Respiratory system Flashcards
Tiotropium(Spiriva) Inhaler
A long acting24 hours,
anticholinergic,
inhaled medication used to control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD
administered most commonly using your capsule inhaler system call them HandyHaler.
the capsule should not swallow and then the button pressed on the inhaler must be pushed to allow for medication this dispersion
Status Asthmaticus(priority)
This is your life threatening ,episode of airway obstruction that is often unresponsive to common treatment.
It involves extreme wheezing, labored breathing, use of accessory muscles, distended neck veins, and create a risk for cardiac and/or respiratory arrest.
Status Asthmaticus
nursing action: prepare for emergency intubation. As prescribed, administer oxygen bronchodilators, epinephrine, and initiate systemic steroid therapy.
COPD emphysema(inflamed Airway and-collapsed air sacs)
progressive destruction of alveoli due to chronic inflammation-
decreased surface area for gas exchange –lose of elasticity of lung tissue-airway collapse.
primary cause smoking.
COPD emphysema causes
primary cause:smoking
CXR- hyperinflated lungs, heart small or normal
pink puffer – barrel chest+,pursued lip+, accessory muscle breathing+, underweight.
Persistent tachycardia- inadequate oxygen, wheezing, diminished breath sounds, hyper resonance on percussion due to trapped air.
Difficulty with exhalation due to obstructed airway and Mucosa
COPD emphysema
pursued lip breathing: instruct the client to:from the mouth as if preparing to whistle.
take a deep breath in through the nose and out through the lips/mouth
do not puff the cheeks. Take breaths deep and slow.
COPD bronchitis(bluish blue blotter)
Chronic airway inflammation with chronic productive cough lasting at least three months in2years.
Blue blotter:-bluish- red skin (cyanosis+ polycythemia), obesity.
CXR- congested lung, heart enlarged. Chronic productive cough-thick mucosa-foul smelling.
Celia disappear-Ineffective airway clearance.
Frequent pulmonary infection, dyspnea,increase the AP diameter (anterior posterior)
 COPD bronchitis
 ideal weight- nutritious food. Meds medication‘s, oxygen, avoid irritants,IZ. Mucolytic agent(Break down Mucosa): These agents help thin secretions making it easier for the Client. Example: acetylcysteineMucomyst),guaifenesin( Mucinex)
COPD bronchitis
Nursing care: position the client to minimize ventilation (highfowelers is 90)
encourage effective coughing or suctioning to remove secretions
encourage deep breathing exercise and use incentive spirometer 
Administer breathing treatment and medication as prescribed
administer oxygen as prescribed,
monitor for skin breakdown around the nose and mouth from the oxygen device. Promote adequate nutrition.
Complication of COPD( cor pulmonale)
Air trapping, airway collapse,stiff alveoli lead to increased pulmonary pressures.
Right side heart failure and increased workload for heart.
Blood flow through lung tissue is difficult.
Enlargement and thickening of right atrium and right ventricle.
Lowoxygen levels, cyanotic lips. Enlarged tender liver.
distended neck ,veins and dependent edema.
nursing care::
monitor respiratory status and administer oxygen
monitor heart rate and rhythm, meds, I/v fluids
COPD-Care after the change
Reference to assistance programs,such as food delivery services, home care services such as portable oxygen.
Client education: high calorie foods to promote energy. Encourage rest periods as needed. promote hand hygiene to prevent infection.
Reinforce the importance of taking medication (inhalers oral medication)as prescribed. Promote smoking cessation if the client smoker.
Encourage immunizations, such as influenza and pneumonia, to decrease the risk of infection. Client should use oxygen as prescribed. Inform other caregivers not to smoke around oxygen due to flammability. Provide support to the client and family and if needed respite care.
Legionaries disease
Form of pneumonia caused by legionella pneumoPhila.which grows and multiplies in a building water system. (Steam/ hot tubs).
legionaries disease
Assessment: 1 to 2 days of prodromal symptoms followed by high fever, dyspnea,vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, elevated WBC count.
Interventions:administer antibiotics as prescribed. Supportive care, including respiratory support, nutritional support, fluids and electrolyte management.
Pneumothorax, hemothorax
A Pneumothorax is the presence of air or gas in the pleural space that causes lung collapse.
A hemothorax Is an accumulation of blood in the pleural space.
Pneumothorax, hemothorax symptoms
A Tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space during a inspiration and is not able to exit upon expiration. The trapped air causes pressure on the heart and the lungs leading to a decrease in cardiac out put.
A flail chest occurs when several rib’s , usually on the one side of the chest, sustain multiple fractures. 
pneumothorax, hemothorax:signs
Dyspnea(first sign), crepitus, tracheal deviation, towards unaffected side
diminished of breath sounds in affected side – late sign.
Unequal chest expansion (reduce on affected side)
care:vitals vitals, oxygen, chest tube care, nutrition prevent infection, respiratory failure.
Medicines: analgesic, antibiotics