Pulmonary Flashcards
Why is it important that we’re careful with prescribing Beta-blockers?
Chronic Lung disease is very common, and often undiagnosed.
Beta-blockers can cause bronchospasm, even topical applications! (eg timolol ophthalmic reduces lung function 8-13%). Fatality can occur within 24h of 1st drop
Which common medication types can cause asthma attacks?
Aspirin and NSAIDs
What effect do antihistamines have on the lungs
Changes in pulmonary secretions
What effect do narcotics have on the lungs?
Decreased respiration rate
What questions do you want to ask about a cough?
Onset? Productive? Pattern?
What questions do you want to ask about SOB?
Is there anything you used to be able to do, but can’t anymore due to SOB? Onset? Pattern?
What questions do you want to ask about chest pain?
Onset? Pattern? Associated symptoms?
Is chest pain commonly associated with lung disease?
No
What do you expect of cyanosis of just the nail beds? The nail beds and the lips?
Just nail beds: heart
Nail beds and lips: lungs
Which lobes do you auscultate first?
Lower, and from posterior side
Which lung is separated into three lobes?
Right. Left lung is just two lobes
Describe ronchi
A dry, low pitched, snore-like lung noise. It is caused by partial obstruction, often secretions. It is hear more on expiration and is cleared by coughing.
Describe a wheeze
A squeak or whistling-like lung sound. It is due to air being forced through narrow airways. It can be heard on inspiration but is usually louder on expiration
Describe a rub
A rubbing, mechanical lung sound. Inflammation causes rubbing of pleural sac against chest wall. Heard on inspiration and/or expiration
Describe crackles (Rales)
Bubbly, cracking lung noise. More often discrete instead of continuous. Usually high pitched an not cleared by coughing. Caused by filled spaces as can occur with pulmonary edema, CHF, and pneumonia. Better heard on inspiration
