Respiratory Disorders

Question 1

What potential conditions can be suspected when a patient has inspiratory stridor AND dyspnea?

Answer 1

Airway obstruction

Question 2

What potential conditions can be suspected when a patient has asymmetrical chest movement AND dyspnea?

Answer 2

Flail Chest injury

Question 3

What is atelectasis?

Answer 3

Collapse of a lung segment’s alveoli; usually a result of a complete obstruction by an object or mucus lodged in the bronchi.

Question 4

What could be compressed if there are tumors in the apex of the lung?

Answer 4

The brachial plexus and vascular structures

Question 5

What potential conditions does a purulent sputum AND normal auscultation and cough can one suspect?

Answer 5

Pulmonary or nasopharangeal infection

Question 6

Where do the diaphragmatic pain patterns refer?

Answer 6

Ipsilateral shoulder, but may also occur in the neck, ribs, or spine.

Question 7

What is Pectus Excavatum?

Answer 7

Hollow Chest

Question 8

What is Pectus Carinatum?

Answer 8

Bird Chest

Question 9

What is the normal breathing rate for adults?

Answer 9

12-20 breaths per minute

Question 10

What pathology does a ronchi sound indicate?

Answer 10

Chronic Bronchitis, during inspiration or expiration

Question 11

What pathology do crackles indicate?

Answer 11

Atelectasis, pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis; during inspiration

Question 12

What pathology do friction rub sounds indicate?

Answer 12

Pleural inflammation; end of inspiration

Question 13

What saturated O2 levels would indicate the need for supplemental oxygen?

Answer 13

Less than 90%

Question 14

What peak expiratory flow rate indicates an impending acute bronchospasm or asthma attack?

Answer 14

A PEFR less that 80% of personal baseline

Question 15

What peak expiratory flow rate indicates emergency medical care?

Answer 15

A PEFR falling below 50%

Question 16

What are bronchospastic mechanisms?

Answer 16

Involves ventilation in exercise and recovery alters the rate and magnitude of heat and water exchange in the tracheobronchial tree

Question 17

How do bronchospastic mechanisms obstruct airway?

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

What do Beta-2 agonists do?

Answer 18

Target beta-2 adrenergic receptors of smooth muscle in the lower respiratory system to dilate the bronchioles

Question 19

True or false, Ipratropium bromide is the only anticholinergic used for respiratory disease.

Answer 19

True; it is used to PREVENT bronchoconstriction

Question 20

What is the mechanism of action for leukotrienes?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

True or false, corticosteroids are used only for acute asthma attacks.

Answer 21

False, corticosteroids are used only for chronic asthma conditions and may take several weeks before full effects are seen.

Question 22

What is the mechanism of action for corticosteroids?

Answer 22

Corticosteroids stabilize membranes of cells that release harmful bronchoconstricting substances