Resp3 Flashcards
Acute resp
What is the definition of a pulmonary embolus?
An emboli lodged within the pulmonary circulation.
The lung parenchyma is ventilated but not perfused.
What are the risk factors for a pulmonary embolus?
Hx/FHx of DVT Long periods of stasis (eg. flights) Recent surgery Pregnancy OCP/oestrogen Smoking Malignancy Cardio-respiratory Dx Hypoxaemia
What is the presentation of a PE?
Sudden onset Pleuritic chest pain SOB \+/- haemoptysis \+/- haemodynamic compromise
What will you find on examination of a Pt with a PE?
Tachypnoea Tachycardia Lower limb swelling/redness/hotness Cyanosis May have signs of shock
What is the scoring system used to dictate an investigation?
Well’s score
What should you do if the Well’s score is >4?
Admit to hospital
Perform a CTPA
What should you do if the Well’s score is <4?
Measure the D-dimer
If D-dimer is positive, admit and do CTPA
If D-dimer is negative, consider alt diagnosis
What other investigations other than CTPA/D-dimer can you do for a PE?
ECG
CXR
What would an ECG show on a Pt with a PE?
Sinus tachycardia
Right axis deviation
RBBB
S1Q3T3
What would an CXR show on a Pt with a PE?
Pleural effusion
Elevation of hemidiaphragm
What would your first line manage be for a Pt with a PE?
Analgesia
Oxygen >94%
Fluids
How would you manage a haemodynamically unstable Pt with a PE?
Thrombolysis (eg. alteplase)
Embolectomy
How would you manage a haemodynamically stable Pt with a PE?
LMWH/fondaparinux for 5 days/INR>2
Start warfarin at the same time
What is the definition of a pneumothorax?
Accumulation of air in the pleural space
What are the types of pneumothoraces?
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax
Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax
What is the difference between a primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax?
P- no underlying respiratory illness
S- associated with lung pathology
What is the presentation of a pneumothorax?
Sudden onset
SOB
Chest pain
What are the risk factors for a pneumothorax?
Underlying lung disease
Smoking
CTD
Trauma
What will you find on examination of a Pt with a pneumothorax?
Reduced/absent breath sounds
Reduced/absent vocal resonance
Hyper-resonance
Reduced chest expansion
What investigations would you do on a Pt with a pneumothorax?
CXR
CT
Why is a CXR important for a pneumothorax?
Can differentiate between a bullae and pneumothorax
Can locate the pneumothorax
Why is a CT important for a pneumothorax?
Can differentiate between a bullae and pneumothorax
Can locate the pneumothorax
Is more sensitive than a CXR
What is the management plan for a 40 yr old Pt with a primary pneumothorax <2cm?
O2
Consider discharge
What is the management plan for a 40 yr old Pt with a primary pneumothorax >2cm?
Aspirate
If unsuccessful, insert an intercostal drain
What is the management plan for a Pt >50yr OR with a secondary pneumothorax <1cm?
High flow O2
What is the management plan for a Pt >50yr OR with a secondary pneumothorax 1-2cm?
Aspirate
If <1cm, high flow O2
If still >1cm, intercostal drain
What is the management plan for a P t>50yr OR with a secondary pneumothorax >2cm?
Intercostal drain
What would you find on examination of a tension pneumothorax that you wouldn’t find in a normal pneumothorax?
Tracheal deviation
Distended neck veins
Displaced apex beat