THORAX & LUNGS(GAS EXCHANGE) - ABNORMAL Flashcards
COPD
chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions that make up COPD.
COPD as a preventable and treatable disease associated with airflow limitation that is not fully reversible
airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with inflammatory responses of the lungs to irritants from inhaled particles and gases, usually from cigarette smoke.
COPD
RISK ASSESSMENT COPD
Cigarette smoke exposure (smoking cigarettes or exposure to secondhand smoke), pipe smoking, cigar smoking, marijuana smoking
Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals
Age of 35 to 40 years and above
Rarely, genetics (one genetic variation)
LUNG CANCER
is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States (and worldwide), and causes more deaths than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers combined.
. More men and women are affected, and more blacks than whites are affected, especially black males. Age is a major factor
60 years or older.
RISK ASSESSMENT LUNG CANCER
Smoking tobacco and breathing secondhand tobacco smoke
Exposure to asbestos, radon, arsenic, diesel exhaust, some forms of silica and chromium and other substances, in the home or at work
Personal history of radiation exposure
Personal or family history of lung cancer
Diet (much research being done now, but evidence that smokers who take beta-carotene supplements are at greater risk for lung cancer)
Nasal flaring is seen with labored respirations (especially in small children) and is indicative of
Hypoxia
Pursed lip breathing may be seen in
asthma, emphysema, or CHF as a physiologic response to help slow down expiration and keep alveoli open longer.
Ruddy to purple complexion may be seen in clients with
COPD or CHF as a result of polycythemia.
Cyanosis may be seen if client is
cold or hypoxic.
Cyanosis - Dark skin
Dark skin appears blue, dull, and lifeless in the same areas
normal findings:
general inspection
breathing, lips/face, nails
Nasal flaring is not observed.
Normally the diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles do most of the work of breathing
client has evenly colored skin tone, without unusual or prominent discoloration.
Pink tones should be seen in the nailbeds. There is normally a 160-degree angle
Pale or cyanotic nails may indicate
hypoixa
(180-degree angle) in nail
Early clubbing
(greater than a 180-degree angle) can occur from hypoxia.
Late clubbing
Spinous processes that deviate laterally in the thoracic area may indicate
scoliosis
Inspect configuration - abnormal
Spinal configurations may have respiratory implications
Inspect configuration - normal finding
ratio of anteroposterior to transverse diameter is 1:2.
Ribs appearing horizontal at an angle greater than 45 degrees with the spinal column
(1 to 1) ratio between the anteroposterior and transverse diameter
barrel chest - Abnormal configuration
barrel chest is commonly the result of emphysema due to
hyperinflation of the lungs.
Trapezius, or shoulder, muscles are used to facilitate inspiration in cases of
acute and chronic airway obstruction or atelectasis
Kyphosis (an increased curve of the thoracic spine) is common in
older clients
tripod position - abnormal
Client leans forward and uses arms to support weight and lift chest to increase breathing capacity
When inspecting pt. positioning - Pain over the intercostal spaces may be from
inflamed pleurae
When inspecting pt. positioning - normal findings
should be sitting up and relaxed, breathing easily with arms at sides or in lap.
client does not use accessory (trapezius/shoulder) muscles to assist breathing.
when palpating tenderness and sensation - abnormal
Muscle soreness from exercise or the excessive work of breathing COPD
when palpating tenderness and sensation - normal
Client reports no tenderness, pain, or unusual sensations. Temperature should be equal bilaterally.
can be palpated if air escapes from the lung or other airways into the subcutaneous tissue, as occurs after an open thoracic injury, around a chest tube, or tracheostomy.
Crepitus
what is Crepitus
grating sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage
Unequal fremitus is usually the result of
consolidation (which increases fremitus) or bronchial obstruction, air trapping in emphysema, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax
Diminished fremitus even with a loud spoken voice may indicate an obstruction of the
tracheobronchial tree
Unequal chest expansion can occur with severe
atelectasis, pneumonia, chest trauma, or pneumothorax
what is atelectasis
collapse or incomplete expansion