Patho Test 3 Flashcards
What is atelectasis?
Incomplete lung expansion (partial or full collapse).
Prevented by avoiding smoking.
Describe lung compliance.
The ability of the lung to expand under pressure.
Decreased lung compliance results in increased work of breathing.
What factors contribute to lung compliance?
- Elastin and collagen fibers of the lung
- Water content
- Surface tension of alveoli
- Flexibility of the chest
What happens when there is decreased lung compliance?
Increased work of breathing.
What are accessory muscles related to breathing?
Muscles that assist in breathing, particularly during increased respiratory demand.
What is Total Lung Capacity (TLC)?
5800 ml, the total amount of air the lungs can hold.
Define Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV).
Maximum amount of air that can be inhaled from the point of maximal expiration.
What is Tidal Volume (TV)?
Amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs with each breath.
Define Residual Volume (RV).
Volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximal expiration.
What is Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)?
Maximum volume of air that can be exhaled from the resting and expiratory level.
What is Vital Capacity (VC)?
Maximal amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled from the point of maximal inspiration.
How do the lungs protect themselves from bacteria entering?
- Cough reflex to clear secretions and substances
- Mucous blanket and cilia to trap and move substances out
- Immunity through enzymes, globulins, macrophages
Name 3 functions of the lungs.
- Ventilation - flow of gases into alveoli
- Perfusion - movement of blood through pulmonary capillaries
- Diffusion - transfer of gases between alveoli and capillaries
What does immunosuppressed mean?
A state where the immune system’s ability to fight infectious disease is compromised.
What are the classic symptoms of TB?
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or phlegm
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
What is the diagnosis process for LTBI?
- Asymptomatic
- Cannot spread to others
- Diagnosed with X-ray, sputum tests, and +TST
What is the tuberculin skin test (TST)?
A test where results are read 48-72 hours after placement, measuring induration.
What is the preferred treatment regimen for TB?
4 months of antibiotics; additional 7 months for patients with cavitary pulmonary TB.
What is latent TB infection (LTBI)?
Some bacteria survive and remain dormant but viable for years.
What precautions should be taken for TB patient care?
- Single patient rooms
- Wearing of masks
- Respiratory protection
How is TB spread?
Transmitted through close contact, airborne route, communal living.
What is asthma?
A chronic condition characterized by hyper-reaction to allergens and irritants.
What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Use of accessory muscles
- Fatigue
- Diaphoresis
- Anxiety
Define dyspnea.
Shortness of breath.