Week 3: Respiratory Assessment Flashcards
Define diffusion (in relation to the respiratory system)
movement of O2 & CO2 from or to blood cells either between alveoli in lungs and the cells in the rest of the body
Define perfusion
distribution of the blood to the distal tissues
Define ventilation
the process of exchange of air between the lungs and the ambient air; Called also breathing
The upper airway warms, moistens and transports air to the lower airway where what occur?
oxygenation and ventilation
Normal breathing should be what?
effortless, quiet, automatic
What is it called when a patient is using all the muscles that aren’t a normal part of breathing (big movements of chest, shoulders, neck)?
use of accessory muscles
What is it a sign of when a patient is using accessory muscles?
respiratory distress
Define third hand smoke
Thirdhand smoke is residual nicotine and other chemicals left on indoor surfaces (clothing, car fabric, etc.) by tobacco smoke
Smoking is a risk factor for …
everything
A cough can be either …
dry or productive
A productive cough could contain either …
sputum or pink frothy secretions (which is associated with pulmonary edema).
Define pulmonary edema
abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs
What characteristics of sputum could indicate an infection?
colour (yellow or green, dark) and odour (foul)
Define purulent
consisting of, containing, or discharging pus
Define abscess
a swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus
Define haemoptysis
the coughing up of blood
Many meds can produce respiratory problems including what?
oral contraceptive (pulmonary embolism), cytotoxic agents (interstitial lung disease), beta-blockers (bronchospasm), ACE inhibitors (cough)
What techniques of physical assessment are relevant when performing a respiratory assessment?
Inspection, auscultation, and occasionally palpation
What topics/questions should be asked about when performing a respiratory assessment (focused, subjective data)?
cough? dyspnea? chest pain? past medical history family history (if relevant) allergies immunizations determinants of health
*self-care activities was included on slide, but not mentioned.
Define cyanosis
a bluish discolouration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood
What are the different chest shapes (mentioned in lecture)?
normal adult chest
barrel chest
pectus excavatum (funnel chest)
pectus carinatum (pigeon breast)
Define pectus carinatum
also called pigeon chest, is a deformity of the chest characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs
Define pectus excavatum
also known as sunken or funnel chest, is a congenital chest wall deformity in which several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally, producing a concave, or caved-in, appearance in the anterior chest wall
True or False? Some people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — such as emphysema — develop a slight barrel chest in the later stages of the disease. It occurs because the lungs are chronically overinflated with air, so the rib cage stays partially expanded all the time
True
Define emphysema
a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
Often due to smoking.
Define crepitus
air in subcutaneous tissue (according to lecture)
What are the normal breath sounds you should hear when auscultating lung sounds?
Bronchial,
Vesicular (most),
Bronchovesicular
What are abnormal sounds when auscultating lung sounds?
Diminished sounds, Absent sounds, Friction rub, Crackles, Wheezes
How many spots are typically used to auscultate lung sounds?
8 anterior and 8 posterior (16 total)
How do we prevent stasis of secretions?
Deep breathing and coughing
Define stasis
a period of inactivity:
a stoppage of flow of a body fluid
Describe vesicular sounds
Soft, low pitched ‘rustling’ quality with inspiration even softer during expiration majority of lung sounds inspiration/expiratory ratio 3:1
What is a normal respiratory rate for infants?
30-60 beats/minute
What type of sound is heard in healthy infants?
Bronchovesicular
In pregnancy, there is an increase in what to meet the fetus’ need for oxygen?
Tidal volume
True or False: later in pregnancy the diaphragm rises and the costal angle widens to accommodate the enlarging uterus.
True
True or False: alveoli tend to fibrose with age resulting in decreased surface area for gas exchange.
True
Describe what happens to the respiratory system with aging
the lungs lose elasticity, respiratory strength decreases, cartilage loses flexibility, and bone lose density
What features may be indicative of an emergency (or acute onset)?
Dyspnea, decreased level of consciousness, respirations of > 30 breaths/min, SPO2 of <92%, retractions, and use of accessory muscle
List health promotion opportunities in regards to respiratory assessment
Assessment of risk factors. Patient education Health Promotion Risk reduction Smoking cessation Prevention of occupational exposure Immunizations For example, pneumovax, flu vaccine, and Covid 19 vaccines.
What is the bony thoracic cage composed of?
the sternum and clavicle anteriorly, 12 vertebrae posteriorly, and 12 pairs of ribs
What does the thoracic cavity contain?
The heart, major blood vessels, lungs, distal part of the trachea, thymus, most of the esophagus, and the diaphragm.
