Exam 3 (Ch. 27, 28, 29, & 30) Flashcards
Diagnostic Tests
What is pulse oximetry (Pulse Ox)?
What does it measure?
A noninvasive method to monitor the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood (SpO2).
Provides a quick and easy way to assess oxygenation.
Diagnostic Tests
What is a sputum culture?
What does it help diagnose?
A laboratory test to identify the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms in a sample of sputum (phlegm) coughed up from the lungs.
Helps diagnose respiratory infections and guide antibiotic treatment.
Diagnostic Tests
What does an allergy skin test identify?
What is a TB skin test (PPD) used for?
Allergies: Skin tests can identify allergens that trigger respiratory symptoms, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis.
Tuberculosis (TB): The tuberculin skin test (TST) is used to detect latent TB infection.
Diagnostic Tests
What is a lung biopsy?
What does it help diagnose?
A procedure to obtain a tissue sample from the lung for examination under a microscope.
Helps diagnose lung cancer, infections, and other lung diseases.
Diagnostic Tests
What is a capnography?
What does it measure?
CO2 Monitoring
Measures the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled breath.
Provides information about ventilation and gas exchange.
Diagnostic Tests
What do arterial or mixed venous blood gas analysis measure?
What kind of assessment do they provide?
Arterial or Mixed Venous: Measures the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in arterial or mixed venous blood.
Provides a comprehensive assessment of respiratory and metabolic function.
Diagnostic Tests
What is a bronchoscopy?
What is it used to diagnose?
A procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the airways to visualize the lungs and collect samples.
Used to diagnose and treat various lung conditions.
Diagnostic Tests
What is a pulmonary function test?
What does it assess?
A group of tests that measure lung volume, capacity, and flow rates.
Helps assess lung function and diagnose respiratory diseases.
Diagnostic Tests
What is a thoracentesis?
What does it help diagnose?
A procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space (the space between the lungs and chest wall).
Helps diagnose and treat pleural effusions (fluid buildup) or pneumothorax (air in the pleural space).
Risk Factors, Symptoms & Diagnosis
What is a V/Q scan?
(Ventilation/Perfusion Scan):
Used if the patient cannot have contrast dye (e.g., due to kidney problems).
Assesses airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs.
Risk Factors, Symptoms & Diagnosis
What is a CT Angiography?
A specialized type of computed tomography (CT) scan used to visualize blood vessels throughout the body
- Uses intravenous (IV) contrast dye to visualize blood vessels in the lungs.
Considered the gold standard for diagnosing PE.
Detection of Head/Neck Cancer
What diagnostic tools are used for head/neck cancer?
Direct Visualization: Using techniques like laryngoscopy or endoscopy to directly visualize the larynx and other areas of the head and neck.
Chest X-Ray: To check for lung involvement or metastasis.
Biopsy: Taking a tissue sample for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
Lung Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment & Management
What diagnostic tools are used for lung cancer?
Chest X-ray: Initial imaging to identify potential lung abnormalities.
CT Guided Biopsy: Obtaining a tissue sample for microscopic examination under CT guidance to confirm the diagnosis.
Bronchoscopy: Visual examination of the airways and collection of tissue or fluid samples.
Importance of Diagnosis: Diagnosis is necessary for appropriate staging and treatment planning.
Nursing management of TB
For patients discharged with TB, what should be included in their discharge education?
Avoid Heavily Populated Areas: Instruct patients to avoid crowded places.
Wear Mask in Public: Advise patients to wear a mask when in public.
Use Kleenex for Cough/Sneeze: Teach patients to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Sleep Alone: Recommend that patients sleep alone to minimize the risk of transmission to family members.
Pt. should also avoid the very young/old & pregnant
Pneumonia
What is Pneumonia?
Inflammation of the lung parenchyma (the functional tissue of the lung) caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Still associated with significant morbidity (illness) and mortality (death).
8th leading cause of death in the US (CDC).
Pneumonia
What are the classifications of pneumonia?
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): Acquired outside of a hospital or healthcare setting.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP): Acquired during a hospital stay.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): Acquired by patients on mechanical ventilators.
Pneumonia
What scale is used to assess the severity of pneumonia?
CURB-65 Scale
Pneumonia
What is one of the biggest complications when it comes to treating pneumonia?
Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogens:
* MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
* Gram-negative bacilli.
Medical Management
How is the antibiotic used for pneumonia treatment determined?
Based on culture and sensitivity results to target the specific pathogen causing the infection.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
Antibiotics may be used if a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Medical Management
What are some supportive pneumonia treatments?
Fluids: To maintain hydration.
Oxygen for Hypoxia: To address low oxygen levels.
Antipyretics: To reduce fever.
Antitussives: To suppress cough.
Decongestants: To relieve nasal congestion.
Antihistamines: To alleviate allergy symptoms.
Balance Rest with Activity: To promote recovery without overexertion.
VTE Prophylaxis: To prevent venous thromboembolism (blood clots).
Prevention
What is the primary prevention of pneumonia?
other than avoiding the those with pneumonia
Pneumococcal vaccination
- Reduces the incidence of pneumonia, hospitalizations for cardiac conditions, and deaths in the older adult population.
Prevention
Who are the pneumococcal vaccines recommended for?
Recommended for all adults 65 years of age or older and 19 years or older with conditions that weaken the immune system.
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines.
Chest Tube Dislodgement
What actions should be taken when a patient’s chest tube becomes dislodged?
A dislodged chest tube is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
- Immediately cover the insertion site with a sterile occlusive dressing (such as petroleum gauze) to prevent air from entering the pleural space. If sterile petroleum gauze is not immediately available, use any clean dry gauze and cover with tape.
- Secure the Dressing: Tape the dressing securely on three sides, creating a “flutter valve” effect. This allows air to escape but prevents it from re-entering.
- Notify the Physician, Immediately.
- Closely monitor the patient’s respiratory status, including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and breath sounds.
- Be prepared to assist with the reinsertion of a new chest tube.
Crackles in Lungs - Pharmacology
What are crackles (rales)?
Abnormal lung sounds that indicate fluid in the alveoli or small airways.
They are often associated with conditions like pulmonary edema, pneumonia, and heart failure.