Respiratory Diseases Flashcards
Pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis
Faulty gene mutation which means cells in human body are unable to move salt and water around effectively. Results in build-up of mucus in lungs and digestive system.
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis
Poor lung function, frequent lung infections, inability to digest foods (fats) and may cause diabetes, bone disease and infertility.
Diagnosing cystic fibrosis
Sweat test (see salt content) and genetic blood/saliva test.
Treating cystic fibrosis
-ABX to prevent and treat infections
-Medications to manage mucus- reduce levels and make easier to cough up
-Broncodilators to widen airways
-Exercises
-Chest clearing techniques
Cystic fibrosis nursing interventions
-Manage pulmonary symptoms
-Palliative care
-Malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies
-Hospitalizations
Bronchitis (COPD)
Airways are inflamed and narrowed.
Emphysema (COPD)
Affects the alveoli where gas exchange takes place. They break down=lungs become baggy and bigger holes which trap air
What is COPD and name 2 types
Airways are narrowed= harder to breathe out and air gets trapped in chest
Bronchitis & Emphysema
Why are airways narrowed with COPD?
-Lung tissue damaged so less pull on airways
-Mucus blocking airways
-Airway lining inflamed and swollen
Risk factors COPD
Breathing in harmful substances, smoking, air pollution
Symptoms of COPD
-Short of breath during everyday tasks
-Cough that last long time
-Wheezing cold weather
-More sputum or phlegm than usual
Diagnosing COPD
-Listen to chest
-Spirometer
-Chest x-ray
-Blood test (rule out other things e.g. anemia
-Test phlegm
Treatment for COPD
-Short term bronchodilator inhalers
-Long term brochodilators
-Steroid inhalers (used in combo with LT broncho
-Pulmonary rehab
-Oxygen therapy
-Flu and pneumonia vaccine
Nursing intervention COPD
-Oxygen therapy
-Patient education
-Exercise tolerance
-Annual reviews
Pathophysiology Asthma
-Muscles around walls of airway tighten so airways become narrower
-Lining of airways become inflamed and begins to swell
-Sticky mucus or phlegm can build up
Symptoms of asthma
-Recurrent cough with a wheeze
-Shortness of breath (often worse at night & early morning)
-Tight chest
Signs of severe asthma attack
-Normal symptoms being severe
-Tachycardia
-Confusion/dizziness
-Hypoxic
Risk factors asthma
Genetic, exposure to tobacco as child, mother smoking in pregnancy
Diagnosing asthma
-FeNO test- breath into machine which measures level of nitric oxide which is sign of inflammation in lungs
-Spirometry- measures how fast you can breathe out and how much air hold in lungs
-Peak flow test- Measures how much you can breathe out
Reliever inhalers
Blue
For when symptoms occur
Contains Bronchodilator
Relaxes muscles which opn airways
Preventer inhalers
Can be used everyday
Contain steroids which reduce inflammation and sensitivity of airways
Combination inhaler
Used if other inhalers not effectively controlling symptoms. Can be used everyday
Asthma treatment
-Reliever inhaler
-Preventer inhaler
-Combo inhaler
-LTRAs- Block receptors which narrow airways
-Steroid tablets
Asthma nursing intervention
-Assessment
-Meds
-Education
-Action plan
-Social support
Active TB
When immune system cannot keep TB germs from multiplying and growing in body.
Tuberculosis pathophysiology
Disease caused by bacterium tuberculosis. Destroys lung tissue which is coughed up.
Latent TB
TB in body but no symptoms
Symptoms of TB
-Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
-Blood in phlegm
-Fatigue
-High temp
-Weight loss
Risk factors TB
-Babies in areas TB common
-Healthcare workers
Diagnosing TB
-Xray, ultrasoud, echocardiogram or CT
-Mucas sample
-Biopsy
Treatment for TB
Latent: ABX 3-6 months
Active TB: ABX 6-12
Pneumonia pathophysiology
Type of chest infection which affects alveoli in lungs. They become inflamed and filled with fluid, making it hard to breath.
5 types of pneumonia
- Community acquired
- Hospital acquired
- Viral
- Aspiration
- Fungal
Symptoms of pneumonia
-Coughing yellow/green mucas
-High temp
-Difficulty breathing
-Tachy
-Low BP
Risk factors pneumonia
-Smoking
-Weak immune system
-Recent surgery
-Medical conditions
Diagnosing pneumonia
-History
-Chest x-ray
-Bloods
-SP02
-Sputum test
Treatment for pneumonia
Amoxicillin usually given and clears up
In hospital setting IV fluids and oxygen support may be given
Nursing intervention pneumonia
-Encouraging breathing technique
-Blood work
-Encourage nutrition
Pathophysiology Covid-19
Virus irritates airways which then lead to cough and fever to develop. Can develop pneumonia. Can affect other systems too.
Why might it be harmful to given oxygen therapy to COPD patient?
Supplemental O2 removes a COPD patient’s hypoxic respiratory drive causing hypoventilation which causes higher carbon dioxide levels, apnea (pauses in breathing), and ultimately type 2 respiratory failure.
Arterial blood gas
A blood gas test is used to check the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, and the balance of acid and alkali in your blood (the pH balance).
What could a PH imbalance found in arterial blood gas mean?
It can mean your body isn’t able to get rid carbon dioxide efficiently. This may happen because your lungs aren’t working well or your kidneys can’t get rid of the acid. A normal result is between 7.35 and 7.45.
Could point to Pneumonia OR COPD
Example of a bronchodilator
Salbutamol
Pulmonary fibrosis
Chronic condition of scarring of lungs with loss of elasticity
