Respiratory Dysfunction Flashcards
What is the most critical and immediate physiologic change required of newborns?
onset of breathing
Chemical factors that stimulate breathing is
low O2
high CO2
low pH
Chemical and thermal factors in the blood initiate impulses exciting the
respiratory center in the medulla
Thermal stimulus for the onset of breathing in newborns is
sudden chilling of the infant (leaving the warm environment of the mother’s womb)
What are acceptable methods of tactile stimulation for stimulating breathing?
tapping or flicking the soles of the feet
gently rubbing the newborn’s back, trunk, or extremities
Should the nurse slap the newborn’s butt or back to stimulate breathing?
no, harmful technique and should not be used
What does prolonged tactile stimulation consist of?
2+ taps or flicks
Why should you not be able to use prolonged tactile stimulation on a newborn?
waste precious time in the event of respiratory difficulty
+ Become hypoxemic in the birth process
The initial entry of air into the lungs is opposed by
surface tension of the fluid-filled inside the lungs and alveoli
What happens to the remaining lung fluid instead of being pushed out during birth?
absorbed by the capillaries and lymphatic vessels
S/S of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Tachypnea (80-120) initially (could be respiratory failure and shock due to prematurity)
Dyspnea
Retractions (intercostal and substernal)
Fine inspiratory crackles
Audible expiratory grunt
Flaring nares
Cyanosis or pallor
Respiratory Distress Syndrome of nonrespiratory origin is caused by
sepsis
cardiac defects
exposure to cold (Pneumonia - bacterial or viral)
airway obstruction (atresia)
intraventricular hemorrhage
hypoglycemia
metabolic acidosis
acute blood loss
drugs (rare in drug-exposed infants)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome carries the highest risk what type of complications
respiratory and neuro complications
- preterm infants
Patho of RDS
preterm infants born with premature lungs
- more cartilage in the chest wall (collapses inward to stiff tissues)
- Underdeveloped and under-inflatable alveoli
Blood flow is limited due to collapse and shunted from the lungs to ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale
Lack of surfactant and unable to adjust to lack of blood flow and inability to take in O2 and close the cardiac shunts
Surfactant
surface-active phospholipid secreted by alveolar epithelium
- reduces the surface tension of fluids that line the alveoli and respiratory passage
- uniform expansion and maintenance of lung expansion at low interalveolar pressure
Low surfactant production causes
unequal inflation of alveoli on inspiration and the collapse of alveoli on expiration
- Alveoli collapse
- not able to inflate lungs
- need to exert more effort to reexpand
This inability to maintain lung expansion produces
atelectasis
How does the O2 concentration normally increase after birth?
ductus arteriosus constricts and the pulmonary vessels dilate to decrease PVR
Atelectasis and the absence of alveolar stability relations to blood flow to the lungs
PVR increases with resistance to blood flow
increase of hypoperfusion to lung tissue
Increase of PVR = fetal shunts stay open = prevents blood flow oxygenation of the lungs
Inadequate pulmonary perfusion and ventilation produce
hypoxemia (pulmonary arterioles constriction)
hypercapnia
RDS is the deficiency of
surfactant
Dx of RDS
Chest Xray studies
Managing of RDS
immediate supplemental O2 and ventilation
IVF
TPN
Prevent hypotension
thermal environment
What type of feedings are contraindicated for an RSD pt?
nipple feedings
increases RR, aspirations
When do you suction the patient after administering surfactant?
