Conditions that cause respiratory distress

Question 1

The three most common types of obstructive pulmonary diseases:

Answer 1

• emphysema
• chronic bronchitis
• asthma

Question 2

emphysema and chronic bronchitis are referred to as

Answer 2

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Question 3

the emphysema pt. was referred to as the

Answer 3

“pink puffer”

Question 4

the chronic bronchitis pt. was referred to as the

Answer 4

“blue bloater”

Question 5

The primary cause of COPD

Answer 5

smoking

Question 6

• affects primarily the bronchi and bronchioles
• associated with cig smoking
• productive cough

Answer 6

Chronic Bronchitis

Question 7

Signs and symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis

Answer 7

• 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)

Question 8

COPD patients develop a

Answer 8

hypoxic drive

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Asthma

Question 10

What conditions contribute to resistance to airflow and difficulty breathing in Asthma pt’s ?

Answer 10

• Bronchospasm
• Edema (swelling) of inner lining of airways
• Increased secretion of mucus that causes plugging of the smaller airways

Question 11

A prolonged life-threatening attack that produces inadequate breathing and severe signs & symptoms. Does not respond to oxygen or medication.

Answer 11

status asthmaticus

Question 12

Signs and symptoms of asthma:

Answer 12

-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

Question 13

acute infectious disease caused by bacterium or a virus that affects the lower respiratory tract & causes lung inflammation & fluid or pus-filled alveoli

Answer 13

Pneumonia

Question 14

Signs and symptoms of Pneumonia:

Answer 14

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%

Question 15

obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries leads to hypoxia (usually a blood clot)

Answer 15

pulmonary embolism

Question 16

Pt.’s at risk for suffering a pulmonary embolism are

Answer 16

-those who experience long periods of immobility

Question 17

Pulmonary embolism is usually caused by

Answer 17

a blood clot

Question 18

occurs when excessive amount of fluid collects in the spaces between the alveoli and the capillaries

Answer 18

Acute pulmonary edema

Question 19

sudden rupture of a portion of the visceral lining of the lung, causes lung to partially collapse

Answer 19

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Question 20

People more likely to suffer from a spontaneous pneumothorax

Answer 20

• tall, lanky males 20-40yrs
• cig smoking
• history of COPD

Question 21

Signs and symptoms of spontaneous pneumorthorax

Answer 21

• sudden shortness of breath
• sudden sharp chest/shoulder pain
• subcutaneous emphysema
• tachypnea
• diaphoresis
• pallor
• cyanosis
• SpO2 <94%

Question 22

emotionally upset, very excited & suffering a panic attack

Answer 22

Hyperventilation Syndrome

Question 23

signs and symptoms of hyperventilation syndrome

Answer 23

• 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

Question 24

Emergency Medical Care for hyperventilation syndrome

Answer 24

• calm the patient

- administer o2 if SpO2 reading is <94%

Question 25

an inflammation affecting the upper airway

Answer 25

epiglottitis

Question 26

signs and symptoms of epiglottitis

Answer 26

• 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%

Question 27

Emergency medical care of epiglottitis

Answer 27

focus on ensuring oxygenation & preventing airway obstruction
-Do not inspect the airway

Question 28

respiratory disease that is characterized by uncontrolled coughing

Answer 28

Pertussis (whooping cough)

Question 29

hereditary disease, causes pulmonary dysfunction as a result of changes in the mucus-secreting glands of the lungs

Answer 29

Cystic Fibrosis

Question 30

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

Answer 30

emphysema

Question 31

disease characterized by a productive cough for at least 3 consecutive months for at lease 2 consecutive years

Answer 31

Chronic Bronchitis

Question 32

disease that involves inflammation & thickening of the lining of the bronchi & bronchioles & excessive mucous production

Answer 32

Chronic Bronchitis

Question 33

CPAP in COPD is indicated if one or more of the following is present:

Answer 33

• moderate to severe dyspnea with the use of accessory muscles & paradoxical abdominal movement
• respiratory rate >25 per minute

Question 34

Delivery rate of a bag-valve-mask at a max. rate of:

Answer 34

10-12 times per minute

Question 35

Pts. prone to pneumonia:

Answer 35

• pts. with HIV
• on immunosuppressive drugs
• cig smoking
• alcoholism
• exposure to cold temps.