respiratory disorders 2 Flashcards
What causes the common cold?
A viral infection with over 200 possible causative agents.
How is the common cold transmitted?
Through respiratory droplets or contaminated objects and hands.
What are 3 symptoms of the common cold?
Nasal congestion, watery discharge, sore throat.
What secondary complication can arise from the common cold?
Bacterial pneumonia.
What are key differences between cold and flu symptoms?
Cold = gradual onset, mild fever; Flu = sudden onset, high fever, body aches.
Why is hand hygiene important in preventing colds?
Cold viruses can live on surfaces and hands—touching face spreads them.
What are the types of influenza?
Type A (most prevalent), Type B, and Type C.
Why is the influenza virus hard to control yearly?
It mutates constantly, creating new strains.
What makes influenza deadly?
Risk of complications like pneumonia, especially bacterial.
Common symptoms of influenza?
Sudden fever, body aches, marked fatigue, and cough.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation in the alveoli (air sacs).
The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it hard to breathe.
What are 3 ways pneumonia can develop?
Inhalation – You breathe in germs (like bacteria or viruses) through the air, often from someone who is coughing or sneezing.
Aspiration – You accidentally breathe in food, liquid, vomit, or saliva into your lungs instead of swallowing it properly. This can bring bacteria into the lungs.
Hematogenous spread – The infection spreads through the bloodstream from another part of the body to the lungs.
Think “I.A.H.”
I = Inhale germs
A = Aspiration (wrong pipe!)
H = Hematogenous (via blood)
Types of pneumonia based on etiology?
Bacterial, viral, fungal.
What is lobar pneumonia commonly caused by?
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
What is consolidation in pneumonia?
Alveoli fill with exudate, decreasing gas exchange.
Who is at high risk for pneumonia?
Elderly, immunocompromised, smokers, immobile individuals.
Common pneumonia symptoms?
Fever, chills, productive cough, pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea.
What is empyema?
Pus in the pleural space due to infection like pneumonia.
What virus causes COVID-19?
SARS-CoV-2.
What is a cytokine storm in COVID-19?
Overreaction of immune system causing severe lung inflammation.
Common COVID-19 complications?
ARDS, MI, AKI, encephalopathy.
Diagnostic tests for COVID-19?
PCR, antigen test, antibody (serological) test, CXR.
Symptoms of severe COVID-19?
Fever, cough, hypoxia, fatigue, loss of taste/smell.
What causes tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
How is TB transmitted?
Inhaled airborne droplets.
What protects TB from immune attack?
Waxy cell wall that resists immune response and disinfectants.
What is a Ghon complex?
Calcified tubercle from healed primary TB.
Latent vs. active TB?
Latent: dormant, not contagious. Active: bacteria multiplying, contagious.
What causes latent TB to reactivate?
Weak immune system (HIV, malnutrition, stress, aging).
Symptoms of active TB?
Persistent cough, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, low-grade fever.
What is cavitation in TB?
Large air-filled spaces from lung tissue necrosis.
What can destroy TB bacteria?
UV light, alcohol, heat, formaldehyde.
What test confirms active TB?
Positive sputum culture and chest X-ray showing cavitation.
A 68-year-old long-term care resident develops cough, fever, and confusion. What respiratory condition should the nurse suspect?
Pneumonia (elderly + LTC + altered LOC = red flags)
A patient with COPD and NG tube feeding starts coughing after meals. What is a possible concern?
Aspiration pneumonia due to reflux/aspiration risk
A patient presents with fever, myalgia, fatigue, and sudden dry cough. What viral infection fits?
Influenza
A patient recovering from flu now has productive cough with purulent sputum. What complication is likely?
Secondary bacterial pneumonia
A nurse reads a chest X-ray report showing ‘cavitation in the upper lobes.’ What infection does this indicate?
Active tuberculosis
A patient with HIV presents with night sweats, fatigue, and cough. TB test is positive. What stage is this?
Active TB, due to immunosuppression reactivating latent infection
