Dyspnea Flashcards
1
Q
Organ systems which may be involved in dyspnea
A
- Cardiac
- Pulmonary
- Anemia/hypovolemia
- Acid-base disorders and other metabolic derangements
- Neuromuscular weakness
- Central neurologic derangements
2
Q
Common causes of acute dyspnea
A
- Pulmonary edema
- PE
- PNA
- COPD exacerbation
- Asthma
- Cardiac ischemia
- Pneumothorax
- Anxiety
3
Q
Common causes of chronic dyspnea
A
- CHF
- COPD
- Pulmonary parenchymal disease
- Pulmonary vascular disease
- Anemia
- Neuromuscular weakness
4
Q
Important PE in dyspnea
A
- RR and level of respiratory distress
- Use of accessory muscles for breathing
- Measuring pulsus paradox
- ID bronchial breath sounds, rales, rhonchi, wheeze, subcutaneous emphysema
- Signs of pulmonary consolidation and hyperresonance
- Signs of pleural effusion
- Signs of elevated central venous pressure
- Signs of hypovolemia
- ID S3 gallop, edema, pallor
- ID signs of DVT
5
Q
Potential labs in dyspnea
A
- CBC
- Electrolytes, BUN/Cr, GLC
- Pulse ox
- ABG
- CXR
- 12-lead ECG
- PFTs
- V/Q scan
- Chest CT
- Venous doppler studies
- Cardiac stress test
- Echo
6
Q
Patient counseling in dyspnea
A
- Communicate Dx, Tx, f/u
- Elicit questions from patient and family
- Counsel/educate on environmental contributors to their disease
- Smoking cessation
