Week 1 (Exam 3) Flashcards
What accounts for half of all head and neck cancers?
Larynx Cancer
In which age group is larynx cancer most common?
People older than 65
How much more common is larynx cancer in men compared to women?
Four times more common
What type of carcinoma is laryngeal cancer classified as?
Squamous cell carcinoma
What percentage of all laryngeal cancers present with involved lymph nodes at diagnosis?
55%
When does recurrence of laryngeal cancer typically occur after diagnosis?
2-3 years
What are common clinical manifestations of laryngeal cancer?
- Horsness
- Persistent cough or sore throat
- Pain and burning in the throat (especially w hot liquids and citrus juices)
- Lump in neck
Name the later symptoms of laryngeal cancer.
- Dysphasia
- Dyspnea
- Unilateral nasal obstruction or discharge
- Foul breath
- Persistent ulceration
What diagnostic procedures are used for laryngeal cancer assessment?
- Laryngoscopy
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
- Barium swallow
- Endoscopy
- CT or MRI scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
What is the medical management for early-stage laryngeal tumors?
- External beam radiation
- Conservation surgery (vocal cord stripping or cordectomy)
What is a total laryngectomy?
Surgical removal of the entire larynx
What are the side effects of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer?
- Mucositis
- Ulceration of mucous membranes
- Pain
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Loss of taste
- Dysphasia
- Fatigue
- Skin reactions
What is esophageal speech?
A method where air is compressed into the esophagus and expelled to produce sound
Tracheoesophageal puncture?
Most widely used, most resembles normal speech. Valve is places into the stoma to divert air into the esophagus and out the mouth
What does mechanical ventilation improve?
Gas exchange and decreases the work of breathing
What causes low tidal volume alarms in mechanical ventilation?
Leaks via disconnection, cuff leaks, tube displacement
What does the I:E ratio represent in mechanical ventilation?
Duration of inspiration to expiration
What is PEEP in mechanical ventilation?
Positive end-expiratory pressure applied at the end of expiration
What are the types of ventilators?
- Volume-Cycled Ventilators
- Pressure-Cycled Ventilators
- High-Frequency Oscillatory Support Ventilators
- Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (CPAP and BiPAP)
What characterizes acute respiratory failure?
Sudden and life-threatening deterioration of the gas exchange function of the lungs
What is the difference between acute and chronic respiratory failure?
- Acute: Sudden, often due to CNS or pulmonary dysfunction
- Chronic: Insidious deterioration, often due to COPD
What are some clinical manifestations of acute respiratory failure?
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Use of accessory muscles
What lab values indicate acute respiratory failure?
PH <7.35, CO2 > 50, PaO2 < 50
What causes Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?
- Pneumonia
- Shock
- Sepsis
- Drug overdose
- Aspiration
- Trauma
What are common diagnostics for ARDS?
BNP to rule out heart issues
What is a major treatment for ARDS?
PEEP to prevent collapse of alveoli
What is pulmonary edema?
Fluid accumulation in the lungs
What distinguishes cariogenic from non-cariogenic pulmonary edema?
- Cariogenic: Related to heart issues
- Non-Cariogenic: Damage to the capillary lining
What is a common symptom of pulmonary edema?
Extreme hypoxia even with high oxygen levels
