Respiratory Challenges Flashcards
Define compliance
measure of the elasticity of the lungs and thorax. When decreased, lungs are more difficult to inflate
What are possible asthma triggers?
allergens, respiratory infections, nose/sinus issues, drugs (beta blockers), GERD, air pollutants, stress
What are possible complications of asthma?
hypoxemia, pneumothorax, respiratory distress, death
What are treatment options for asthms?
Rescue medication-Fast acting B2 agonists (Salbutamol)
Corticosteroids
Long term prednisone
Anticholinergics (ipratropium)
How is Covid-19 transmitted?
Droplets and aerosols
Define allergic rhinitis
Reaction of the nasal mucosa to a specific allergen
Seasonal attacks common in reaction to pollen and typically last several weeks annually
What is perennial rhinitis?
inflammatory condition of the nose present intermittently or constantly in response to environmental triggers such as pet dander, dust mites, molds or cockroaches
What are possible treatments for allergic and perennial rhinitis?
Antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants and leukotriene receptor agonists
What is sinusitis?
Ostia (exists) of the sinuses are narrowed/occluded by inflammation or hypertrophy of the sinuses
What is an epitaxis?
Nose bleed
Can be caused by trauma, foreign bodies, street drug use, nasal spray abuse, tumors, etc.
What are S&S of obstructive sleep apnea?
Excessive sleepiness during day, Frequent nighttime waking, Insomnia, Loud snoring, Impotence, Pulmonary hypertension, Intellectual deterioration, Polycythemia (increase in RBCs), Enuresis (uncontrollable urination)
What is classified as mild or severe sleep apnea
Mild- 5-10 apnea or hypopnea episodes/hr
Severe- >30 apnea or hypopnea episodes/hr
Interventions for mild sleep apnea
Sleeping on one’s side Elevating head of bed Avoiding sedatives and alcohol 3-4 hours before sleep Weight loss Oral appliance
Interventions for severe sleep apnea
CPAP, Bipap, Surgery, Tonsillectomy, Uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty
Cause of acute pharyngitis
virus, bacteria or fungus
S&S of tonsilitis
- Persistent recurrent sore throat
- Enlarged, bright red tonsils with white exudate
- Fever
- Mouth breathing and halitosis
- Snoring
- Obstructive sleep apnea
What is the treatment for tonsilitis
Antibiotics, surgical tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy
S&S of head and neck cancer
Difficulties chewing, swallowing, moving tongue and jaw and breathing
Unintentional weight loss
Pain
What is the most common symptom of acute bronchitis and after how long should you notify the HCP?
Persistent cough
If cough lasts longer than 1 week, notify HCP
What is pneumonia?
Infections and inflammation of respiratory tissue, including interstitial spaces, the alveoli and bronchioles, caused by various microorganisms
What are the 5 types of pneumonia?
Community acquired Hospital acquired Fungal Opportunistic Aspiration
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
Chest x ray (shows pulmonary infiltrates or pleural effusion), positive sputum culture, acquisition of organisms
How is pneumonia spread?
Airborne droplets
What are the S&S of tuberculosis?
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
