Respiratory Flashcards
Hypoxemia
Low oxygen in the blood (paO2 < 80)
Hypoxia
Low oxygen at the tissue level (SPO2 <94%)
Hypoxia & Hypoxemia:
Early Signs and symptoms
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Restlessness
Pale skin and mucous membranes
Elevated blood pressure
Respiratory distress
V/Q mismatch
Refers to an imbalance between ventilation (V) and perfusion (Q) in the lungs, where air and blood don’t match up properly in the same lung areas. It can lead to decreased oxygenation of the blood and is commonly seen in conditions like pulmonary embolism and pneumonia.
Hypoxia & Hypoxemia:
Late signs & symptoms
-Confusion & stupor
-Cyanotic skin and mucous membranes
-Bradypnea
-Bradycardia
How much oxygen do you start with generally?
2L
Oxygen toxicity
Signs and symptoms
-Similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome
-Chest discomfort (substernal)
-Paresthesias
-Dyspnea
-Restlessness, fatigue, malaise
-Hypoxemia
-Atelectasis
Symptoms:
● Dyspnea, Tachypnea
● Chest pain (sharp)
● Productive cough (yellow-tinged, purulent, blood-tinged or rust-colored)
● Crackles and wheezes
● Dull chest percussion over areas of consolidation
● Decreased oxygen saturation
levels
● Fever, chills, diaphoresis
● Flushed face
Pneumonia
Atelectasis
Sign & Symptoms
Dyspnea / Tachypnea
Cough
Sputum production
Cyanosis
Tachycardia
Obstructive or Reactive Airway
Disease
■ Both cause dyspnea with exertion
■ Obstructive prevents full exhalation of breath
– COPD, CF
■ Reactive prevents full inhalation
Pleural Effusion Lung Sound
The fluid will muffle whatever lung sounds are there already - will likely be just on one side
Treatment for Pleural Effusion
Thoracentesis
Average forced vital capacity (i.e. how many liters of air can be expelled from the lungs)
5-8L
