Exam 2: Alterations in Respiratory Systems Flashcards
Why is children’s upper airways more prone to obstruction?
smaller airway= greater resistance
Why do children have a reduced area for gas exchange?
less alveolar surface area.
Why do infants have less-efficient response to hypoxia and elevated PC02?
Bc immature respiratory and neurologic system.
True or false chest wall stiffens with age so you see more retractions.
false: less
True or false: lymph tissue(tonsils and adenoids) grow rapidly in early childhood; atrophies after age 12.
true
True or false: larynx and glottis are higher in neck, increasing risk for aspiration.
true
Why do children have a greater risk for aspiration?
higher bifurcation(T3 level instead of T6), and right mainstem has a steeper slope.
What is wheezing? stridor?
high-pitched sound on expiration; may occur with obstruction in lower trachea or bronchioles; high-pitched sound on inspiration.
what are rales?
crackling sounds heard when alveoli become fluid filled; may occur with pneumonia.
When is foreign body aspiration most common?
6 months- 4 yrs
What foods should you avoid do to aspiration?
carrots, hot dogs, popcorn, nuts.
What are some symptoms of aspiration?
sudden coughing or gagging, dyspnea, tachypnea, retractions, stridor
What are the three disorders that make up croup syndrome?
laryngotracheobronchitis, tracheitis, epiglottitis.
What is a bacterial infection of the trachea often following a viral URI?
tracheitis.
What is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that causes varying degrees of airway obstruction?
Laryngotracheobronchitis.
What is inflammation of the tissue that covers the trachea?
epiglottitis
What is the most common upper airway disorder of croup syndrome? most life threatening?
Laryngotracheobronchitis; epiglottitis.
What are some symptoms of epiglottitis?
high fever, sore throat, drooling, dysphonia tripod
What may show up on a neck x-ray with croup syndrome?
steeple sign
What are some management for croup syndrome?
antibiotics, antivirals, beta agonists(albuterol), steroids.
True of false with epiglottitis do not place child in supine position, do not attempt to visualize throat, do not leave them, provide 100% in least invasive way.
true
What are two lower airway disorders?
bronchitis, bronchiolitis
What is inflammation of trachea and bronchi known as?
bronchitis
What age usually gets bronchiolitis? cause of illness?
2-6 months; RSV
what are some common symptoms of pneumonia?
shaking chills followed by fever, chest pain in infected lung, severe abdominal pain, dry cough at first then wet, n/v, rapid breathing & HR, SOB
what are some tx for pneumonia?
pulse ox, CPAP, fluids, PD, percussion, suctioning, Meds: bronchodilators, steroids, beta-antagonists, synargis: IM(decreases chances of vital upper resp. infections.)
When do pneumonia symptoms usually improve?
24-72 hours
What are some characteristics of asthma?
inflammation, mucus formation, bronchospasms, airway remodeling, anxiety, cough, wheeze, dyspnea
What age do you do spirometry readings?
4-5 yrs
What are 3 ways to administer asthma meds?
nebulizer, inhaler/spacer, dry powder inhaler.
What is SIDS?
unexplained death under age 1 after autopsy, scene investigation, and review of history.
What age does SIDS most likely happen?
2-4 months.
True or false in infants It is important to avoid loose bedding and smoke exposure.
true
What are some initial signs of RF?
restlessness, tachypnea, tachycardia, diaphoresis
What are some early decompensation signs of RF?
nasal flaring, retractions, grunting, wheezing, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, HA, htn, confusion.
What are some severe signs of hypoxia in RF?
dyspnea, bradycardia, cyanosis, stupor, coma.
What are some Respiratory distress tx?
oxygenation, positioning, fluids, meds: bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids.
In upper airway disorders we should watch for?
inspiratory stridor, barking cough, hoarseness
In lower airway disorders we should watch for?
wheezes, crackles, high-pitched or absent sounds
