Pulmonary Rehab Flashcards
What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR)?
Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a comprehensive intervention for patients with chronic respiratory diseases aimed at improving exercise tolerance, reducing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.
Define COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by chronic airflow limitation, typically caused by smoking or long-term exposure to irritants.
What is the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)?
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a standardized test to assess functional exercise capacity by measuring the distance a patient can walk on a flat surface in six minutes.
What does Dyspnea mean?
Dyspnea refers to the sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, commonly experienced by patients with pulmonary diseases.
- Working up to 3-5/10
- Not past 5/10
Define Hypercapnia.
Hypercapnia is an elevated level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood.
- Resulting from inadequate ventilation in patients with pulmonary conditions.
What is the purpose of airway clearance techniques?
Airway clearance techniques aim to remove mucus and other secretions from the airways, improving lung function and reducing infection risk in pulmonary patients.
What is a contraindication for pulmonary exercise?
Contraindications include
- chest pain
- severe dyspnea (Dyspnea score of 5 or more)
- dizziness
- muscle pain that does not improve with rest
Define Energy Conservation in pulmonary rehab.
Energy conservation involves techniques that minimize fatigue by planning activities and using proper body mechanics to reduce energy expenditure.
What are accessory muscles in breathing?
Accessory muscles in breathing (sternocleidomastoid and intercostal muscles) assist respiration when primary muscles (e.g., diaphragm) are insufficient.
Define Valsalva Maneuver and why it should be avoided.
The Valsalva Maneuver is a forceful exhalation against a closed airway, which can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure and should be avoided during exertion.
What are the main objectives of pulmonary rehabilitation?
- improve exercise tolerance
- reduce symptoms (e.g., dyspnea)
- enhance quality of life
- increase functional mobility
What are the common clinical indications for pulmonary rehabilitation?
Indications include
- COPD
- respiratory impairment with dyspnea (at rest or exertion)
- hypoxemia = low blood oxygen levels
- hypercapnia = high blood CO2
- reduced exercise tolerance
- decreased ability to perform ADLs
What does a typical patient assessment in pulmonary rehab involve?
- reviewing medical history
- assessing cardiopulmonary function (e.g., vitals, breathing patterns)
- ROM
- MMT
- edema
What are the core components of exercise prescription in pulmonary rehab?
- aerobic exercises (low, moderate, high intensity)
- resistance training
- flexibility exercises
- interval training
All tailored to individual tolerance and goals.
What are the primary roles of physical therapy in pulmonary rehab?
- administering tests like the 6MWT
- creating individualized exercise prescriptions
- teaching airway clearance techniques
- promoting energy conservation strategies
What are the contraindications for exercise in pulmonary rehab?
Symptoms such as:
- chest pain
- severe dyspnea (Dyspnea score ≥ 5)
- dizziness
- non-resolving muscle pain
What is the significance of interval training in pulmonary rehab?
Interval training allows patients who cannot tolerate sustained high-intensity exercise to still gain benefits like increased VO2 max and efficient breathing patterns.
How is self-management education integrated into pulmonary rehab?
It includes teaching patients about their condition, breathing strategies, airway clearance, medication use, energy conservation, and recognizing exacerbation signs.
Why is goal setting important in pulmonary rehab, and what are standard goals?
- Goal setting provides clear targets for progress.
- Standard goals include performing activities for longer durations, achieving 150 minutes of activity per week, and improving oxygen needs through activity.