Exam 2: Airway Flashcards
Describe the pathway of O2 as it enters the body and gets to the alveoli.
Nasopharynx/oropharynx > larynx > epiglottis, vocal cords > glottis > trachea > carina > bronchi > bronchus > bronchioles > alveoli
Define the process of diffusion and where it occurs in the lungs?
in alveoli and capillary beds. Diffusion of gas exchange is when CO2 or O2 goes from high concentration to low concentration.
List the steps in caring for a patient who is choking, including responsive and unresponsive patients.
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Describe the indications for suctioning and describe the technique for doing so.
suction when airway is visibly full of secretions/fluid. Measure catheter from corner of mouth to jaw corner. Insert catheter that lenght, not suctioning yet. Suction on way out circular motions no more than 10-15 seconds.
What is a rigid suction and when would it be used?
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What is a soft-tip suction and when would it be used?
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List the indications for the head-tilt chin-lift and jaw-thrust maneuvers.
open the airway of an unconscious and unresponsive patient
How would you insert an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)?
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How would you insert an nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?
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List the steps in the primary assessment including the pertinent findings.
ABCs | airway is open and patent = look for obstructions | Breathing = rate, rhythm, quality and lung sounds = look for respiratory distress/failure | circulation = cap refill = good perfusion; pulses, skin signs = look for shock
What muscles are working in inhalation and exhalation?
intercostal muscles and diaphragm
What is the role of the phrenic nerve?
carries the signal to and from the medulla oblongata
What is the proper O2 flow rate in L/min for the nasal cannula?
2-6 L/min
What is the proper O2 flow rate in L/min for the NRB?
10-15 L/min
What is the proper O2 flow rate in L/min for the BVM?
15 L/min
What are the 7 signs and symptoms and breathing rates of a patient suffering from respiratory distress?
RR = < 8/min or > 30/min | dyspnea | HR/RR increase | retractions | tripoding/upright position | 2-3 word-dyspnea | noisy breathing/lung sounds | restlessness | normal mental status
What are the 4 signs and symptoms and breathing rates of a patient suffering from respiratory failure?
shallow respirations | cyanotic | HR/RR decreases | altered mental status
What is the key difference between respiratory distress and respiratory failure?
mental status | normal = distress | altered = failure
List the steps for ventilating a patient with a stoma?
tracheostomy mask to BVM (if no mask present = use child/infant mask) | no head-tilt, chin-lift or jaw thrust. | suction = French/soft tip catheter
What is a stoma?
opening in neck connecting the skin to trachea
Define tidal volume.
amount of air inhaled in 1 breath
Define minute volume.
amount of air inhaled in 1 minute
Define compliance.
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Define seesaw respirations.
chest and abdomen move opposite directions (up and down)
Define dyspneic.
abnormal breathing pattern, short of breath
Define apneic.
Patient is not breathing.
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis.
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Why do the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis happen?
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Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient suffering epiglottitis.
swelling of epiglottis | high grade fever | raspy voice | stridor | copious drooling | tripoding
Why do the signs and symptoms of epiglottitis happen?
fever = due to Hib flu strand | raspy voice = swelling puts pressure on other structures | stridor = narrowing of upper airway passages | drooling = hard to swallow
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient suffering asthma.
expiratory wheezing | prolonged expiratory phase | dyspnea/labored breathing
Why do the signs and symptoms of asthma happen?
immune system response = intermittent swelling of bronchioles/bronchi (bronchospasm)
What is a beta-2 agonist medication?
beta-2 receptor controls bronchi constriction/dilation | beta-2agonist medication = dilates bronchi
Why must beta-2 agonist medication be administered to a respiratory patient?
allow broncho-dilation = open up lower airways = more air in airways
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient suffering chronic bronchitis and why these symptoms occur.
irritation of airways = airway constriction and buildup of excess mucus | excess mucus = due to irritants | productive cough = trying to cough out mucus
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient suffering emphysema and why these symptoms occur.
long expiratory phase = wheezing = broncho-constriction = dried out alveoli | crackles
What are the 2 types of COPD-diseases?
emphysema and chronic bronchitis
What is a pneumothorax?
air enters the pleural space = putting pressure onto lung = decrease in volume of air inhaled
What is a tension pneumothorax?
air cannot escape pleural space = mediastinal shift
Signs and symptoms of tension pneumothroax
JVD | tracheal deviation to unaffected side | diminished/absent breath sounds
Signs and symptoms of pneumothorax
diminished or absent breath sounds but no JVD/tracheal deviation
Describe the 5 signs and symptoms of a patient suffering pneumonia and why these symptoms occur.
fever/chills = immune system reaction to URI infection | worsened productive cough = dried up mucus due to body temp | excess mucus production = immune system response to infection | rhonchi breath sounds | brown sputum | pleuritic CP = irritation of pleural membrane from the coughing
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient suffering cystic fibrosis and why these symptoms occur.
sinus congestion = excess mucus | wheezing = excess mucus in airways | chronic productive cough | dyspnea | pneumonia = due to germs stuck in mucus
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient suffering from pulmonary embolism and why these symptoms occur.
acute SOB = sudden clot of pulmonary vessel | pinpoint CP = at the site of thrombus/blockage | clear lung sounds | respiratory distress/failure = not enough O2 circulating | failure to improve with O2 = blood can’t oxygenate well through lungs bc of blockage
Describe the signs and symptoms of a patient suffering from CHF and why these symptoms occur.
crackles = pulmonary edema = from damage of one of the heart chambers = backup of fluid in pulmonary circulation | severe dyspnea | lower extremity edema = backup of fluid in venous system | pink frothy sputum = due to blood in lungs
