Respiratory Flashcards
what is included in the upper airways
nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx , lungs
what is included in the lower airways
trachea, bronchi, segmental bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs
what happens in the alveoli
where gas exchange actually occurs also secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
what is the function of the respiratory tract
: Gas exchange (alveoli oxygen transport to the cells and Co2 away from the cells), Ventilation (atmospheric air – higher in O2 into lungs and removal of CO2), respiratory diffusion (movement of air across alveolar) , perfusion (blood flow – by the heart = central perfusion)
what changes happen to respiratory system with age
structure chest stiffness, decrease muscle mass (harder to expand lungs, less elasticity, alveolar are enlarged) a lifetime exposure to environmental pollutants could also harm the body over time
how can you prevent respiratory problems
Minimize exposure to inhalation irritants, stop smoking (including 2nd/3rd hand smoke),
what does the IPREPARE assessment stand for
Investigate, presenting work, resident, environment, past work, activity, resources/referral, educate
what should you ask when talking about family history
allergies, current health problems, current meds, genetic risk, smoking, drug use, travel, veterans (deployment location)
what is included on the physical assessment on the nose and sinuses
External nose – deformities or tumors, Septum – perforation or deviation, Nares – symmetry, size, shape, Nasal Cavity/Sinuses – color, swelling, drainage, bleeding, Mucous membranes- color, abnormalities
what is included on the assessment on pharync, trachea and larynx
– Mouth- can show early cyanosis (pale blue lips and mouth = central cyanosis = bad), Posterior pharynx, Neck – symmetry, alignment, masses, swelling, bruises, use of accessory muscles, lymph nodes, Trachea- palpate for position, mobility, tenderness, masses, Larynx – voice abnormality, hoarseness
what is included on the assessment of the lungs
Have them sit look at front and back, observe the chest and compare both sides while breathing and a rest, Assess breathing and respirations – rate rhythm, depth, effort, if retractions show remove shirt and get a better look, Percussion for pulmonary resonace, organ boundaries, diaphragmatic excursion, dull (pneumonia), Palpate – for movement, symmetry, tenderness, tactile fremitus and Auscultate
what does hemoglobin tell you and what doe low levels mean
low means less O2 to body = hypoxemia can also help identify deficiencies that may lead to hypoxemia
what do sputum specimens (culture and sensitivity) tell you
Identify the causative organism and the specific antibody to treat it
what does cytologic examination tell you
identifies cancer cells, allergic conditions
what do low/high levels of CBC tell you
could be increases in chronic disease r/t increased production of erythropoietin, decrease seen in anemia, hemorrhage, hemolysis
what does high/low levels in WBC tell you
elevation in acute infections or inflammation, Decrease in overwhelming infection, autoimmune disorder, immunosuppressant therapy
what does high levels of differential WBC tell you
can be decreased in sepsis, autoimmune and immunosuppressant therapy
what do low/high levels of neutrophils tell you
elevated in acute bacterial infection, COPD, or smoking, Decreased in viral infections
what do high levels of eosinophils tell you
elevated in COPD, asthma, allergies
what do high/low levels of basophils tell you
elevated could mean chronic infections, decreased in acute infection
what does high/low levels of lymphocytes tell you
elevated in viral infections, pertussis, and mononucleosis, decreased in corticosteroid therapy
what does a chest x-ray show you
Assess lung pathology (pneumonia, atelectasis, pneumothorax, tumor), Detects (pleural fluid, ETT placement, invasive line placement, chest tube placement
what position should the pt be in for chest x ray
position= posteroaneterior and left lateral (so air will rise),
what is the limitation for chest xray
may appear normal even with severe disease present
what does a CT show you
assess soft tissue, consecutive cross section of the chest, identifies lesions or clots, IV contrast to enhance,
what are the nursing considerations for CT
considerations allergies to IV contrast, iodine, shellfish, renal function, stop taking metformin 24 hours before, restart when renal function is good
what does a pulse ox do
infrared light is used to identify the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen, placement on finger, toe, earlobe, or forehead
what does a Capnometry/capnography do
measures carbon dioxide in exhaled air, provides info about: Co2 production, pulmonary perfusion, alveolar ventilation, respiratory patters, ventilator effectiveness, rebreathing of exhaled air, it is a more sensitive indicator of gas exchange then pulse ox
what does a pulmonary function test do
