Restrictive Airway Disease Flashcards
What is the main problem associated with restrictive airway disease?
The expansion of the lungs
Restrictive airway disease limits the lung’s ability to expand fully.
What distinguishes a rib fracture from flail chest?
A rib fracture involves only one affected rib
Flail chest involves multiple ribs and results in a segment of the chest wall moving independently.
What is the general characteristic of a rib fracture?
Only one rib is affected
This is in contrast to other conditions that may involve multiple ribs.
What is a common cause of rib fractures?
Direct blunt trauma
Rib fractures often occur due to accidents or falls.
What are common signs of a rib fracture?
- Chest pain
- Chest tenderness
- Shallow respiration
These signs are indicative of rib injury and may not be related to cardiovascular issues.
True or False: Chest pain from a rib fracture is related to heart problems.
False
Chest pain may be due to the rib injury itself rather than cardiac issues.
What is the priority in managing pain when breathing is normal but pain is present?
Pain management
Ensuring comfort while monitoring respiratory function.
What type of therapy is used to help the unaffected lung?
Oxygen therapy
This therapy aids in improving oxygenation.
What is a possible intervention for severe respiratory distress?
Intubation and hooking to a mechanical ventilator
This may be necessary to ensure adequate ventilation.
What defines flail chest?
Two or more rib fractures
This condition results in a segment of the chest wall moving paradoxically.
What is a common cause of flail chest?
Direct blunted trauma
This can occur from accidents or falls.
What are the signs of flail chest?
- Chest pain
- Chest tenderness
- Shallow respiration
- Paradoxical breathing
Paradoxical breathing involves abnormal movement of the chest wall.
What is the priority for managing flail chest?
Gas exchange
Ensuring adequate oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide is critical.
What is the preferred positioning for a patient with flail chest?
Fowler’s position
This position can help improve respiratory mechanics.
Fill in the blank: In flail chest, inhalation causes the chest to move ________ and exhalation causes it to move ________.
inward; outward
This paradoxical movement can impair ventilation.
What is a key aspect of managing flail chest besides positioning?
Pain management
Effective pain control is essential for improving respiratory effort.
True or False: Shallow respiration is a sign of flail chest.
True
Shallow breathing can indicate inadequate ventilation.
