High Yield Topics-Respiratory Flashcards
the difference between the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli (A) and the arterial (a) partial pressure of oxygen
A-a gradient
Formula for A-a gradient
A-a gradient = PAO2 - PaO2
NORMAL A-a gradient is estimated as
(age/4) + 4
Ex. age 40 should have Aa gradient of <14
Formula for alveolar gas equation (used for measuring PAO2)
PAO2 = PIO2 - (PaCO2/R)
PAO2 = 150 mmHg - (PaCO2/0.8)
A-a gradient (increases/remains normal/decreases) in hypoventilation due to CNS and neuromuscular disorders (no diffusion defect) and in high altitude (despite a lower fraction of inhaled O2)
Remains NORMAL
A-a gradient (increases/remains normal/decreases) in hypoxemia due to shunting, V/Q mismatch, or impaired gas diffusion across the alveoli due to fibrosis or edema
Increases
A-a gradient (increases/remains normal/decreases) with age
Increases
A type of V/Q mismatch due to “airway” obstruction; blood flow without aeration
Shunt
Examples of shunt
- Pneumothorax (alveoli collapse so O2 cannot be filled)
- Atelectasis (alveoli collapse so O2 cannot be filled)
- Pulmonary Edema (filled with gunk so O2 cannot pass through)
- Pneumonia (filled with gunk so O2 cannot pass through)
A type of V/Q mismatch due to “blood flow” obstruction; Aeration without blood flow
Dead Space
Examples causing dead space
- PE or Air Embolism
- Cardiogenic Shock (can’t pump blood to the lungs)
- Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction (dec. blood flow)
V/Q ratio for Shunt
0
V/Q = 0/# = 0
V/Q ratio for Dead Space
∞
V/Q = #/0 = ∞
V/Q mismatch w/ perfusion defects are often indicative of a
PE
Most commonly caused by DVT in the lower extremities that embolises to the pulm vasculature; presents w/ sudden SOB and pleuritic chest pain.
PE
The risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) such as DVT or PE in hospitalized pts can be reduced with the admin of prophylactic
anticoagulants (LMWH)
Most definitive diagnostic test for PE
CT pulmonary angiography
Chest x-ray finding indicative of “pulmonary infarction” (not specific for PE though)
wedge-shaped infarction in the periphery of the lung
The combination of acute onset of dyspnea, calf swelling, and Hx of prolonged immobility is strongly suggestive of
PE
PE typically presents with what PaO2 and PaCO2 findings?
- Hypoxemia (low PaO2) due to V/Q mismatch with perfusion
- Respiratory Alkalosis (Hypocapnia or low PaCO2) due to hyperventilation
PE causes (shunt/dead space) V/Q mistmatch
dead space
The lungs are supplied by dual circulation from what two arteries which can help protect against lung infarction due to pulmonary artery occlusion?
- pulmonary arteries
2. bronchial arteries
Massive PE can lead to _____ due to a sudden loss of Cardiac Output
SCD
Type II pneumocytes have what 2 important functions?
- Regeneration of the alveolar lining following injury
2. Surfactant production
Secretory organelles found in type II alveolar cells store and release surfactant into the fluid layer lining the inner surfaces of alveoli; have foamy appearance
Lamellar bodies (aka. lamellar granules)
What is the major fxn of surfactant?
↓ surface tension in the fluid layer lining the inner surfaces of alveoli
Type I pneumocyte is (squamous/cuboidal)
squamous
Type II pneumocyte is (squamous/cuboidal)
clustered cuboidal
Pulmonary surfactant is majorly composed of what two types of Phospholipid?