determines lung function/breathing diffuclties, compare data to expected findings, screen for lung disease or guide management, preoperative testing to identify patient’s at risk for lung complications
what does an exercise pulmonary function test do
identifies cause of dyspnea (cardiac, lung or muscle weakness)
what are the considerations for pulmonary function test
: explain the procedure of the test, no smoking 6-8 hours before, assess patient for dyspnea and bronchospasms after, doc meds administered during
what is exercise testing
– assesses the patient ability to work and perform ADLs, differentiates reasons for exercise limitations, evaluated influence of disease on exercise capacity, self paced 12 min walk/treadmill/bike, pulmonary patient’s limited by breathing capacity, gas exchange compromise or both
what should be considered for exercise testing
explain the test, assure the patient, monitor closely
what is a laryngoscopy
visualize the vocal cords, remove foreign objects, obtain tissue samples
what is a mediastiniscopy
insertion above the sternum to the area between the lungs, visualize tumors, obtain tissue samples
what is a bronchoscopy
diagnose and manage pulmonary disease, evaluate the airway, placement of ETT tube, collect specimen, remove secretions, stent to open airways, rigid scope – general anesthesia, flexiable scope – low dose sedations
what are the complications of bronchoscopy
bleeding, hypoxia, pneumothorax
what are the considerations for bronchoscopy
explain procedure, obtain pre procedure diagnostics like CBC, PT, platelet count, NPO for 4-8 hours,
what are the indications for a throcentesis
needle aspiration of pleural fluid or air , to diagnosis, manage, exam, relieve pressure on blood vessel or lung compression, relieve respiratory distress, instill meds
what are the considerations for thoracentesis
explain procedure, get consent, assess for allergies to anesthetic, do not cough/move/deep breath to avoid puncturing lung, provider should wear goggles, remove no more then 1000ml, apply pressure to site, follow up chest xray, assess for bleeding/drainage, doc everything
what are the complications of thoracentesis
fluid accumulation, subcutaneous emphysema, infection, tension, pneumothorax (crunchy
when would you see ss of pneumothorax after thoracentesis
may occur up to 24 hours after procedure
what are the indications for lung biopsy
obtain tissue for histological analysis, culture, or cytology, differential diagnosis of cancer, infection, inflammation, or lung disease
what are the different types of lung biopsies
transbrochial biopsy, transbrochial needle aspiration, thansthoracic needle aspiration
what are the considerations of lung biopsy
explain procedure, assess allergies, may need chest tube
what is the post op monitoring for lung biopsy
VS, respiratory assessment q4 for 24 hours, pneumothorax, respiratory distress, hemoptysis
why is ABG used
monitor blood Ph level, monitor the effectiveness of various treatments
how is an ABG taken
heparinized syringe, allens test to confirm radial/ulnar circulation, explain and reinforce procedure, use surgical asepsis, place specimen on ice (to keep Ph from changing), hold pressure on site for 5 mins (20 mins if patient on anticoagulants), monitor for swelling/bleeding/ change in color or temp, document, report results, administer O2 or change vent settings as prescribed
what are the complications of ABG
Arterial occlusion (on the artery you stuck) – monitor for changes in color temo, swelling, loss of pulse, or pain – tell doc of persistent findings, Hematoma – apply pressure to the site, call doc, Air embolism – place on left side trendleburg, monitor for sudden onset of SOB, decrease O2 sats, chest pain, anxiety, air hunger, call doc ASAP, get ABG from diff site, continue to assess respiratory status
what is normal Ph level of ABG and what do high/low levels mean
Ph= 7.35-7.45 ( increased= metabolic aklalosis, loss of gastric fluids, decreased K intake, diuretics, fever, sailcyte tocicity, repiratory alkalosis- hyperventilation Decreased = metabolic/respiratory acidosis, ketosis, renal failure, starvation, diarrhea, hyperthyroidism),
what is a normal Pao2 level for ABG and what do high/low levels mean
80-100 ( increased= increased ventilation, oxygen therapy, Decreased= respiratory depression, high altitude, carbon monoxide poisoning, decreased cardiac output decreased perfusion
what is a normal PaCO2 level in ABG and what do high/low levels mean
35-45 (Increased= respiratory acidosis, emphysema, pneumonia, cardiac failure, respiratory depression, Decreased = respiratory alkalosis, hyperventilation, diarrhea
what is a normal HcO3 level
21-28
what is a normal SaO2 level
95-100%
what is a normal bicarbonate level and what do high/low levels mean
Bicarbonate = 21-28 (increased = metabolic alkalosis, bicarb therapy, metabolic compensation for respiratory acidosis Decreased= metabolis acidosis, diarrhea, pancreatitis