Breathlessness

Question 1

Outcome measure for breathlessness

Answer 1

modified Borg scale of perceived breathlessness from 0-10

Question 2

Causes of breathless

Answer 2

increased metabolic rate
Cardiovascular issues
Perfusion limitation - large v/q mismatch
increased airway resistance
Increased alveolar surface tension
Increased drive to breath

Question 3

What is wheezing

Answer 3

Increased airway resistance

Question 4

Treatments for breathlessness

Answer 4

Positioning
Breathing re-education
Relaxation
Fan therapy
Pursed lip breathing
Non invasive ventilation

Question 5

Positioning

Answer 5

Many patients automatically adopt a posture which eases breathing

Question 6

Breathing re education

Answer 6

to reduce work of breathing and increase confidence

Question 7

Relaxation

Answer 7

encourage mindfulness to allow a conscious effect to relax the body

Question 8

Fan therapy

Answer 8

Aim fan above top lip and stimulates the trigminal nerve, so tricks brain into thinking it’s getting oxygen. Helping with feeling of shortness of breath

Question 9

Pursed lip breathing

Answer 9

pursed lip breathing
breathing out actively through pursed lips
Splints airways open
The positive pressure on exhalation prolongs expiratory time and reduces airway collapse

Question 10

NIV- non invasive ventilation

Answer 10

Patient triggered or automatic
Biggest use is in patients with high levels of c02
Increases alveolar ventilation
Allows rest of respiratory muscles

Question 11

Selection for niv patients

Answer 11

must be able to control airway
Cough reflex
Functioning GI tract

Question 12

Advantage of NIV

Answer 12

non invasive, low cost, easy to manage at home

Question 13

Disadvantage

Answer 13

Eating and drinking