Pulmonary Flashcards
Most important question to ask patient who presents with complaints of coughing?
Length of time he/she has coughed
How many weeks classify a cough as acute or chronic?
Acute is <3 weeks
Chronic is >8 weeks
What is acute bronchitis? Where does it start?
Inflammation of the respiratory tree. Starts in the upper airways & progresses to the lower airways.
What symptoms are lacking with acute bronchitis?
Pt should not have fever, rarely has systemic symptoms such as malaise, fatigue, body aches, or SOB.
What is the most common etiology of acute bronchitis?
Viral
Does acute bronchitis require the use of an ATB for treatment?
No.
*Rationale: Viral does not require the use of an ATB therapy. Is self-limiting & time is what gets these patients better.
What symptom is the most common reason why patients with acute bronchitis seek care?
Cough
*Last symptom to go away & could last 3 wks
Does acute bronchitis need a chest x-ray for diagnosis?
No
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Appear sickly, fever, systemic symptoms common (fever, malaise, fatigue), coughing up purulent sputum. Changes in vital signs should also make one thing pneumonia.
What is one finding during physical examination that is common with pneumonia?
Dullness to percussion
What is expected to be found on a chest X-ray when a patient has pneumonia?
Infiltrates
What are two sensitive signs in the elderly with pneumonia?
Tachypnea (increased respirations)
Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
What are the three BUGS responsible for community acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
- S. pneumoniae (Streptococcus pneumoniae)
- M. pneumoniae (mycoplasma pneumoniae)
- Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Which bacteria is the most common cause of death from pneumonia? Which age groups are more at risk?
- S. pneumoniae
2. Very old & very young
What are the atypical organisms that cause atypical pneumonia?
Atypical refers to most common causes
M. pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, & Legionella
What diagnostic tool diagnosis pneumonia?
Chest x-ray
What diagnostic tool should be ordered for an ambulatory pt with pneumonia?
Chest x-ray PA & lateral
order because pt is ambulatory
Does pt with pneumonia require a follow up chest x-ray after initial diagnosis?
If pt is responding well, no need to get a follow up chest x-ray
What are the pneumonia guidelines for hospital admission?
“CRB65”
- Confusion
- Respiratory rate: increased; could be septic
- Blood pressure: SBP <90
- 65: consider age of pt
one or more requires admission
What is the gold standard treatment for S. pneumoniae? What suffix do these drugs end in?
Respiratory quinolone:
Fluoroquinolone
“floxacin”
- Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- Gemifloxacin (Factive)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
drugs kill above the belt
Why is ciprofloxacin not considered a respiratory quinolone?
Because it kills bacteria below the belt.
If unable to give a respiratory quinolone for S. pneumoniae, what can be ordered?
Beta lactam (any PCN or cephalosporin) + macrolide (“mycin”– Azithromycin) or doxycycline
*Beta lactam examples–> Amoxicillin (Amoxil); Amox with clavulanate (Augmentin)
For atypical pneumonia pathogens in an otherwise healthy patient who hasn’t had ATB in the last 90 days, treat with:
Macrolide (azithromycin or clarithromycin) OR doxycycline
What is a side effect of drugs given for pneumonia?
Drugs prolong QT intervals; QT interval prolongation increases the risk of VTach
How long to give a pneumonia patient ATB?
Always give ATB for 3 more days after pt is clinically stable.
Ex. Pt w/cellulitis in lower legs – 3 more days after the area is no longer red or tender to touch.
Ex. Pt w/sinusitis – 3 more days after its not coming out green & florescent but clear.
*With Pneumonia – 5-10 days – fever usually resolves by day 3 or substantially decreased.
What are the two vaccines given for pneumonia? What do they do?
Pneumococcal vaccines:
- PPSV 23: protects against 23 strands
- PCV 13: new vaccine that’s standard of care from adults >65 –> protects against 13 additional strands