an hour to allow maximum effects
Surfactant therapy is used in
RSD, meconium aspiration, pneumonia, sepsis, constant pulmon. HTN
- prophylactic or later after birth
Nursing management of surfactant administration
- monitor blood gas
- monitor Pulse Ox
- assess tolerance
- adjustment of vent and prevent overinflation
Treatment of RSD
exogenous surfactant to preterm (porcine, bovine)
Complications of surfactant administration through Endotracheal tube
pulmonary hemorrhage
mucous plug
Studies have shown the benefits of administering surfactant early (prophylactic) in infants at risk for developing RDS, then
extubating and place on CPAP
- decrease need for mech vent
O2 for newborns need to be
humidified and warmed up
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Therapeutic Management
Suction hypopharynx after delivery
- close monitoring of low APGAR
- resuscitation after suction
Monitor for respiratory distress with supplemental O2
Exogenous surfactant
Prevention of RDS
prevent preterm delivery esp elective early and C section
amniocentesis = assess fetal lung maturity
maternal steroid injection and surfactant after birth
Prognosis of RSD
SELF-LIMITING
improved by 72 hours
onset of diuresis shows improvement
decrease the need for vent support
Nursing Care Management of RDS
observe and assess the infant’s response to therapy
- O2 should improve
- hourly rounding
suctioning PRN (auscultation of the chest, low O2, excess moisture, irritability)
Best positioning for an infant’s open airway
side of the head supported by a folded blanket to keep the neck slightly extended
ETtube suctioning should only be used for no more than
10-15 seconds to maintain negative passage
When administering O2, what needs to be performed daily?
Mouth care
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome is
Aspiration of amniotic fluid containing meconium into fetal or newborn trachea in utero or at first breath
Prematurity Apnea
lapse of spontaneous breathing for greater than 20 seconds, may be followed by bradycardia, O2 low, and color chnage
Prematurity Apnea
Therapeutic Management
Thermal stability and Blood sugar for hypoglycemia
Admin caffeine and CPAP
tactile stimuli and check for breakdown
Signs of caffeine toxicity
Tachycardia (>180)
vomit, restless, irritable
Pneumothorax
presence of extraneous air in pleural space as a result of alveolar rupture
Pneumothorax
Therapeutic Management
evacuate trapped air in pleural space through needle aspiration or chest tube
care of drainage
emergency needle aspiration setup
S/S of pneumothorax
tachypnea or apnea
hypotension
nasal flaring
retractions
bradycardia, cyanosis
low to no breath sounds
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
alveolar damage from lung disease, prolonged exposure to mechanical ventilation, high peak inspiratory pressures and oxygen, and immature
alveoli and respiratory tract
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Prevention
steroids and surfactant to avoid intubation
PFT
no air leaks or infections
minimize high O2 concentration and implement resus. if low o2
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Nursing Care Mgmt
Monitor O2 sat
additional rest during feedings
signs of overload
Increased calorie feedings
Persistent Pulmonary HTN of the Newborn
severe pulmonary HTN and large right to left shunt through foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus
Persistent Pulmonary HTN of the Newborn
s/s
hypoxia
cyanosis
tachypnea with grunting and retractions
decreased pulses and poor perfusion
Shock
Persistent Pulmonary HTN of the Newborn
Therapeutic Mgmt
supplemental O2 and vent
vasodilators
prevent Hypoxemia
Persistent Pulmonary HTN of the Newborn
Nursing Actions
reduce stress
do not move or disturb
S/S with Respiratory Infections in infants
Fever (103-105) 1st sign
- listless/irritable
- precipitate febrile seizures
Poor feeding/anorexia
V/D
- dehydration
Abd Pain
Nasal Block/Discharge (Otitis Media)
Cough (persist)
Sore throat (older children)
- refuse oral meds
Meningismus
- HA, pain and stiff neck
- Kernig and Brudzinski signs +
Respiratory Sounds of Respir. Illness
Hoarse
grunt
stridor
wheeze
crackles
no sounds
Croup is characterized by
hoarseness, a resonant cough like “Barking or brassy”, inspiratory stridor
swelling or obstruction
Why is respiratory swelling worse for infants?
