Class 7 - Respiratory System Flashcards
diagnostic tests associated with the resporatory system
CT: multiple x-ray beams used at varying angles resulting in a photographic image of the area scanned
Chest X-Ray:
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG):
Ventilation Perfusion Scan (VQ Scan):
is a method for detecting blood clots in the lungs. Blood clots (thrombi) can form in the veins of the legs (or other parts of the body) and then travel to and lodge in the lungs causing suchsymptoms as shortness of breath and chest pain. This is a potentially very serious problem.
The scan is performed with two sets of images of the lungs: one of airflow and one of blood flow. The ventilation (airflow) images are taken after the patient breaths an aerosol containing a mildly radioactive material (technetium DTPA).
The radiation dose from this procedure is small and there are virtually no side effects from this study.
Bronchoscopy: (*Also mention Mediastinoscopy as frequently performed with Bronchs)
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT):
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate:
Pulmonary Angiography: injectable contrast dye used to visualize pulmonary vasculature; used in detection of pleural effusion; normal scan rules out PE
Sputum Studies: ex/ C&S; acid- fast bacilli (AFB in TB); cytology (*some tumours slough cells into sputum)
Thoracentesis: pleural fluid (and /or air) removed for “diagnostic and therapeutic purposes” ; therapeutic reasons include relieving pressure, pain, and dyspnea
define bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a hollow, flexible tube is inserted into the airways, allowing the physician to visually examine the lower airways, including the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. It can also be used to collect specimens for bacteriological culture to diagnose infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
clinical manifestations of influenza
- Onset is abrupt; systemic symptoms of cough, fever, muscle aches, headache, sore throat
- In uncomplicated cases, symptoms subside within 7 days; older adults may experience persistent weakness or llack of energy.
- Most common complication: Pneumonia
nursing and collaborative mgmt of influenza (2 things a patient should do)
- Hand washing
- Influenza vaccination
What is pneumonia
Inflammatory process affecting the bronchioles and alveoli resulting in increase in interstitial and alveolar fluid
What are some predisposing factors for pneumonia
- age
- air pollution
- bed rest and prolonged immobility
- malnutrition
- smoking
- debilitating illness
- HIV infection
There are four types of pneumonia, what are they?
- Community acquired:
- is a lower respiratory tract infection of the lung tissue with onset in the community or within the first 2 days of hospitalization.
- highest risk is in mid-winter
- smoking is an important risk factor - Hospital acquired:
- is occurring 48 hours or longer after hospital admission - Aspiration:
- refers to the abnormal entry of secretions or substances into the lower airway (ex: food or vomit) - Opportunistic:
- affects patients with altered immune response and are highly susceptible to respiratory infections.
Bacterial pnuemonia signs and symptoms
sudden onset fever chills productive cough shallow resps crackles & even wheezes on auscultation pain - bacterial pneumonia can occur as a secondary infection.
Viral pneumonia signs and symptoms
- no bacterial growth in sputum
- increased amount of sputum
- chills (less common)
- pulse and resps slower than with bacterial
- Viral tends to be less severe the course of viral pneumonia may be longer than a bacterial pneumonia.
What is the pathophysiology of pneumonia
Stage 1: Congestion from outpouring of fluid to alveoli.
- Organisms multiply
- Infection spreads
- Interferes with lung function
Stage 2: Red hepatization
- Massive dilation of capillaries
- Alveoli fill with organisms, neutrophils, RBCs, and fibrin
*Causes lungs to appear red
and granular
Stage 3: Grey hepatization
- ↓ Blood flow
- Leukocyte and fibrin consolidate in affected part of lung.
Stage 4: Resolution
- Resolution and healing if no complications
- Exudate lysed and processed by macrophages
- Tissue restored
complications of pneumonia are
- pleurisy: inflammation of the pleura
- pleural effusion: build up of fluid in the pleural space
- atelectasis: collapse of alveoli
- lung abscess:
- delayed resolution: results from persistent infection
- empyema: accumulation of purulent exudate in the pleural cavity
- pericarditis: results from the spread of infection to the sac around the heart
- bacteremia
- meningitis
- endocarditis: attackes the valvesand endocardium of the heart
what tools are used to diagnose pneumonia
- CXR
- sputum for C & S
- CBC
- blood cultures
what is the treatment plan for pneumonia
- antibiotics if indicated
- bedrest
- increased fluids
- antipyretics if indicated
nursing implications with pneumonia
- hand hygiene
- vaccinations
- proper nutrition
- adequate fluid intake
- minimize upper respiratory infection risks
A 56-year-old normally healthy patient at the clinic is diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. Before treatment is prescribed, the nurse asks the patient about an allergy to:
- Amoxicillin
- Erythromycin
- Sulphonamides
- Cephalosporins
answer: A
