Respiratory Flashcards
Give some risk factors for pulmonary embolism
Previous VTE Over 60 Obesity Immobility, prolonged travel Pregnancy OCP/HRT Malignancy
How may a non-massive PE present?
Pleuritic pain SOB Tachypnoeic Haemoptysis Fever
How may a massive PE present?
Central chest pain
Collapse
Haemodynamic compromise
Raised JVP
Give some Ddx for a PE
ACS Pneumothorax Pneumonia Aortic Dissection Cardiac tamponade
What score can be used to assess the probability of a PE?
Well’s score
If a Well’s score gives a low/moderate probability of a PE, what additional test should be performed?
D-dimer
If a Well’s score gives a high probability of a PE, what additional test/investigation should be performed?
CTPA/VQ scan (both require a CXR)
When does a VQ scan need to be performed over a CTPA?
Young age
Pregnancy
Renal failure
What picture may be identified on ABG if a patient has a PE?
Respiratory alkalosis (low pCO2, low H, low pO2)
Define a massive PE
Embolus in the RV outflow tract
Define a non-massive PE
Embolus in a terminal vessel
What is the initial management of a PE?
ABCDE assessment Oxygen IV access Bloods - Including ?D-dimer, clotting and troponin ECG and CXR
Analgesia
Thrombolysis if haemodynamically compromise (usually alteplase)
Anticogulation
What are further management options of PE
Oral anticoagulation
IVC filter
Embolectomy
Give some complications of a PE
Post-thrombotic syndrome
Recurrence
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Right heart failure
Define bronchiectasis
Abnormal and permanent dilatation of the airways leading to mucus accumulation increasing the susceptibility to infection
What signs are associated with Kartagener’s syndrome?
Primary ciliary dyskinesia
Dextrocardia
Situs inversus
What are the signs associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia?
Sinusitis
Bronchiectasis
Azospermia
What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?
Cough SOB Excessive sputum production Recurrent chest infections Haemoptysis
What are the signs of bronchiectasis?
Cachexia and lymph nodes
Clubbing
Hyperinflation
Auscultation - coarse cracks, squeaks and wheeze, inspiratory clicks
What are the Ddx of bronchiectasis?
Pulmonary fibrosis
Bronchial carcinoma
Chronic lung abscess
Asbestosis
Give some causes of bronchiectasis
Congenital - CF, Primary ciliary dyskinesia, Kartagener’s syndrome
Mechanical obstruction - foreign body, bronchial carcinoma, lymph node
Post-infective - measles, TB, Pertussi, bacterial/viral pneumonia
Granulomatous disease - sarcoidosis, TB
Immune over-activity - IBD, RA, Sjorgen’s
Immune deficiency - hypogammaglobulinaemia, Secondary to HIV/malignancy
Aspiration - chronic alcoholics, GORD
How should bronchiectasis be investigated?
Sputum culture and cytology
CXR - tramlines, ring shadows
High Resolution CT - Signet ring sign
Spirometry - normal/restrictive pattern
What signs are typically seen on CXR if a patient has bronchiectasis?
Tramlines, ring shadows
What sign is typically seen on HRCT if a patient has bronchiectasis
Signet ring
How should bronchiectasis be managed?
Non pharmacological - MDT, physio, smoking cessation, vaccines
Medical - antibiotics (amoxicillin or clarithromycin)
Long term antibiotics if have > 3 exacerbations per year (azithromycin)
Bronchodilators/imhaled corticosteroids
Surgery - resection, heart/lung transplant
What are the complications of bronchiectasis?
Progressive respiratory failure Cor pulmonale Pneumonia Pneumothorax Empyema
Define an acute asthma attack
Rapid deterioration in symptoms due to a localised type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
How can an acute asthma attack present?
Progressive worsening SOB
Use of accessory muscles
Tachypnoea
Symmetrical expiratory wheeze
Define a moderate asthma attack
PEFR 50-75% predicted
Define a severe asthma attack
PEFR 33-50% predicted
RR >25
HR >110
Unable to complete sentences
Define a life-threatening asthma attack
PEFR <33% predicted Sats <92% Becoming tired Silent chest Haemodynamic instability
How should a moderate asthma attack be managed?
Neb b2 agonists (salbutamol 5mg)
Neb ipratropium bromide
Steroids (continued for 5/7)
How should severe asthma attack be managed?
Oxygen if required to maintain sats 94-98%
Aminophylline infusion
Consider IV salbutamol
How should life threatening asthma attack be managed?
IV magnesium sulphate infusion
HDU/ITU
Consider early intubation
What is a worrying sign on an ABG in a patient having an acute asthma attack?
Respiratory acidosis (due to high pCO2)
In patients who are requiring salbutamol as part of their management of asthma attacks, what needs to be monitored closely?
Serum K
What investigations are important in patients presenting with asthma attacks?
Peak flow ABG FBC U&Es CXR