Chapter 15 Flashcards
Respiratory problems 1
Respiratory problems 2
Croup
Caused by inflammation and swelling of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea
Croup is often secondary to an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract and is typically seen in children between ages 6 months and 3 years.
It is easily passed between children.
Peak seasonal outbreaks occur in the late fall and during the winter.
Croup starts with a cold, cough, and a low-grade fever that develops over 2 days.
The hallmark signs of croup are stridor and a seal-bark cough, which signal a narrowing of the air passage of the trachea that may progress to significant obstruction.
Croup is rarely seen in adults because their breathing passages are larger and can accommodate the inflammation and mucus production without producing symptoms.
The airways of adults are wider, and the supporting tissue is firmer, than in children.
Croup responds well to the administration of humidified oxygen.
Bronchodilators are not indicated for croup and can worsen a patient’s symptoms.
Respiratory syncytial virus
A common cause of illness in young children
Respiratory syncytial virus causes an infection in the lungs and breathing passages, and can lead to other serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, as well as serious heart and lung problems in premature infants and in children who have depressed immune systems.
RSV is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets when the patient coughs or sneezes.
The virus can also survive on surfaces, including hands and clothing.
The infection tends to spread rapidly through schools and child care centers.
When you assess a child with suspected RSV, look for signs of dehydration.
Infants with RSV often refuse liquids.
Treat airway and breathing problems as appropriate.
Humidified oxygen is helpful if available.
bronchiolitis
A respiratory illness that often occurs due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and results in severe inflammation of the bronchioles
Occurs most frequently in newborns and toddlers, especially boys, whose airways can easily become blocked
Young children who require hospitalization for bronchiolitis are at increased risk for developing childhood asthma.
The treatment for a child suffering from bronchiolitis is mainly supportive.
While many of these patients do well, there is still a risk for significant respiratory compromise.
Provide appropriate oxygen therapy.
Allow the patient to remain in a position of comfort.
Reassess frequently for signs of worsening respiratory distress.
Be prepared to provide airway management and positive-pressure ventilation should the patient develop respiratory failure.
Pneumonia
According to the World Health Organization, Pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity worldwide.
Pneumonia refers to an infection of the lungs.
The infection collects in the surrounding normal lung tissues, impairing the lung’s ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Pneumonia is often a secondary infection and begins after an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or sore throat.
It can be caused by a virus or bacterium, or by a chemical injury after an accidental ingestion or a direct lung injury from a submersion incident.
Interventions such as intubation and tracheostomy can increase the risk of developing pneumonia.
Pertussis
An airborne bacterial infection that primarily affects children younger than 6 years
Highly contagious and is passed through droplet infection
A patient with pertussis will be feverish and exhibit a “whoop” sound on inspiration after a coughing attack.
Symptoms are generally similar to colds, but coughing spells can last for more than a minute during which the child may turn red or purple.
In infants younger than 6 months, pertussis can be life threatening.
Children with pertussis may vomit or not want to eat or drink.
Watch for signs of dehydration.
You may have to suction thick secretions to clear the airway.
Give oxygen by the most appropriate means.
Pertussis in adults does not cause the typical whooping illness but can cause a severe upper respiratory infection, which can lead to pneumonia in geriatric patients or people with compromised immune systems.
influenza type A
An animal respiratory disease that has mutated to infect humans
In 2009, the H1N1 strain of influenza Type A became pandemic.
Like seasonal flu, it may make chronic medical conditions worse.
All strains of influenza type A are transmitted by direct contact with nasal secretions and aerosolized droplets from coughing and sneezing by infected people.
The viruses cause fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue and may lead to pneumonia or dehydration.
Tuberculosis (TB)
A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) spreads by cough.
Many strains are resistant to antibiotics.
TB most commonly affects the lungs, but can be found in almost any organ of the body, particularly the kidneys, spine, and lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
In some cases, TB can remain dormant for years without causing symptoms or being infectious to other people.
Patients with active TB involving the lungs will report fever, coughing, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss.
If the lung infection becomes severe, the patient will experience shortness of breath, coughing, productive sputum, bloody sputum, and chest pain.
TB has a higher prevalence among people who:
Live in close contact
Abuse intravenous drugs or alcohol
Have compromised immune systems
Alkalosis vs Acidosis
Alkalosis is excessive blood alkalinity caused by an overabundance of bicarbonate in the blood or a loss of acid from the blood (metabolic alkalosis), or by a low level of carbon dioxide in the blood that results from rapid or deep breathing (respiratory alkalosis).
Acidosis is a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids. It is the opposite of alkalosis (a condition in which there is too much base in the body fluids).
Respiratory desease signs and symptoms
What is PASTE?
