Lecture 4 Flashcards
Upper respiratory tract
Lower respiratory tract
Chest wall
Structures of the Respiratory System
________ reduces fluid accumulation and keeps the airways dry by reducing surface tension
Surfactant
Elastic recoil and compliance
Ventilation
Oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve
Diffusion
test measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood as well your blood’s pH balance
Arterial blood gases
Ability to carry oxygen in our body
Oxygen delivery
Captures blood from the superior and inferior vena cavae and the coronary sinus to reflect a true mixture of all of the venous blood coming back to the right side of the heart
Mixed venous blood gases
(PaCO2)
Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen saturation is a crucial measure of how well the lungs are working
Oximetry
Control of respiration
Chemoreceptors
Mechanical receptors
Filtration of air
Mucociliary clearance system
Cough reflex
Reflex bronchoconstriction
Alveolar macrophages
Respiratory defence mechanisms
↓ Response to hypoxemia
↓ Response to hypercapnia
Age Related Changes: Respiratory control
↓ Elastic recoil
↓ Chest wall compliance
↑ Anteroposterior diameter
↓ Functioning alveoli
Age Related Changes: Structure
↓ Cell-mediated immunity
↓ Specific antibodies
↓ Cilia function
↓ Cough force
↓ Alveolar macrophage function
Age Related Changes: Defense mechanisms
Blood studies
Oximetry
Sputum studies
Skin tests
Diagnostic studies of Respiratory System
Radiological studies:
Chest x-ray
Computed tomography (CT)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Ventilation–perfusion scan
Pulmonary angiography
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Diagnostic studies of Respiratory System
Endoscopic examinations
Bronchoscopy
Mediastinoscopy
Lung biopsy
Thoracentesis
Pulmonary function tests
Exercise testing
Diagnostic studies of Respiratory System
__________ from birth or trauma can result in altered air flow through the nasal passage. Individuals can have troubles breathing through their nose which can result in mouth breathing and problems snoring at night. Individuals who have are prone to epistaxis and sinusitis ( caused form decreased or blocked mucus drainage from the sinus cavities).
Deviated septum
trauma
can result in complications such as a meningeal tear (causing a csf leak), airway obstruction, epistaxis and deformity.
Nasal Fracture
Nosebleed
Occurs in all age groups, especially in children (anterior bleeding) and older adults (most commonly posterior bleeding)
Causes: Trauma, foreign bodies, nasal spray abuse, street drug use, anatomical malformation, allergic rhinitis, dry air, tumours, alcohol use
Aspirin, NSAIDs, and conditions prolonging bleeding time or altering platelet counts predispose clients
Epistaxis
Keep the client quiet
Place in a sitting position, leaning forward - head and shoulders elevated
Apply direct pressure to entire lower portion of the nose (10-15 min)
Apply ice to forehead - have client suck on ice
Apply digital pressure if bleeding continues
Obtain medical assistance if bleeding doesn’t stop
Management of Epistaxis
Allergic rhinitis
Acute viral rhinitis
Influenza
Sinusitis
Inflammation and Infection of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses
Reaction of the nasal mucosa to a specific allergen
Clinical manifestations
Nasal congestion; sneezing; watery, itchy eyes and nose; altered sense of smell; thin, watery nasal discharge
Nasal turbinates appear pale, boggy, and swollen
Chronic exposure to allergens: Headache, congestion, pressure, postnasal drip, nasal polyps
Patient may complain of cough, hoarseness, snoring, or recurrent need to clear the throat.
Allergic rhinitis
Identify and avoid triggers of allergic reactions.
Drug therapy: Nasal sprays, leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), antihistamines, and decongestants to manage symptoms
Intranasal corticosteroid and cromolyn sprays (decrease inflammation locally)
Provide instructions on proper use of nasal inhalers (they can cause rebound effect from prolonged use).
Immunotherapy (allergy injections) may be used if drugs are not tolerated or are ineffective.
Involves controlled exposure to small amounts of a known allergen through frequent (at least weekly) injections with the goal to decrease sensitivity
Management of allergic rhinitis
Common cold or acute coryza
Caused by viruses that invade the upper respiratory tract; spread by airborne droplet sprays emitted while breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing or by direct hand contact
Nursing and collaborative management
Supportive therapy such as rest, fluids, proper diet, antipyretics, and analgesics
Acute Viral Rhinitis
Clinical manifestations
Onset abrupt; systemic symptoms of cough, fever, myalgia, headache, sore throat
In uncomplicated cases, symptoms subside within 7 days; older adults may experience persistent weakness or lassitude that persists for weeks
Most common complication: Pneumonia
Nursing and collaborative management
Hand hygiene
Influenza vaccination
Supportive measures
Influenza
Clinical manifestations
Acute: Significant pain, purulent nasal drainage, nasal obstruction, congestion, fever, malaise
Chronic: Facial pain, nasal congestion, increased drainage; severe pain and purulent drainage are often absent
Symptoms may mimic those seen with allergies.
Difficult to diagnose because symptoms may be nonspecific; client is rarely febrile
Nursing and collaborative management
Environmental control
Appropriate drug therapy
Client interventions
Increase fluid intake
Nasal cleaning techniques and irrigation
Persistent complaints may require endoscopic surgery.
Sinusitis
Polyps
Foreign bodies
Obstruction of the nose and paranasal sinuses
Benign mucous membrane masses
Clinical manifestations: Nasal obstruction, nasal discharge (usually clear mucus), speech distortion
Polyps
Inorganic may go undetected.
Organic produce local inflammation, nasal discharge, may be foul smelling.
Should be removed through route of entry.
Foreign bodies
Acute pharyngitis
Peritonsillar Abcess
Conditions related to the pharynx
Airway obstruction
Tracheostomy
Laryngeal Polyps
Conditions Related to the Trachea and Larynx