respiratory Flashcards
what is cystic fibrosis?
A recessive genetic disorder that affacts the cells that produce mucous, sweat, and digestive juices - these fluids become viscous and thick, plugging up tubes, ducts and airways.
how is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?
Via a Guthrie test - heelprick blood test within 48 hours after a baby has been born. This is sent to a lab and then CF is determined. Most people with CF are diagnosed by age 2.
what are the complications of cystic fibrosis?
Bowel problems, diabetes, infertility, chronic respiratory failure
what are the treatments for cystic fibrosis?
- antibiotics to prevent and treat infections
- inhalers to open airways
- enzymes to help thin mucous
- flu vaccination
- lung transplant
- oxygen therapy
- lung therapy (activity causing deep breathing, clearing airway of mucous).
what is tuberculosis and what bacteria causes it?
An infectious disease caused by myobacterium tuberculosis
how is tuberculosis spread?
Via the air when people cough/spit/speak/sneeze. It is sensitive to ultraviolet light, stays suspended in air for 2 hours, multiplies in the alveoli.
how is tuberculosis diagnosed?
Via chest x-rays and body fluid cultures.
what is the quantiferon gold test?
Gold standard test for diagnosing Tuberculosis. A blood test used to diagnose myobacterium tuberculosis infection.
what are the advantages and disadvantages of a quantiferon gold test for tuberculosis?
advantages:
- Single blood sample required
- Results within 24 hours
- Does not boost reponses
disadvantages:
- Blood samples must be processed within 16 hours
- Limited data of use of test on patients under 17 years of age.
- False positive results can occur
what are tuberculosis symptoms?
Night sweats, anorexia, coughing up blood/mucous, low grade fever
what is the treatment for tuberculosis?
Combination of four antibacterial drugs - these can cause body fluids to go orange. Completing treatment is essential. They often need to be taken for 6 to 12 months.
when should you use oxygen therapy?
(1) Hypoxemia (low oxygen levels)
(2) anytime tissues may be at risk for decreased O2 delivery, e.g. trauma, post-surgery, MI, asthma
what are the four types of oxygen masks?
- Simple mask
- venturi mask
- highflow humidified masks
- high concentration reservoir masks
What are simple masks used for and how much O2 should flow through them?
They are used for acute hypoxemia (asthma, LVF, shock, PE, trauma, pneumonia etc), should not be used at less than 4L/min - ideally 5-6L/min.
What are nasal cannulas and what are they used for? How much O2 should flow out of them?
They are used for MILD hypoxemia, should not be over 4L/min, useful for chronic o2 administration. Flow rates should be 1L/min (24%), to 3L/min (40%)
What are venturi masks, what are they used for, and how much O2 should flow?
Oxygen is delivered at fix flow rate (6-8L/min) into the mask - there is a hole on the side of the mask to mix with diluted o2 - useful for patients at risk of Co2 retention.
What are high flow humidified circuits?
Used in critical patients that require high concentration of O2 and humidification of gases. Up to 30L/min.
What are non-rebreather masks and what are they used for?
A 750ml reservoir bag is added to the system to increase the amount of pure O2 the patient breathes. Flow rate should keep bag inflated - rates are 10-15L/min (60-90% oxygen).
How do you monitor o2 rates and what are the acceptable values?
With a pulse oximeter - measures oxygen concentration in the blood. Aim for saturations above 91%, preferrably above 98%. For those with COPD/resp failure aim for 88-92%.
Patients with COPD should never be given more than …% oxygen.
28%.
what is COPD
a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
how do you test for COPD
The main test for COPD is spirometry. Spirometry can detect COPD before symptoms are recognized. Spirometry can assess many important aspects of lung function by measuring airflow and the corresponding changes in lung volumes. The spirometer records inspiratory and expiratory lung volumes, and how fast a patient can inhale/exhale.
what are treatments for COPD
medications such as:
1. beta- agonists- stimulate bronchodilation
2. anticholinergics- prevent bronchoconstriction therefore allowing bronchodilation
3. corticosteroids- anti inflammatory
4. oxygen- to mainatin adequate oxygen saturation
5. inhaler
signs and symptoms of COPD
- barrel chest
- chronic cough
- pursing lips
- SOB
- laboured breathing
- finger clubbing
- blue tinged lips
