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What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
Provides oxygen for cellular metabolism and removes carbon dioxide
Secondary functions include sense of smell and voice production.
What are the important structures of the larynx?
Thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, epiglottis, vocal cords
Epiglottitis: DON’T insert anything and DON’T examine.
What is the function of the nose in the respiratory system?
Filters, humidifies, and warms the air
Contains olfactory receptors and is divided by a septum.
What are the paranasal sinuses?
Frontal sinus, ethmoid sinus, maxillary sinus, sphenoid sinus
Sinusitis can be viral and self-limiting.
What is the function of the trachea?
Passageway of air to and from the lungs
Also known as the windpipe, about 10-12 cm long.
What are the types of normal breath sounds?
Bronchial, bronchovesicular, vesicular
Each type has different locations and characteristics.
True or False: Fine crackles are high-pitched bubbling sounds.
True
They indicate fluid presence in the lungs.
What is the Mantoux test used for?
Screening test for TB exposure
Also known as Purified Protein Derivative (PPD).
What is the purpose of a bronchoscopy?
Direct visualization of the bronchial tubes
Includes bronchial washing and suctioning.
What is the main cause of bronchial asthma?
Chronic inflammatory disorder with airway obstruction
Contributing factors include allergens.
What is the management priority for a patient with asthma?
Positioning in Semi-Fowler’s or High Fowler’s position
Oxygen therapy may also be required.
What are the two types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Pulmonary emphysema and chronic bronchitis
Both have distinct signs and symptoms.
Fill in the blank: The removal of pleural fluid is called _______.
Thoracentesis
Best position during the procedure is orthopneic.
What is a pneumothorax?
Air in the pleural space
Can be spontaneous, open, or tension pneumothorax.
What are the signs of pleural effusion?
Low or no breath sounds in the affected area
Diagnostic tests include lung ultrasound.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
Decrease in iron storage or production
Common causes include inadequate intake and blood loss.
What is the main sign of respiratory acidosis in COPD patients?
Increased CO2 levels
This leads to symptoms like chronic non-productive cough.
What is the management for chronic bronchitis?
Cessation of smoking, low oxygen concentration, pulmonary toileting
Medications include bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
What is the priority management for flail chest?
Gas exchange
Proper positioning and pain management are crucial.
What are the signs of hypoxia?
Mental confusion, irritability, restlessness, cyanosis
Late signs include clubbing of fingernails.
What is the mechanism that produces voice?
Vibration of vocal cords during expiration
The larynx is the terminal part of the upper airway responsible for voice production.
What is iron deficiency anemia characterized by?
Decrease iron storage or production
Risk factors include pregnancy and childhood.
What are the common causes of iron deficiency anemia?
- Inadequate iron intake
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Blood loss (trauma, menorrhagia, surgery)
What are the signs of iron deficiency anemia?
- PICA symptoms
- Pallor
- Poor focus or attention
- Signs of hypoxia
What is the management strategy for anemia?
- Complete bed rest
- Increase iron in the diet (GLV, legumes, organ meat, raisins, yolks)
- Avoid tea, antacids, and milk
- Oral iron supplement (FeSO4) without meals, better absorbed with vitamin C
- Parenteral iron supplement (IM, Z tract method)
- Blood transfusion as a last option
What is pernicious anemia and its primary cause?
One of the deadliest forms of anemia caused by lack of intrinsic factor
Intrinsic factor is produced by parietal cells in the stomach.
What is the hallmark sign of pernicious anemia?
Red beefy tongue
Other signs include mouth sores and paresthesia.
What is the confirmatory test for pernicious anemia?
Schilling’s test
Requires specific urine collection protocol.
What is aplastic anemia also known as?
Pancytopenia
Characterized by low levels of all blood elements.
What are the symptoms of aplastic anemia?
- Anemia
- Infection (low WBC)
- Bleeding (low platelet count)
What is the management for aplastic anemia?
- Blood transfusion
- Fresh whole blood for complete elements
- Infection precautions (reverse isolation)
- Avoid fresh, raw foods
- Non-contact sports and solitary play
What characterizes polycythemia vera?
Hyperplasia of bone marrow elements, particularly RBC
Leads to increased blood viscosity and hematocrit.
What are the signs of polycythemia vera?
- Red/purple-blue discoloration
- Painful fingers and toes
- Extreme pruritus
What is the management for polycythemia vera?
- Therapeutic phlebotomy (250-500ml every 3 months)
- Hydroxyurea and Allopurinol as medications
- Regular follow-up checks
What is hemophilia?
An X-linked recessive disorder
Carrier is the mother, and the affected individual is usually male.
What are the different types of hemophilia?
- Factor 8 deficiency (classic, Von Willebrand disease)
- Factor 9 deficiency (Christmas disease)
What is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura characterized by?
Platelet count less than 100k
Can lead to bleeding and is often associated with autoimmune diseases.
What are the signs of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura?
- Petechiae
- Easy bruising
- Ecchymosis
- Active bleeding in mucous membranes
What is the management for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura?
- Steroids to increase platelet count
- Intravenous immunoglobulin by weight
- Anti-D antibodies (obsolete treatment)
