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NCLEX-RN® > NCLEX-RN (5) Adult Health > Respiratory > Flashcards

Respiratory Flashcards

Review the most important respiratory diagnostic tests and diseases.

1
Q

What are the early symptoms that a client may not be getting enough oxygen?

A

Tachypnea and restlessness.

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2
Q

What are 2 very common interventions with any respiratory problem?

A
  1. give oxygen
  2. sit up in a high Fowler’s position
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3
Q

Teaching:

Prevent pneumonia

A

Teach clients to:

  • turn, cough, and deep breath
  • use an incentive spirometer
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4
Q

Why would a client get a chest x-ray?

A

To look for abnormalities in the heart or lungs.

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5
Q

What are the steps to get a sputum sample?

A
  1. get in AM before brushing
  2. rinse mouth with water
  3. take a few deep breaths
  4. then cough
  5. get 15 mL of sputum (not just saliva)
  6. send to lab

Start antibiotics after sputum sample is collected.

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6
Q

What is a laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy?

A

Inserted down the throat and into the lungs to look for abnormalities.

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7
Q

What is the priority concern after a bronchoscopy or lung biopsy?

A

Assess for pneumothorax and bleeding due to possible puncture.

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8
Q

What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

A

A noninvasive test that shows how well the lungs are working.

The test measures lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange.

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9
Q

What is the teaching before the client undergoes a pulmonary function test?

A
  • hold bronchodilators
  • no large meals
  • no smoking beforehand
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10
Q

What is a thoracentesis?

A

Removal of fluid or air from the pleural space using a needle.

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11
Q

What is the best position during a thoracentesis?

A
  • leaning over the bedside table or
  • in bed with the affected side up

These positions promote separation of the ribs in order to reach the pleural space better and get the excess fluid out.

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12
Q

What is chest physiotherapy?

A

Using percussion, vibration and postural drainage to get rid of respiratory secretions.

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13
Q

Which medical conditions would chest physiotherapy be used for?

A

When thick secretions get stuck in the lungs such as:

  • cystic fibrosis
  • lower lung pneumonia
  • COPD (chronic bronchitis)
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14
Q

When would chest physiotherapy be contraindicated?

A
  • head injury
  • increased ICP
  • chest trauma
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15
Q

When is low flow nasal cannula used?

A
  • chronic conditions such as COPD (2 liters/minute)
  • post-operatively after receiving anesthesia
  • may add humidification

Low flow nasal cannula is low dose oxygen administration (1-6 Liters/minute).

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16
Q

When is high flow nasal cannula used?

A
  • mild to moderate respiratory distress
  • up to 10 Liters/minute

High flow nasal cannula is high dose oxygen administration.

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17
Q

What is an oxygen face mask for?

A

To give oxygen for short term emergencies.

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18
Q

When can a face tent be used to apply oxygen?

A

For those with facial trauma or burns and it needs to be loosely fitted.

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19
Q

What is a CPAP and BiPAP machine?

A

An electronic breathing device used in the treatment of sleep apnea, lung disease, and to treat respiratory weakness.

It helps to improve oxygenation and is typically worn at night.

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20
Q

What are the causes of a high-pressure ventilator alarm?

A

Due to obstructions such as:

  • increased secretions
  • water or kink in tube
  • client coughs, gags, bites tube
  • client is anxious and fights ventilator
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21
Q

What are the causes of a low-pressure ventilator alarm?

A
  • air leak
  • disconnection of a tube
  • client stops breathing
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22
Q

Describe:

Flail chest

(Immediate complication)

A

When a segment of the rib cage breaks due to trauma and becomes detached from the rest of the chest wall.

There can also be rib fractures.

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23
Q

What is the characteristic sign of flail chest?

A

Paradoxical respirations.

The injured area moves in during inspiration and moves out during expiration.

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24
Q

Interventions:

Flail chest

A
  • give pain meds
  • encourage turn, cough and deep breath to prevent pneumonia
  • possible intubation and ventilator
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25
Q

Describe:

Pneumothorax

(Immediate complication)

A

A collapsed lung with air in the pleural space.

It is caused by trauma. The client will get chest tubes.

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26
Q

Describe:

Spontaneous pneumothorax

(Immediate complication)

A

When there is a sudden onset of a collapsed lung with no obvious cause.

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27
Q

Describe:

Hemothorax

(Immediate complication)

A

A collapsed lung with blood in the pleural space.

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28
Q

What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax and hemothorax?

A
  • absent breath sounds on affected side
  • tracheal deviation
  • difficulty swallowing and breathing
  • throat edema
  • sucking sound with an open chest wound
  • chest pain
  • hypotension (heart is being squeezed)
  • crepitus: cracking sound when tissue is pressed
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29
Q

Treatment:

Pneumothorax and hemothorax

A

Chest tubes.

