of lung tissue