Exam 3 Flashcards
What are arrhythmias?
Abnormal cardiac rhythms due to:
* Abnormal automaticity
* Triggered activity
* Re-entry (circus pathways)
Abnormal automaticity is spontaneous depolarization when not supposed to occur. Triggered activity often occurs during the refractory phase of the cardiac action potential. Re-entry involves electrical impulse circulation through damaged or delayed tissue.
What causes sinus tachycardia?
Pathologic Causes:
* Increased body temperature (e.g., fever)
* Cardiac toxicity
* Increased sympathetic discharge
Non-Pathologic Causes:
* Medications (e.g., stimulants)
* Caffeine
* Exercise (transient, usually benign)
Sinus tachycardia is characterized by an increased heart rate.
What are the causes of sinus bradycardia?
Causes:
* Excessive vagal stimulation (e.g., vasovagal syncope)
* Medications (e.g., beta blockers, calcium channel blockers)
* Neurological effects (e.g., elevated intracranial pressure)
Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a decreased heart rate.
What is a first-degree AV block?
Transmission delayed with a prolonged PR interval (>200 ms) on EKG
First-degree AV block is a type of conduction block arrhythmia.
What characterizes second-degree AV block?
Intermittent failure of conduction through AV node, with some P waves not followed by QRS complexes (dropped beats)
This type of block results in missed ventricular contractions.
What is the mechanism of third-degree AV block?
Atria and ventricles beat independently (AV dissociation), with ventricular rhythm maintained by Purkinje fibers or Bundle of His
This results in a slower and unreliable ventricular rate.
What are premature contractions?
Originate from ectopic pacemaker sites, can occur in:
* Atria – premature atrial contractions (PACs)
* AV node – junctional premature beats
* Ventricles – premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
Frequent PVCs can lead to ventricular fibrillation, especially in damaged myocardium.
What are paroxysmal tachycardias?
Rapid, sudden-onset arrhythmias due to ectopic pacemaker, characterized by bursts of tachycardia
Can be supraventricular (from atria or AV node) or ventricular.
What is ventricular fibrillation (VF)?
Most life-threatening arrhythmia, often initiated by PVCs and maintained by multiple re-entry circuits throughout ventricles
VF results in no coordinated ventricular contraction and requires immediate defibrillation.
What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?
Reduces surface tension and increases lung compliance, helps prevent alveolar collapse at low lung volumes
Surfactant is produced by Type II pneumocytes.
What is pulmonary hypertension?
Occurs when pulmonary pressure increases significantly (e.g., >26 mmHg), can lead to pulmonary edema and right heart strain
Threshold for edema is pulmonary capillary pressure >26 mmHg.
What triggers asthma?
Triggers include:
* Allergens
* Pollutants
* Cold air
* Infections
* Exercise
Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
What defines chronic bronchitis?
Productive cough lasting ≥3 months/year for 2 consecutive years
It is primarily caused by smoking and characterized by airway inflammation.
What are the symptoms of emphysema?
Symptoms include:
* Minimal cyanosis
* Pursed-lip breathing
* Thin appearance
* Increased respiratory effort
Emphysema is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls without fibrosis.
What is the main complication of cystic fibrosis?
Leading cause of death is respiratory failure from infections
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, leading to thick, sticky mucus.
What is the treatment for epiglottitis?
Immediate airway protection (intubation or tracheotomy) and IV antibiotics
Epiglottitis is a life-threatening emergency caused by bacterial infection, typically Haemophilus influenzae type B.
What is pneumoconiosis?
Chronic interstitial fibrosis due to inhalation of inorganic dust
Examples include anthracosis (coal dust) and silicosis (silica dust).
What is the etiology of epiglottitis?
Bacterial infection, typically Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
Epiglottitis can lead to airway obstruction and is considered a life-threatening emergency.
What is the primary pathology of epiglottitis?
Inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis
This swelling can rapidly obstruct the airway.
What is the first treatment step for epiglottitis?
Immediate airway protection (intubation or tracheotomy)
Along with IV antibiotics.
What is pneumoconiosis?
Chronic interstitial fibrosis due to inhalation of inorganic dust
Common examples include anthracosis, silicosis, and asbestosis.
What is anthracosis?
Coal dust exposure, commonly referred to as ‘black lung’
It is a type of pneumoconiosis.
What is silicosis?
Silica dust exposure, often seen in sandblasting
It is a type of pneumoconiosis.
What is asbestosis?
Asbestos exposure, commonly found in insulation and shipyards
It is a type of pneumoconiosis.