Pathology Flashcards
Emphysema (definition)
abnormal condition of the alveoli resulting destruction and loss of elasticity
What to expect with emphysema
- You will usually be tempted to utilize high FiO2 because of the severity of the hypoxemia. You may also be tested with an emergency, the only time it is appropriate to use 100% oxygen on a chronically obstructed patient.
- There are usually two obstructive simulations on the exam and they are not exteremely challenging.
Visual Assessment (Emphysema)
- Cyanosis
- Barrel chest
- Accessory muscle use
- Digital clubbing of the nail beds
- Significant history of smoking and/or occupational exposure to smoke or other pulmonary irritant
Bedside (Patient Contact) Assessment (Emphysema)
- Dyspnea
Basic Laboratory Assessment (Emphysema)
- Chest X-ray - increased AP diameter, flattened diaphragms, hyperlucency, diminised pulmonary markings
- CBC - polycythemia, increased WBC due to possible infection
- ABGs - compensated respiratory acidosis (high PaCO2, normal pH), moderate to severe hypoxemia
- Sputum culture - often positive for bacteria
Decision Making (Emphysema)
- Oxygen therapy - low FiO2 (0.24 to 0.28) or 1 to 2 lpm nasal cannula
- Oxygen conserving devices such as liquid oxygen or trans-tracheal oxygen
- Home care education on devices and equipment cleaning
- Rehabilitation efforts (specifics not usually required)
- Aids to help quit smoking such as nicotine replacement therapy
- Bronchodilation medication via MDI or aerosol nebulizers
Special Assessments (Emphysema)
- PFT - flows are decreased especially middle sized airways (FEF 25-75%) and FEV1
Definition (Chronic Bronchitis)
condition where the patient has a productive cough 25% of the year for at least two consecutive years
What to expect with Chronic Bronchitis
The most distinguishing characteristic is that the cough is productive and has been so for a good portion of the year.
Visual Assessment (Chronic Bronchitis)
- Productive cough, purulent sputum production
- Exposure to pulmonary irritants, like history of smoking
- Frequent infections
Bedside (Patient Contact) Assessment (Chronic Bronchitis)
- Dyspnea
Basic Laboratory Assessment (Chronic Bronchitis)
- Chest X-ray - could be normal, or may show hyperlucency, diminished/pulmonary markings
- CBC - possibly increased WBC due to possible infection
- ABGs - could be normal or very slight respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia
Special Assessments (Chronic Bronchitis)
- PFT - flows are decreased especially middle sized airways (FEF 25-75%) and FEV1
Decision Making (Chronic Bronchitis)
- Anything that promotes good pulmonaryy hygiene such as chest physiotherapy, hydration therapy when sputum is thick
- Fluid therapy if dehydrated
- Oxygen therapy for hypoxemia
- Aerosolized bronchodilator therapy
- Antibiotic Tetracycline may be preferable
Bronchiectasis (Definition)
- abnormal condition where the bronchi secret large volumes of pus during abnormal dilation
What to expect with Bronchiectasis
- Central to this is the Bronchogram diagnostic test. Usually, you will be told of the suspicion of Bronchiectasis.
- Increasingly less common on the test
Visual Assessment (Bronchiectasis)
- Productive cough, often with blood
- Digital clubbing of the nail beds
- Significant history of infections (recurrent)
Bedside (Patient Contact) Assessment (Bronchiectasis)
dyspnea
Basic Laboratory Assessment (Bronchiectasis)
- Chest X-ray - generally normal
- Sputum culture - gram negative bacteria