- Lecithins (mainly dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC)
2. Phosphatidylglycerol
Measured in order to assess fetal lung maturity
Amniotic fluid lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio (L/S ratio)
Fetal surfactant concentration don’t reach sufficient amount until week
35
Stimulate fetal lung maturation and surfactant production
corticosteroids
Administered to pregnant women at risk of premature delivery to prevent neonatal respiratory distress syndrome; administered at least 48 hours before delivery
corticosteroids
- Betamethasone
- Dexamethasone
Fetal lung lecithin (DPPC) production increases when?
after 30 weeks gestation
Fetal lung phosphatidylglycerol production increases when?
at 36 weeks gestation
The binding of O2 to hemoglobin increases the affinity for binding of subsequent O2 molecules
cooperative binding
In the “lungs”, the binding of O2 to hemoglobin drives the “release” of H+ and CO2 from hemoglobin
Haldane effect
- STUDY AID: HaLdane in the Lungs
In the “peripheral tissues”, high concentrations of CO2 and H+ facilitate “O2 unloading” from hemoglobin
Bohr effect
*STUDY AID: Bohr in the Body
Bohr effects shifts O2 dissociation curve to the ___; decreased affinity of the hemoglobin for oxygen and hence an increased tendency to give up oxygen to the tissues
right
Three forms of CO2 when it gets transported from tissues to LUNGS
- HCO3- (bicarbonate)
- HbCO2 (Carbaminohemoglobin; CO2 bound to Hb at N-terminus of globin, not heme)
- Dissolved CO2
The majority of CO2 produced in the tissues is transported to the lungs as what form?
HCO3- (bicarbonate)
*70%
Enzyme that forms HCO3- from CO2 and water
Carbonic Anhydrase
What ion gets exchanged as excess HCO3- gets transferred out of RBCs into the plasma
Cl-
*aka. Cl- shift
BOTH perfusion (Q) and ventilation (V) are highest in the ____ of the lung.
base
V/Q ratio at the base of the lung
V/Q = 0.6
- wasted perfusion
BOTH perfusion (Q) and ventilation (V) are lowest in the ____ of the lung.
apex
V/Q ratio at the apex of the lung
V/Q = 3
*wasted ventilation
V/Q ratio at the apex of the lung
V/Q = 3
*wasted ventilation
↑ Respiratory rate (hyperventilation) effect on blood pH
pH increases
- More CO2 gets blown off
↓Respiratory rate (hypoventilation) effect on blood pH
pH decreases
- Less CO2 gets blown off
Hyperventilation response typically leads to respiratory
alkalosis (low PaCO2)
Presents with a low pH and a high PaCO2
respiratory acidosis
What is the change in HCO3- level in the blood in respiratory acidosis?
HCO3- initially remains within the normal range, but increases over hrs to days as “renal” compensation develops
Presents with altered level of consciousness, pinpoint pupils, and central respiratory depression; Pts are expected to have acute respiratory ______ due to hypoventilation; serum HCO3- is typically near normal as there isn’t time for meta compensation in the “acute” setting
Acute opioid overdose; acidosis (low pH, high PaCO2)
Volume of inspired air that does not participate in gas exchange
Physiologic dead space
Physiologic dead space consists of what two types of spaces?
- Anatomic dead space
- Alveolar dead space
- Physiologic dead space = Anatomic dead space + Alveolar dead space
the volume of air in the conducting zone (mouth, trachea, bronchi) that doesn’t participate in gas exchange
Anatomic dead space
the sum of the volumes of alveoli that do not participate in gas exchange (mainly APEX of the lungs)
Alveolar dead space
The change in physiologic dead space during exercise caused by vasodilation of the pulmonary vessels in the apices of the lungs
Decreased physiologic dead space due to decreased alveolar dead space
NRDS presents with what respiratory symptoms/signs?
Nasal flaring Rapid breathing Subcostal retractions Decreased breathing sound Grunting Cyanosis
NRDS presents with what chest X-ray findings?
- Diffuse ground-glass (reticular) opacities
- Air bronchogram (air-filled bronchi on a background of airless lung)
NRDS presents with what lung BIOPSY finding?
Hyaline membranes lining the alveoli
- Amniotic fluid L/S ratio indicating lung maturity is _____.
- Amniotic fluid L/S ratio indicating a higher risk of developing NRDS is ____.
- > 2
2. < 1.5
NRDS decreases what lung volumes?
