Respiratory Conditions Flashcards
What is croup
Croup is a viral infection of the upper airway (area around the glottis)
What anatomical structures are affected in a patient with croup (3)
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchial tubes
Common signs and symptoms of croup (3)
Barking cough
Stridor
Fever
Treatment of Croup as per ALSPCS
Nebulized epinephrine (List off correct dosage)
What is epiglottitis
The inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. Caused by a bacterial infection, and can scause a sudden respiratory obstruction
Signs and Symptoms of Epiglottitis (6)
Severe sore throat Pain when swallowing Difficulty breathing Stridor Fever Drooling
What is pneumonia
An infection that inflamed the alveoli. The alveoli sacs may fill with fluid of pus.
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia (5)
Cough
Fever
SOB
Sharp chest pain that increase when breathing deeply
Crackles upon auscultation
What are the 3 conditions categorized under COPD
Asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
What is asthma
A disease that involves periodic episodes of severe but reversible bronchial obstruction in people with hypersensitive or hyperresponsive airways.
Signs and symptoms of acute asthma attack
Chest tightness
wheezing
significant dyspnea
tachypnea
Patho of emphysema
The destruction of the airway distal to the terminal bronchioles and alveoli, the breakdown of the connective tissue structure of the terminal aiways, results in groups of alveoli merging into large blebs which collapse easily, causing obstruction.
what is Chronic bronchitis
Sputum production most days of the month for 2 or more months out of the year for more than 2 years
Excessive mucous production in the bronchial tree which is nearly always accompanied by a chronic or recurrent productive cough, typical patient is usually a heavy cigarette smoker, usually somewhat obese, congested and sometimes has a bluish complexion
what is Cystic Fibrosis
A genetic disorder that causes abnormally thick secretions. This affects the lungs as this mucous obstructs airflow in the bronchioles and small bronchi causing air-trapping or atelectasis.
What is Pulmonary Edema
FLuid collecting in the alveoli and interstial area causing a decrease in the diffusion of oxygen into the blood and interfers with lung expansion.
Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary edema
Cough Orthopnea Rales Hemoptysis Frothy Speutum Cyanosis
what is a Pulmonary Embolus
A blood clot or a mass of other material that obstructs the pulmonary artery or a branch of it, blocking the flow of blood through the lung tissue.
Signs and Symptoms of PE
Transient chest pain
Dyspnea
Cough
Chest pain that increases with coughing or deep breathing
Massive emboli
severe chest pain
hypotension
LOC
What is Pleural Effusion
When fluid collects between the visceral and parietal pleura
Can be caused by infections, tumors, CHF or trauma
Definition of a flail chest
Results from freactures of the thorax and ractures of three - six tibs in two or more places.
What changes occur in a pt with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (4)
- Increases permeability of alveolar capillary membranes
- Increased fluid and protein in interstitial area and alveoli
- Damage to surfactant-producing cells
- Diffuse necrosis and fibrosis if patient survives
Hypoxic drive
the primary stimulus to breathe comes from decreased levels of oxygen NOT increased levels of carbon dioxide
Acute Respiratory DIstress Syndrome
Diffuse damage to the alveoli, as a result of trauma, shock, aspiration of gastric contents, pulmonary edema, toxicity or hypoxic events
Pneumothorax
Air collects between the visceral and parietal pleura that line the inside of the chest cavity