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30
Q

Describe:

Acute respiratory failure (ARF)

(Immediate complication)

A

When there is not enough oxygen to get to the lungs or alveoli (air sacs) and CO2 builds up in the blood.

The client becomes hypoxic and hypercapnic.

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31
Q

What respiratory diseases can cause acute respiratory failure?

A
  • cystic fibrosis
  • COPD
  • pneumonia
  • COVID-19
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32
Q

Which types of trauma can cause acute respiratory failure?

A
  • fire/smoke inhalation
  • spinal cord injuries
  • chest trauma
  • opioid overdose
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33
Q

Which types of neuro diseases can cause acute respiratory failure?

A
  • stroke
  • myasthenia gravis
  • Guillain barre
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34
Q

Interventions:

Acute respiratory failure

A
  • give oxygen
  • bronchodilators
  • intubation with ventilator
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35
Q

Describe:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

(Immediate complication)

A

A form of ARF that causes inflammation and fluid to build up in the alveoli. The client is unable to get enough oxygen.

The client will be intubated and placed on a ventilator.

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36
Q

Cause:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

(Immediate complication)

A

ARDS is caused by many life-threatening conditions that cause systemic inflammation or prevent the client from breathing:

  • shock
  • sepsis
  • burns
  • fluid volume overload
  • aspiration and inhalation of toxic substances
  • trauma
  • neuro injuries
37
Q

Describe:

Asthma

A

A chronic inflammation in the lungs caused by allergies, irritants or exercise.

The bronchioles become constricted preventing oxygen exchange.

38
Q

What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of asthma?

A
  • wheezing
  • chest tightness
  • coughing
39
Q

Interventions:

Asthma

A
  • oxygen
  • Inhalers
    • bronchodilators
    • steroids
40
Q

Describe:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A

A group of inflammatory lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

41
Q

Pathophysiology:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A
  1. alveoli gets damaged by inflammation and lose elasticity
  2. air gets trapped and respiratory rate increases
  3. CO2 is produced faster than it can be eliminated

This causes respiratory acidosis and low oxygen levels of about 88%-93%.

42
Q

What is the number 1 cause of COPD?

A

Smoking

43
Q

What 2 diseases fall under the category of COPD?

A
  1. emphysema
  2. chronic bronchitis
44
Q

Describe:

Emphysema

A

When the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs are damaged and enlarged, resulting in hyperinflation and breathlessness.

45
Q

Describe:

Chronic bronchitis

A

When the bronchial tubes become inflamed and excessive mucus production occurs as a result from irritants or injury.

46
Q

What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of COPD?

A
  • barrel chest with emphysema
  • accessory muscles for breathing
  • orthopnea
  • hyperinflation of lungs
  • clubbed fingers
47
Q

What acid-base imbalance does a client with COPD usually have?

A

Respiratory acidosis.

It’s normal with COPD for the client to hold on to acid.

48
Q

How much oxygen should a client with COPD be allowed to have?

A

Keep oxygen levels between 88%-93%, which is an average of 2-3 liters/minute of oxygen. The client may need more oxygen if O2 level goes below 88%.

The drive to breathe for COPD is a low oxygen level.

49
Q

Interventions:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A
  • nebulizers: bronchodilators and steroids
  • chest physiotherapy
  • mucolytics
  • oxygen nasal cannula 2-3 liters/minute
50
Q

What is pursed lip breathing?

A

A technique used for COPD to move more oxygen into the lungs and carbon dioxide out of the lungs.

When you exhale with your lips pursed, there is increased pressure. This helps to keep airways open longer to remove the air that is trapped in the lungs. This slows down the breathing rate and relieves shortness of breath.

51
Q

What diet is recommended with COPD?

A

COPD diet is based on issues with chronic fatigue and breaking up secretions:

  • small frequent meals
  • high calorie, high protein diet with supplements
  • fluid intake up to 3000 mL/day to keep secretions thin
52
Q

What position is best for clients with COPD to breathe easier?

A

Fowler’s position and leaning forward to aid in breathing.

53
Q

Describe:

Pleural effusion

A

When fluid goes into the pleural space or layers of the lungs.

It can be caused from CHF, kidney failure or infection.

54
Q

Treatment:

Pleural effusion

A

Thoracentesis

55
Q

Describe:

Pulmonary edema

(Immediate complication)

A

When fluid gets backed up into the lungs.

It can be caused by left-sided heart failure, kidney failure or liver failure.

56
Q

What is the characteristic sign of pulmonary edema?

A

Pink, frothy sputum.

It is foamy and contains bubbles.

