Breathless Patient Flashcards
1
Q
Respiratory causes of breathlessness
A
Asthma - Reversible COPD Pneumonia - Covid-19 Lung Cancer
2
Q
Cardiovascular causes of breathlessness
A
Heart Failure - pulmonary oedema
pulmonary embolism
Atrial Fibrilation
3
Q
Non respiratory/cardiovascular causes of breathlessness
A
Functional Breathlessness e.g. obesity
Anaemia - need for a full blood count
4
Q
Why is heparin given in hospitals
A
Avoiding deep vein thrombosis
5
Q
Histories that must be taken for a breathless patient
A
Age Onset of Symptoms Variability Smoking History Drug History Occupation Pets Associated Symptoms Orthopnoea
6
Q
Digital Clubbing
A
Drum stick type fingers
Sign of breathlessness
Symptomatic of: Lung Cancer Bronchiectasis Pulmonary Fibrosis Cardiac e.g. Fallot's tetralogy
7
Q
Cyanosis
A
Blue skin and lips
Sign of breathlessness
Symptomatic of
- Lung Disorder (e.g. Asthma/Pneumonia)
- Heart Disorder (e.g. CHF, CHD)
- Blood Clot
- Rayanuds
8
Q
Physical Examination of Breathless Patient
A
Palpation and Percussion
Auscultation
- Wheeze: Expiration, limitations of flow in asthma/COPD
- Crackles: Opening of closed bronchiole
- Early inspiratory associated with diffuse airflow limitation
- Late inspiratory associated with pulmonary oedema, fibrosis and bronchiectasis
Pleural rub
- Infalammation of pleural surfaces
9
Q
Measurement of blood gases
A
Arterial blood gas monitoring
Pulse oximetry
- Symptoms of hypoxia <92%
