Pulmonary Medical Considerations Flashcards
What are the key pharmacological treatments for pulmonary conditions?
Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene inhibitors, antibiotics, antitussives, decongestants, antihistamines, mucolytics, and bronchodilators.
What diagnostic tools are used for pulmonary conditions?
Bronchoscopy, Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), Methacholine test, chest X-ray, arterial blood gas (ABG), and pleuroscopy.
What is bronchoscopy used for?
Bronchoscopy is used to visualize the bronchial tree and to sample mucus, remove blockages, or assess for hemoptysis, tumors, and atelectasis.
What is pleuroscopy and its indications?
Pleuroscopy is an examination of the pleura using a video camera inserted between the ribs. It is used for conditions like pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and lung cancer.
What is a thoracentesis and when is it used?
A thoracentesis is an invasive procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove fluid, often used for pleural effusion caused by CHF, infections, or cancer.
What is a Ventilation-Perfusion (VQ) scan used for?
A VQ scan uses radioactive material to assess airflow and blood flow in the lungs, primarily used to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE).
What are the key measurements from an arterial blood gas (ABG) test?
ABGs evaluate acid-base status (pH), ventilation (PaCO2), and oxygenation (PaO2).
What is a bullectomy and when is it indicated?
A bullectomy is a surgical procedure to remove bullae (large air sacs) caused by emphysema, improving breathing and lung function.
What is a lobectomy and its common indications?
A lobectomy is the removal of a diseased lobe of the lung, often due to conditions like tuberculosis, lung cancer, or abscesses.
What is lung volume reduction surgery and its purpose?
Lung volume reduction surgery removes damaged lung tissue to create space for healthier tissue, often performed for end-stage emphysema.
What is mechanical ventilation used for?
Mechanical ventilation supports breathing by delivering oxygen and maintaining positive pressure in the lungs, commonly used when patients cannot breathe independently.
What is the difference between a thoracotomy and a tracheostomy?
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure to visualize the pleural space, while a tracheostomy creates an airway directly into the trachea for prolonged ventilation.
What are airway adjuncts and when are they used?
Airway adjuncts (nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, endotracheal, tracheostomy tubes) are used to maintain an open airway, especially during unconsciousness or airway obstruction.
What are the considerations for airway suctioning in pulmonary patients?
Airway suctioning is used to remove secretions when patients cannot clear them on their own. PTs should be cautious of bradycardia, hypoxia, and mucosal trauma during suctioning.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (PH)?
Dyspnea on exertion (DOE), fatigue, syncope, dizziness, chest pain, abnormal pulse oximetry, and peripheral edema.