57
Q

Interventions:

Pulmonary edema

A

Focus on getting rid of extra fluids and maximizing oxygen:

  • high-Fowler’s position
  • give oxygen
  • diuretics and morphine (morphine eases breathing)
  • foley for strict intake and output
  • last resort is intubation and ventilator
58
Q

Describe:

Pulmonary embolism

(Immediate complication)

A

When a blood clot goes to the lungs.

It is usually caused by a DVT.

59
Q

What is the characteristic sign of a pulmonary embolism?

A

Blood-tinged sputum.

60
Q

Interventions:

Pulmonary embolism

A
  • oxygen by face mask
  • heparin IV to prevent more clots from forming
61
Q

Describe:

Pneumonia

A

An infection in the lungs.

62
Q

Causes:

Pneumonia

A
63
Q

Interventions:

Pneumonia

A
  • encourage fluids
  • antibiotics
64
Q

Describe:

Influenza

A

An acute viral respiratory infection.

65
Q

How is influenza prevented?

A

Get the yearly vaccination.

66
Q

Interventions:

Influenza

A

There is no cure, just treat the symptoms:

  • encourage rest and fluids
  • antipyretics to reduce fever
  • antitussives to prevent cough
67
Q

Describe:

Empyema

A

Pus in the lungs caused by infection or a lung abscess.

68
Q

Treatment:

Empyema

A
  • antibiotics
  • thoracentesis or chest tubes
69
Q

Describe:

Tuberculosis

A

A highly infectious bacterial respiratory disease that is spread from person-to-person by breathing in infectious airborne droplet nuclei.

70
Q

What are the precautions with tuberculosis?

A
  1. wear an N95 particulate respirator mask - possible gown, gloves, and googles
  2. private room
  3. negative air pressure with at least 6 air exchanges per hour
71
Q

What populations are most at risk of getting tuberculosis?

A
  • homeless
  • living in large groups
  • immunosuppressed
  • IV drug users
72
Q

What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of tuberculosis?

A
  • low-grade fever
  • chills
  • night sweats
  • persistent cough
73
Q

Diagnostic tests:

Tuberculosis

A
  • TB skin/Mantoux test
  • blood test
  • sputum cultures

Chest x-ray is not a definitive test for TB.

74
Q

How often is a sputum culture obtained for TB?

A

Once every 2 - 4 weeks.

After 3 negative sputum cultures, the client is no longer considered infectious.

75
Q

How long are tuberculosis medications taken for?

A

6 - 12 months.

76
Q

How long after tuberculosis meds are started are clients not likely to infect others?

A

After 2 - 3 weeks of taking TB meds.

77
Q

Is respiratory isolation necessary at the home of a tuberculosis client when around other family members?

A

No. Family members have already been exposed.

Family members will take prophylactic medications for at least 6 months to prevent infection.

78
Q

Teaching:

Home oxygen use

A
  • don’t use around combustible materials
  • no smoking
  • no open flames
79
Q

What is the difference between CPAP and BiPAP?

A
  • CPAP has 1 pressure setting that’s the same for both inhalation and exhalation
  • BiPAP has 2 pressure settings that are separate for inhalation and exhalation
80
Q

With a ventilator, when should a client be suctioned?

A
  • when the high pressure alarm goes off
  • when client needs more oxygen
  • bronchi breath sounds
  • with increased coughing
81
Q

What are the interventions when weaning a client off a ventilator?

A
  • get ABGs
  • oxygen requirements
  • give high flow oxygen by non-rebreather mask
  • apply continuous pulse oximetry
  • high fowler’s position
82
Q

What are the interventions to prevent a ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)?

A
  • turn every 2 hours
  • oral care every 4 hours + as needed
  • increased HOB to 30 degrees
83
Q

Teaching:

Asthma

A
  • prevent dust mites by washing bedding in hot water weekly
  • exercise as tolerated
  • avoid triggers
84
Q

Besides pink, frothy sputum, what are some additional signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema?

A
  • shortness of breath
  • dyspnea
  • crackles in lungs
85
Q

What is a way to prevent pulmonary embolism?

A

Prevent blood clots by having the client wear compression socks or sequential compression devices (SCDs).

Compression socks and SCDs increase blood flow in legs.

86
Q

Describe:

COVID-19

A

An infectious respiratory disease casued by SARS-CoV-2. It can be prevented by getting vaccinated.

87
Q

Risk factors:

COVID-19

A
  • immunocompromised
  • previous heart or lung disorders
  • diabetes mellitus
88
Q

Signs and symptoms:

COVID-19

A

Flu-like symptoms:

  • fever
  • chills
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • fatigue
  • muscle aches
  • headache
  • loss of taste or smell
  • sore throat
  • congestion
  • nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
89
Q

Interventions:

COVID-19

A
  • contact/droplet/airborne precautions
  • treat symptoms
  • possible intubation if severe

NCLEX-RN (5) Adult Health (13 decks)

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