Respiratory: NCLEX REVIEW

Question 1

Diphtheria

Answer 1

Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection usually affecting the mucous membranes of your nose and throat. Diphtheria typically causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. But the hallmark sign is a sheet of thick, gray material covering the back of your throat, which can block your airway, causing you to struggle for breath.

Diphtheria is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries, thanks to widespread vaccination against the disease.

Question 2

ASYMMETRICAL THORACIC MOVEMENT INDICATES

Answer 2

TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX

Tension pneumothorax is the progressive build-up of air within the pleural space, usually due to a lung laceration which allows air to escape into the pleural space but not to return. Positive pressure ventilation may exacerbate this ‘one-way-valve’ effect.

• Deviation of the trachea away from the side of the tension.
• Shift of the mediastinum
• Depression of the hemi-diaphragm