Respiratory Diseases Flashcards
List some early signs of respiratory distress/respiratory failure.
- Tachypnea
- Tachycardia
- Irritability, restlessness
- Nasal Flaring
- Retractions
- Expiratory grunting
- Hypertension
List some late/severe signs of respiratory distress/respiratory failure.
- Depressed respirations
- Bradycardia
- Lethargy, drowsy
- Cyanosis
- Hypotension
What is the etiology of Croup (acute laryngotracheobronchitis).
Viral
What is a defining characteristic of Croup?
Barking cough
Croup treatment?
- Racemic epinephrine nebulizer
- Oxygen if O2 sat < 92% : Blow-by oxygen most effective.
What is the etiology of Epiglottitis?
- Life threatening condition
- Inflammation of the epiglottis
Epiglottitis clinical manifestations?
- irritability and restlessness
- drooling
How do you prevent Epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine
Epiglottitis emergency treatment?
- Primary (A-B-C)
~ Airway management (intubation) – if possible in the operating room - Secondary
~ IV antibiotics
~ IV corticosteroids
Why is Epiglottitis life threatening?
Respiratory distress can lead to respiratory failure
What is the etiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Viral
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) manifestations?
- excessive clear nasal secretions
- poor appetite
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) treatment?
- Palivizumab (Synagis) prophylaxis
- Nasopharnyx suction
Describe sequelae of Acute Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat).
Risk for serious sequelae if strep throat infection untreated:
- Acute rheumatic fever-Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Acute glomerulonephritis
- Scarlet fever
How is Acute Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat) diagnosed?
Diagnostic evaluation-throat culture
Acute Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat) treatment?
Antibiotics
Tonsillitis manifestations?
Inflammation
Tonsillitis treatment?
- Surgical
~ May be indicated with massive hypertrophy
What are some post-op considerations for tonsillectomy?
- Observation—frequent swallowing may indicate bleeding
- NO suctioning
Describe the pathophysiology of asthma.
- Reversible airflow obstruction
~ Bronchoconstriction
~ Inflammation
~ Secretions
What are some risk factors of asthma?
- Family History-genetic susceptibility
- Allergies (environmental, food)
- Exposure to smoke
- Frequent respiratory infections (RSV, influenza)
- Obesity
Asthma clinical manifestations?
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Cough (often worse at night)
What is a Peak Flow Meter and how do you use it?
- Measures how fast air is expelled from the lungs during forceful expiration.
- Blow out as hard and quick as you can.
- Repeat 2x (30 seconds between)
What is a spacer?
A spacer is an attachment that fits onto the end of your inhaler. If you use your inhaler without a spacer, then most of the medicine ends up inside your mouth or stomach, instead of your lungs, where it works best.
