Respiratory (Exam Two) Flashcards
Describe atopy.
Genetic predisposition to develop an allergic response to common allergens
Which immunoglobulin is assessed in relation to allergens and allergic responses?
IgE
Atopy is a major ______ ________ for asthma.
Risk factor
A new nurse on the medical-surgical floor overhears another RN explain to a patient how people have a lower incidence of developing asthma when exposed to certain infections early in life, used fewer antibiotics, were around other children, or lived in rural areas or with pets. The new nurse knows the RN is explaining what concept?
Hygiene hypothesis
What is occurring within the lungs when a patient has asthma?
- Airways are chronically inflamed
- Airways are narrow
- Air gets trapped
List the causes of asthma.
- Heredity/Genetics
- Airborne allergies
- Pollution
- Smoking
List the risk factors for developing asthma.
- Heredity/Genetic predisposition
- Male gender in childhood
- Obesity
List the signs and symptoms of asthma.
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Prolonged expiration
- Use of accessory muscles
The nurse knows what is happening if the patient with asthma has absent lung sounds?
- Bronchioles are completely constricted
- Minimal air flow
- EMERGENCY!
Why is wheezing not a good indicator of the severity of an asthma attack?
- Loud wheezing is heard during minor attacks
- No wheezing is heard during severe attacks
Accessory muscle use is indicative of what? The nurse knows the patient needs what if accessory muscle use is present?
- Respiratory distress
- STAT intervention
List the conditions involved in an asthma triad.
- Nasal polyps
- Asthma
- Sensitivity to salicylic acid (aspirin/ NSAIDS)
A patient with a known asthma triad develops wheezing 2 hours after ingesting food and drink that contain salicylic acid. What education should the nurse provide to this patient?
- Salicylic acid is found in certain foods which can result in latent wheezing upon digestion
- Educate patient to avoid these specific foods and drinks
What class(s) of drug(s) should be avoided in patients with asthma and COPD?
- Non-selective beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
List non-selective beta blockers.
- Propranolol
- Nadolol
- Carvedilol
- Labetalol
List ACE inhibitors.
- Lisinopril
- Enalapril
- Captopril
- Quinapril
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient who is scheduled for a spirometry study?
Hold bronchodilators 6 to 12 hours prior to study
What does a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measure?
- Maximum speed of expiration
- Airflow through the bronchioles
- Degree of obstruction
- Severity of condition
- Effectiveness of medications
The nurse knows what about the results of a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)?
- High results when well
- Low results when airflow is constricted
Peak flow results that are 80% to 100% of the patients personal best are in what zone?
Green zone
Peak flow results that are 50% to 80% of the patients personal best are in what zone?
Yellow zone
Peak flow results that are 50% or less of the patients personal best are in what zone?
Red zone
Peak flow results that are in the red zone indicate what?
- Serious problem
- Interventions needed
- Additional medications needed
List the nursing interventions for a patient who has a peak flow rate in the yellow zone.
Administer bronchodilator/short-acting-beta-agonist (SABA)