the airway is already narrow the inflammation makes it tiny
- prevents feedings and aspirations
Croup syndromes affect what anatomical structures
larynx - voice and breathing harshness
trachea
bronchi
Acute Epiglottitis
-age
-cause
-onset
-s/s
- tx
- 2-5 y/o
- bacteria
- rapid progressive
- dysphagia, stridor, drool, high fever, toxic appearance, rapid pulse and respirations
- airway, corticosteroids, fluids, antibiotics, reassurance
Acute Larygotracheobrochitis
-age
-cause
-onset
-s/s
- tx
- < 5/o
- viral
- slow progressive
- stridor, brassy, hoarse, low fever, nontoxic
- humidify O2, corticosteroids, fluids, reassurance
Acute Spasmodic Laryngitis
-age
-cause
-onset
-s/s
- tx
- 1-3 y/o
- viral with an allergic component
- sudden; night
- croupy, stridor, symptoms awakening the child but disappearing during the day
- cool mist, reassure
Acute Tracheitis
-age
-cause
-onset
-s/s
- tx
- 1mn to 6 y/o
- viral/bacterial with allergic component
- moderate progressive
- purulent secretions, high fever, no response to LTB therapy
- antibiotics, fluids
S/S of Respiratory Failure
Cardinal
restless
tachypnea
tachycardia
Sweating
S/S of Respiratory Failure
Early but subtle
mood swings (euphoria or depression)
HA
Altered depth and respir. pattern
HTN
exertional dyspnea
anorexia
increased output
CNS with impaired LOC
FLARES NOSTRILS
retractions
grunt expiratory
wheezing or prolonged expiration
S/S of Respiratory Failure
Severe Hypoxia
Hypo/Hypertension
altered vision
somnolence
stupor to coma
dyspnea
depressed respirations
low HR
cyanosis
Asthma Severity in Children
Severe = night (1+ (birth to 4 y/o) and 7+ (>5 y/o) per week) and day, extremely limited in activity, use short-acting Beta agonist several times
Moderate = daily, 3-4x nighttime s/s, some limitation, daily use of beta shot-acting
Mild = 2+ times a week, nighttime s/s once a month, minor limitations, twice a week of inhaler
INT = less than 2 days a week, no nighttime awakening, no limitation, use inhaler less than twice a week
Triggers of Asthma Exacerbations
allergens
- trees, shrubs, weeds, grass, pollution
- dust, mold, cockroach antigen
smoke, spray, odors
exercise
cold air
new environment
animals
strong emotions
Asthma components
Inflammation
Bronchospasm
Airflow obstruction
Spirometry can be performed on children as young as
5-6 y/o and assessed yearly
Because inflammation is considered an early and persistent feature of asthma, HCP use what drug
long term corticosteroids (Beta agonists)
- control
short term (rescue)
Corticosteroids in Asthma drug therapy
tx reversible airway obstruction. control s/s, reduce hypersensitivity of the bronchi
1st line in children over 5
Beta-Aderergic Agonists in Asthma therapy
prevent exercise-induced exacerbation
Anticholinergics in asthma therapy
relieve acute bronchospasms
- dries out everything (eyes, throat)
no CNS effect
Should an asthma child stop exercising due to provoking an exacerbation?
no, exercise is beneficial for physical health
The Child with Asthma Case Study
Jeremy is a 17-year-old male with a history of asthma. His asthma symptoms have been controlled
with use of a long-acting inhaler twice daily but an increase in seasonal allergies and a recent
upper respiratory infection (URI) has caused an exacerbation of his symptoms. Jeremy rarely uses
his peak expiratory flow meter (PEFM), instead he waits until his symptoms become severe before
starting to use his rescue medications. He now presents to his primary care provider with his
mother to seek further treatment as his symptoms are not resolving with his current treatment.
Assessment
Based on these events, what are the most important subjective and objective data that should be
assessed?
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath
Diminished breath sounds and/or adventitious breath sounds (wheezing)
Increased respiratory rate
Use of accessory muscles (retractions)
Dry cough
Chest tightness or chest pain
What are the most appropriate nursing interventions for a child with acute respiratory tract
infection?
monitor ABCs
assume the position of comfort
humidified O2 > 90
rescue inhalers
assist in triggers monitors
Blow-By O2
occasional in newborns
- no control of O2 amount (30%)
- issues with eyes drying out
Nasal Cannula
24-44% on 1-6L
- drys out nose and skin breakdown (esp. with babies
If the nasal cannula is giving 4L+, then what is also provided?
humidity
What is the % of O2 in RA?
