Respiratory Challenges

Question 1

Define compliance

Answer 1

measure of the elasticity of the lungs and thorax. When decreased, lungs are more difficult to inflate

Question 2

What are possible asthma triggers?

Answer 2

allergens, respiratory infections, nose/sinus issues, drugs (beta blockers), GERD, air pollutants, stress

Question 3

What are possible complications of asthma?

Answer 3

hypoxemia, pneumothorax, respiratory distress, death

Question 4

What are treatment options for asthms?

Answer 4

Rescue medication-Fast acting B2 agonists (Salbutamol)
Corticosteroids
Long term prednisone
Anticholinergics (ipratropium)

Question 5

How is Covid-19 transmitted?

Answer 5

Droplets and aerosols

Question 6

Define allergic rhinitis

Answer 6

Reaction of the nasal mucosa to a specific allergen

Seasonal attacks common in reaction to pollen and typically last several weeks annually

Question 7

What is perennial rhinitis?

Answer 7

inflammatory condition of the nose present intermittently or constantly in response to environmental triggers such as pet dander, dust mites, molds or cockroaches

Question 8

What are possible treatments for allergic and perennial rhinitis?

Answer 8

Antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants and leukotriene receptor agonists

Question 9

What is sinusitis?

Answer 9

Ostia (exists) of the sinuses are narrowed/occluded by inflammation or hypertrophy of the sinuses

Question 10

What is an epitaxis?

Answer 10

Nose bleed

Can be caused by trauma, foreign bodies, street drug use, nasal spray abuse, tumors, etc.

Question 11

What are S&S of obstructive sleep apnea?

Answer 11

Excessive sleepiness during day, Frequent nighttime waking, Insomnia, Loud snoring, Impotence, Pulmonary hypertension, Intellectual deterioration, Polycythemia (increase in RBCs), Enuresis (uncontrollable urination)

Question 12

What is classified as mild or severe sleep apnea

Answer 12

Mild- 5-10 apnea or hypopnea episodes/hr

Severe- >30 apnea or hypopnea episodes/hr

Question 13

Interventions for mild sleep apnea

Answer 13

Sleeping on one’s side
Elevating head of bed
Avoiding sedatives and alcohol 3-4 hours before sleep 
Weight loss 
Oral appliance

Question 14

Interventions for severe sleep apnea

Answer 14

CPAP, Bipap, Surgery, Tonsillectomy, Uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty

Question 15

Cause of acute pharyngitis

Answer 15

virus, bacteria or fungus

Question 16

S&S of tonsilitis

Answer 16

• Persistent recurrent sore throat
• Enlarged, bright red tonsils with white exudate
• Fever
• Mouth breathing and halitosis
• Snoring
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Question 17

What is the treatment for tonsilitis

Answer 17

Antibiotics, surgical tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy

Question 18

S&S of head and neck cancer

Answer 18

Difficulties chewing, swallowing, moving tongue and jaw and breathing
Unintentional weight loss
Pain

Question 19

What is the most common symptom of acute bronchitis and after how long should you notify the HCP?

Answer 19

Persistent cough

If cough lasts longer than 1 week, notify HCP

Question 20

What is pneumonia?

Answer 20

Infections and inflammation of respiratory tissue, including interstitial spaces, the alveoli and bronchioles, caused by various microorganisms

Question 21

What are the 5 types of pneumonia?

Answer 21

Community acquired
Hospital acquired
Fungal
Opportunistic 
Aspiration

Question 22

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Answer 22

Chest x ray (shows pulmonary infiltrates or pleural effusion), positive sputum culture, acquisition of organisms

Question 23

How is pneumonia spread?

Answer 23

Airborne droplets

Question 24

What are the S&S of tuberculosis?

Answer 24

Asymptomatic
Fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, low-grade fever, chills, night sweats
Persistent cough with mucoid and mucopurulent sputum/hemoptysis (spitting blood)
Chest tightness, dull, achy chest pain
Enlarged lymph nodes
Egophony, fremitus, diminished bronchial sounds and crackles

Question 25

How is tuberculosis diagnosed?

Answer 25

Tuberculin skin testing
Chest radiographic study
Bacteriological studies

Question 26

Define pneumothorax

Answer 26

Presence of air in the pleural space

Question 27

What are the 5 types of pneumothorax?

Answer 27

closed, open, tension, hemothorax (collection of blood in pleural space), chylothorax (lymphatic fluid leaks into pleural space)

Question 28

Which ribs are most commonly fractured?

Answer 28

Ribs 5-10

Question 29

Define flail chest

Answer 29

Portion of rib cage is separated and moves pradoxically to the rest of the chest wall

Question 30

What are the treatment interventions for flail chest?

Answer 30

Adequate ventilation, admin of humidified O2, crystalloid IV solutions and pain control

Question 31

Is clamping of chest tubes during transport or disconnection recommended?

Answer 31

No, due to the risk for air accumulation in the pleural space (causing tension pneumothorax)

Question 32

Define a transudative pleural effusion

Answer 32

Pleural effusion is caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space. This is from increased pressure in the blood vessels or a low blood protein count. HF is most common cause

Question 33

What is an exudative pleural effusion?

Answer 33

When fluid leaks into pleural space bc pleura is damaged. Ex. trauma, infection or malignancy

Question 34

What is empyema:

Answer 34

A pleural effusion containing puss