Conditions that cause respiratory distress Flashcards
The three most common types of obstructive pulmonary diseases:
- emphysema
- chronic bronchitis
- asthma
emphysema and chronic bronchitis are referred to as
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
the emphysema pt. was referred to as the
“pink puffer”
the chronic bronchitis pt. was referred to as the
“blue bloater”
The primary cause of COPD
smoking
- affects primarily the bronchi and bronchioles
- associated with cig smoking
- productive cough
Chronic Bronchitis
Signs and symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
- cough (hallmark sign)
- typically overweight w/ peripheral edema & JVD
- cyanotic
- SpO2 <94%
- scattered rales & coarse rhonchi
- Wheezing & possible crackles at base of lungs
- Asterixis (flapping of the extended wrists)
COPD patients develop a
hypoxic drive
increased sensitivity of the lower airways to irritants & allergens, causing bronchospasm, which is a diffuse, reversible narrowing of the bronchioles, as well as inflammation on the lining of the bronchioles
Asthma
What conditions contribute to resistance to airflow and difficulty breathing in Asthma pt’s ?
- Bronchospasm
- Edema (swelling) of inner lining of airways
- Increased secretion of mucus that causes plugging of the smaller airways
A prolonged life-threatening attack that produces inadequate breathing and severe signs & symptoms. Does not respond to oxygen or medication.
status asthmaticus
Signs and symptoms of asthma:
-dyspnea, cough, wheezing, tachypnea, tachycardia, use of accessory muscles, diaphoresis, anxiety, possible fever, runny nose, chest tightness, inability to sleep, SpO2 <94%, gastroesophageal reflex, pulsus paradoxus
acute infectious disease caused by bacterium or a virus that affects the lower respiratory tract & causes lung inflammation & fluid or pus-filled alveoli
Pneumonia
Signs and symptoms of Pneumonia:
Malaise, fever, cough, dyspnea, tachycardia, tachycardia, chest pain, decreased chest wall movement, splinting of thorax w/ arm, crackles, wheezing, rhonchi, AMS, diaphoresis, cyanosis SpO2 <94%
obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries leads to hypoxia (usually a blood clot)
pulmonary embolism
Pt.’s at risk for suffering a pulmonary embolism are
-those who experience long periods of immobility
Pulmonary embolism is usually caused by
a blood clot
occurs when excessive amount of fluid collects in the spaces between the alveoli and the capillaries
Acute pulmonary edema
sudden rupture of a portion of the visceral lining of the lung, causes lung to partially collapse
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
People more likely to suffer from a spontaneous pneumothorax
- tall, lanky males 20-40yrs
- cig smoking
- history of COPD
Signs and symptoms of spontaneous pneumorthorax
- sudden shortness of breath
- sudden sharp chest/shoulder pain
- subcutaneous emphysema
- tachypnea
- diaphoresis
- pallor
- cyanosis
- SpO2 <94%
emotionally upset, very excited & suffering a panic attack
Hyperventilation Syndrome
signs and symptoms of hyperventilation syndrome
- fatigue
- nervous, anxiety
- dizzy
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
- numb/tingling around mouth, hands & feet
- tachypnea & tachycardia
- spasms of fingers & feet leading to cramp
- may cause a seizure in a pt. w/ seizure disorder
Emergency Medical Care for hyperventilation syndrome
- calm the patient
- administer o2 if SpO2 reading is <94%
an inflammation affecting the upper airway
epiglottitis
signs and symptoms of epiglottitis
- upper respiratory tract infection
- dyspnea
- high fever
- sore throat
- inability to swallow with drooling
- anxiety
- tripod
- fatigue
- high-pitched inspiratory stridor
- trouble/pain speaking
- SpO2 <94%
Emergency medical care of epiglottitis
focus on ensuring oxygenation & preventing airway obstruction
-Do not inspect the airway
respiratory disease that is characterized by uncontrolled coughing
Pertussis (whooping cough)
hereditary disease, causes pulmonary dysfunction as a result of changes in the mucus-secreting glands of the lungs
Cystic Fibrosis
disease characterized by destruction of the alveolar walls & distention of the alveolar sacs & gradual destruction of the pulmonary capillary beds with a severe reduction in the alveolar/capillary are of gas exchange to occur
emphysema
disease characterized by a productive cough for at least 3 consecutive months for at lease 2 consecutive years
Chronic Bronchitis
disease that involves inflammation & thickening of the lining of the bronchi & bronchioles & excessive mucous production
Chronic Bronchitis
CPAP in COPD is indicated if one or more of the following is present:
- moderate to severe dyspnea with the use of accessory muscles & paradoxical abdominal movement
- respiratory rate >25 per minute
Delivery rate of a bag-valve-mask at a max. rate of:
10-12 times per minute
Pts. prone to pneumonia:
- pts. with HIV
- on immunosuppressive drugs
- cig smoking
- alcoholism
- exposure to cold temps.