21%
Simple Mask
5-8L 40-60% O2
- No holes in the mask
- develop CO2 in the mask when LESS than 5L
NEED TO ENSURE 5L FLOW
Venturi Mask
4-12L 24-60%
Large holes to prevent CO2 build-up
Non-rebreather Mask
10-15L 100%
The reservoir bag needs to be what before use?
filled with pure O2
Respiratory Risk Factors in Infants and Children
Age
Airway diameter small
shorter trachea
Infant (0-3mn) infection rates are _______ due to
lower rate of infection from maternal antibodies
with breastfeeding
What is a common illness for healthy full-term infants (0-3 months)?
Pertussis
- vaccination
3-6 month old infants infection rate is
increased rate of infection due to maternal antibodies going toward the mother
- Baby starts to make her own antibodies
Toddlers and Preschoolers common illness
viral infections from daycare
5+ y/o common illnesses
Kindergarten
- viral decreases
- STREP increases
Infants airway diameter compared to adolescents
smaller
The trachea structure is how long in infants
short distance
- organisms rapidly down the tract
The Eustachian tube in small children is
short, open, and flat
Upper Airway
oral nasopharynx
Pharynx
Larynx
Upper part of the trachea
Lower airway
Lower trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Inadequate ______ can lead to immune deficiencies.
diet/nutrients; no supplements
- heart and asthma conditions to consider
What viral infection is the biggest in Pediatric populations?
RSV lasting longer and more severe
- COVID extended because isolation caused the immune system to pause in children
Seasonal variations of viruses occur around
winter and spring
Preterm newborns have an increased danger of
respiratory obstructions
- small
In the NICU, can you place a baby prone if they are having respiratory issues?
Yes, PUT THEM PRONE AND LEAVE THEM ALONE
- opens up the airway and improves drainage out of the lungs
- SIDS is not a worry due to ABC and continuous monitoring
The bronchi and trachea are so narrow that
mucous can obstruct the airway
What position is okay to have the preterm infant in when allowing for normal respiratory functions regardless of SIDS?
Prone - chest expansion
because of continuous monitoring in the NICU, we are not worried much about SIDS
When does the infant get their gag reflex at?
6 months old
A weak or absent gag reflex increases the chance of
aspiration in the premature
S/S of Respiratory Distress in NEWBORN
subcostal retraction with tachypnea
expiratory grunting
nasal flaring
cyanosis (lips and spread)
- serious when generalized
apneic episodes
diminished air entry
presence of crackles or rhonchi (after 4-6 hour of birth normally bad)
Tachypnea is
sustained rate >60 after 4-6 hours of life
Why does a baby grunt with expirations (not normal)?
trying to create their own positive pressure
push open their alveoli
Cyanosis starts where?
lips and spreads (mucous membranes)
- serious when generalized
Apneic episodes are characterized as
over 15 seconds of not breathing with color changes
What respiratory sounds with RDS do you hear when you auscultate the lungs?
Crackles or rhonchi
- Okay at birth not after 4-6 hours
Apnea of Prematurity refers to
cessation of breathing for 20 + seconds with signs of cyanosis, pallor, and low HR
- day 2 shows extent and problems
What is the 1st sign of a breathing or apneic issue?
cyanotic on the mouth and spreads
Apnea is the most common problem in the preterm infant < ____ weeks starting within day ___-___ days of life
36 weeks
2-7 days of life
Central apnea occurs in
preterm infant’s irregular breathing Patterns
- neuronal immaturity
Apnea is primarily thought to be the result of
neuronal immaturity
- not good at multitasking
- forget to start breathing again
Obstructive apnea occurs in
a preterm infant when there is a cessation of airflow associated with blockage of the upper airway (small airway diameter, increased pharyngeal secretions, improper body alignment, and positioning)
- positioning issue in opening the airway
- reflux after eating
- no suction
Apnea onset is usually
quick and insidious
Apnea occurs during what type of activity
feeding
suctioning
stooling
- no observation activity related
Does all apnea spells have observable activity r/t apnea?
No
How do you document apnea and what should be documented with it?
ALWAYS document as a drop
- time
- length of episode
- treatment required