Respiratory Case Studies Flashcards
Pulmonary Embolism s/s
dyspnea
hypoxemia
cyanosis
tachypnea
chest pain
cough
crackles
hemoptysis
wheezing
shallow respirations
edema in lower extremities
pulmonary embolism onset s/s
pleuritic chest pain
SOB
hypoxemia
Pulmonary embolism vitals
tachycardia
hypotension
low grade fever
pulse oximetry low
Pulmonary Embolism tests
- EKG
- Coagulation studies : PT / PTT and INR
- CXR
- Spiral Chest CT
- V/Q mismatch
- pulmonary angiography
- Duplex Ultrasonography
- D-dimer
- BNP
- ABG
- CBC
PE spiral chest CT
need large IV for contrast
BUN and Creatinine levels need to be assessed before contrast is given
V / Q scan
identifies areas of lungs that are ventilation but not perfused efficiently
-low / medium / high probability
d-dimer
fibrin degradation products or fragments produced during fibrinolysis
+ test = thrombus formation
***NOT recommended in dx PE because is nonspecific
BNP test
measures overstretching of the ventricles , peptide is released
> 100 is indicative of HF
Pulmonary Embolism Risk Factors
- advanced age
- smoking
- reduced activity
- clotting disorder
- air travel
- obesity
- hx of a-fib
- oral contraceptives
- hx of DVT
- cancer
- trauma or recent surgery
Pulmonary Embolism Meds
- Lovenox
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- tPA
- Oral Xa inhibitors
what labs to monitor on Heparin
aPTT
normal is 25-35 seconds
heparin = 1.5 - 2.5 times that
heparin antidote
protamine sulfate
what labs to monitor on warfarin (coumadin)
INR
range = 2-3 or 2.5 - 3.5
antidote for warfarin
vitamin K
Pulmonary Embolism teaching
exercise : strengthen patients heart
cardiac diet
adequate fluid intake : 8oz glasses / day
med education : FOLLOW UP LABS
bleeding precautions
limit vit K intake on Warfarin
Acute Respiratory Failure
one or both gas exchange functions of lungs are compromised
-leads to hypercapnia and hypoxemia
-not a disease but condition CAUSED by another disease
Respiratory Failure level
PaO2 < 60 mmHg despite increased oxygen with normal PaCO2
hypercapnia s/s
headache
confusion
decreased LOC
tachycardia
tachypnea
dizziness
flushed / pink skin
hypoxemia s/s
tachycardia
tachypnea
elevated BP
decreased cerebral perfusion
decreased cerebral perfusion s/s
restlessness
confusion
anxiety
cyanosis
–> eventual coma
Acute Respiratory Failure Tests
ABG
Venous Oxygenation
CBC
CXR
Sputum Culture
type 1 ARF , ABG
initial respiratory alkalosis –> eventual respiratory acidosis
type 2 ARF , ABG
pH < 7.35 and PaCO2 > 45 mmHg
venous oxygen saturation ARF
amount of oxygenated blood returning to heart
normal = 60-80%
decreased = inadequate cardiac output
CBC , ARF
Hct. and Hgb should be analyzed to ensure enough oxygen binding sites
CXR, ARF
reveal underlying patho
sputum culture , ARF
rule out pathogenic cause of failure
ARF management
- high flow O2 with non-rebreather
- non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
- endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy, mechanical vent with PEEP
non-invasive positive pressure vent , ARF
used in severe V/Q mismatch
- BiPAP
- CPAP
ARF medications
-bronchodilators
-inhaled steroids
-diuretics
-sedatives
-antibiotics
ARF bronchodilators
opens airway by stimulating beta-2 receptors
ex: albuterol, levalbuterol, salmeterol
ARF inhaled steroids
decrease inflammatory response , combination of bronchodilators and steroids provide more therapeutic response
ex: flovent, pulmicort, aerobid, qvar
ARF IV steroids
solu-medrol and solu-cortef
ARF diuretics
used to decrease pulmonary congestion , esp. when pulmonary edema is underlying cause
ex : lasix
ARF sedatives
used to control agitation and anxiety that increase work of breathing , esp with mechanical ventilation
ex: propofol and versed
ARF antibiotics
treat suspected pneumonia , initially broad spectrum and adjusted
ARF priority actions
- patent airway
- vitals and O2 Sat.
- cardiac monitoring
- neuro assessment
- med administration
- breath sounds
- skin color
- elevate HOB
- administer IV fluids
- nutrition
- prepare for invasive or noninvasive vent support
ARF vitals
BP / pulse / RR increased to attempt to increase oxygenation
ARF O2 goals
maintain SpO2 > 94%
PaO2 of 80mmHg
ARF cardiac monitor
hypoxia and increased oxygen demand due to tachycardia –> dysrhythmias
ARF neuro assessment
early indication of impending respiratory failure
ARF breath sounds
crackles : pulmonary edema
rhonchi : pneumonia , COPD
diminished breath sounds : hypoventilation
ARF skin color
cyanosis in nailbeds and around mouth
deep pink color indicates HIGH CO2 levels
ARF education
- disease process
- medication administration
- infection prevention : HAND WASHING
- smoking cessation
- diet and hydration
- breathing technique
- energy conservation
ARF breathing techniques
pursed lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing allowing for better alveolar ventilation
ARF energy conservation
determine priorities and daily living, aerobic exercise improves respiratory status
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
sudden / advanced progression of acute respiratory failure
ARDS s/s
hypoxemia
dyspnea
decreased lung compliance
ARDS treatment
- mechanical ventilation
- ECMO
ARDS mechanical vent
primary tx of refractory hypoxemia
-lung compliance decreases
-work of breathing increases
-oxygenation continues to be refractory
ARDS ventilation setting
reduced tidal volume and PEEP
-lower tidal volumes
-high PEEP
ARDS ECHMO
uses a pump to circulate blood through an artificial lung outside of the body
PEEP
keeps alveoli from collapsing
using lower tidal volumes
volume of air moved with one breath , helps improve oxygenation while also reducing occurrence of ventilator induced lung injury
ARDS assessments
- vital signs
- neuro assessment
- respiratory assessment
- monitor UO
- monitor mechanical ventilation
- monitor EKG
- skin assessment
ARDS vitals
increased HR
increased RR
decreased BP
low O2
decreased CVP
decreased PA pressure
ARDS neuro assessment
LOC and pupillary assessment every 1-2 hours
neuro compromise d/t refractory hypoxemia and PaCO2 increase
ARDS respiratory assessment
crackles r/t fluid buildup
later stage : diminished lung sounds r/t atelectasis and fibrotic changes