ALL (including Functional Residual Capacity)
The effect of rib fracture on tidal volume & lung compliance
- Decreased TV (due to pain)
- Normal Lung Compliance
- Rib fracture is NOT equal to pneumothorax (but can cause pneumothorax if punctured through the lung parenchyma)
The effect of exercising on CO, PaCO2, PaO2, and pH
CO: increased (↑HR, ↑SV)
PaCO2: normal
PaO2: normal
pH: decreased (lactic acid production)
PaCO2 is normal during exercise b/c CO2 washout is offset by
CO2 production in exercising muscles
PaO2 is normal during exercise b/c higher O2 consumption is offset by
increase in oxygenation (through increased breathing)
Risk factors for DVT
long air flight pregnancy advanced age smoking Estrogen
The effects on PaCO2 and PaO2 by the respiratory center depression due to drugs (barbiturates, opioids)
PaCO2: increased (>45)
PaO2: decreased
*hypoventilation
How would hypoventilation due to barbiturates or opioids change A-a gradient?
Normal A-a gradient b/c PAO2 would also decrease due to an increase in PaCO2
*PAO2 = PIO2 - (PaCO2/R)
PAO2 = 150 mmHg - (PaCO2/0.8)
What lung disease presents with bronchial (loud, harsh) breath sounds?
Consolidation (when lung parenchyma is filled w/something other than air)
What presents with decreased breath sounds
Every other lung pathology
Describe breath, percussion, and fremitus (vibration) sound findings for pneumothorax
Breath: Decreased
Percussion: Hyperresonant (loud)
Fremitus: Decreased
Trachea will deviate (toward/away from) side of lesion in tension pneumothorax
away from
- simple pneumothorax has no tracheal deviation
Describe breath, percussion, and fremitus (vibration) sound findings for Atelectasis
Breath: Decreased
Percussion: Dull
Fremitus: Decreased
Trachea will deviate (toward/away from) side of lesion in Atelectasis
Toward
Describe breath, percussion, and fremitus (vibration) sound findings for Pleural Effusion
Breath: Decreased
Percussion: Dull
Fremitus: Decreased
Trachea will deviate (toward/away from) side of lesion in Pleural Effusion
Away from if large
- None if small
Describe breath, percussion, and fremitus (vibration) sound findings for Consolidation (pneumonia, pulmonary edema)
Breath: Bronchial sound
Percussion: Dull
Fremitus: Increased
Trachea will deviate (toward/away from/none) side of lesion in lung consolidation
NONE
- no tracheal deviation with lung consolidation
What lung disease/pathology only presents with INCREASED fremitus while others present with decreased fremitus?
Consolidation
What lung disease/pathology only presents with bronchial (loud, harsh) breath sounds while others present with decreased breath sounds?
Consolidation
What lung disease/pathology only presents with hyperresonant percussion while others present with dull percussion
Pneumothorax
A syndrome that is the consequence of a tumor in the body (usually a cancerous one) due to the production of hormones or cytokines by that tumor
Paraneoplastic syndrome
What lung cancer is associated with several paraneoplastic syndromes?
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
The most common cause of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) due to “ectopic” secretion of antidiuretic hormone; SIADH is characterized by hyponatremia, decreased serum osmolality, and urine osmolality >100 mOsm/kg H2O
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
The risk factor strongly associated with SCLC
smoking
SCLC is (peripherally/centrally) located in the lungs
Centrally
Cells that appear on histopathology of SCLC
small cells with dark blue nuclei
- aka. Kulchitsky cells
SCLC have + IHC stains for what neuroendocrine markers?
- Chromogranin A
- Synaptophysin
- Neuron-Specific Enolase
The most aggressive type of lung cancer
SCLC
The origin of SCLC
neuroendocrine cell
Ectopic hormones/antibodies produced by SCLC (3)
- ACTH (Cushing syndrome)
- ADH (SIADH)
- Presynaptic ca+2 channel antibodies (Lambert-Eaton)
SCLC is aka.
Oat Cell Carcinoma
SCC is (peripherally/centrally) located in the lungs
Centrally
What lung cancer presents with hypercalcemia?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma