Respiratory Disorders Flashcards
What potential conditions can be suspected when a patient has inspiratory stridor AND dyspnea?
Airway obstruction
What potential conditions can be suspected when a patient has asymmetrical chest movement AND dyspnea?
Flail Chest injury
What is atelectasis?
Collapse of a lung segment’s alveoli; usually a result of a complete obstruction by an object or mucus lodged in the bronchi.
What could be compressed if there are tumors in the apex of the lung?
The brachial plexus and vascular structures
What potential conditions does a purulent sputum AND normal auscultation and cough can one suspect?
Pulmonary or nasopharangeal infection
Where do the diaphragmatic pain patterns refer?
Ipsilateral shoulder, but may also occur in the neck, ribs, or spine.
What is Pectus Excavatum?
Hollow Chest
What is Pectus Carinatum?
Bird Chest
What is the normal breathing rate for adults?
12-20 breaths per minute
What pathology does a ronchi sound indicate?
Chronic Bronchitis, during inspiration or expiration
What pathology do crackles indicate?
Atelectasis, pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis; during inspiration
What pathology do friction rub sounds indicate?
Pleural inflammation; end of inspiration
What saturated O2 levels would indicate the need for supplemental oxygen?
Less than 90%
What peak expiratory flow rate indicates an impending acute bronchospasm or asthma attack?
A PEFR less that 80% of personal baseline
What peak expiratory flow rate indicates emergency medical care?
A PEFR falling below 50%
What are bronchospastic mechanisms?
Involves ventilation in exercise and recovery alters the rate and magnitude of heat and water exchange in the tracheobronchial tree
How do bronchospastic mechanisms obstruct airway?
As the incoming breath of air moves down the respiratory tract, heat and water move away from the airway lining as the air warms and humidifies. The conditioning of inspired air ultimately cools and dries the respiratory mucosa. This in turn releases powerful proinflammatory mediators that trigger bronchoconstriction.
What do Beta-2 agonists do?
Target beta-2 adrenergic receptors of smooth muscle in the lower respiratory system to dilate the bronchioles
True or false, Ipratropium bromide is the only anticholinergic used for respiratory disease.
True; it is used to PREVENT bronchoconstriction
What is the mechanism of action for leukotrienes?
Leukotrienes start a series of chemical reactions in the body to cause inflammation, bronchoconstriction and mucus production due to triggers such as cat hair and dust
True or false, corticosteroids are used only for acute asthma attacks.
False, corticosteroids are used only for chronic asthma conditions and may take several weeks before full effects are seen.
What is the mechanism of action for corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids stabilize membranes of cells that release harmful bronchoconstricting substances
