Approach to Lower Respiratory Complaint Flashcards
What rib connects to the sternal angle?
Rib 2
Where does the neurovascular bundle run in between ribs?
Along the INFERIOR margin of each rib
Where should chest tubes and needles be placed between ribs?
Along the SUPERIOR margin of each rib
How many lobes does the right lung have?
3
How many lobes does the left lung have?
2
What is important to get from the patient’s history?
Events leading up to the breathing complaint
Recent trauma may suggest?
Pneumothorax
Recent surgery may suggest?
Pulmonary embolism
A productive cough with fever suggests?
Pulmonary infection
What is the order of events to the respiratory physical exam?
Inspection
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation
What is the order of events to the respiratory physical exam?
Inspection
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation
What are things to look at during inspection?
Breathing rate, rhythm, depth, effort, accessory muscle
Skin color, cyanosis, finger clubbing
Chest wall appearance
What defines tachypnea?
R > 25/min
Describe Cheyne - Stokes Breathing
Fast breathing, then slow breathing, then a period of no breathing!
With what conditions is Cheyne-Stokes breathing often seen?
Heart failure
Hypoperfusion of the brain
Describe Kussmaul Breathing
Rapid and DEEP breathing
With what condition is Kussmaul Breathing often seen?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Primary muscle use for breathing?
Diaphragm
Pleural effusion
Pus that collects in pleural space
Empyema
Abscess in lung parenchyma
An empyema (abscess in lung parenchyma) requires drainage. If the fluid collects in the pleural space, what is that called?
Pleural effusion
List the normal breath sounds (4)
Vesicular
Bronchovesicular
Bronchial
Tracheal
Normal breath sounds differ by?
Location
Rhonchi
Low pitched wheezes
