WEEK 3: Respiratory system LAQs Flashcards
Aspiration
The inhalation of food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into the lungs can cause choking or lead to infections like aspiration pneumonia.
Cyanosis
A bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or mucous membranes caused by inadequate blood oxygenation.
Hemoptysis
Coughing up blood or blood-stained sputum from the lungs or airways, is often a sign of severe respiratory conditions like tuberculosis or lung cancer
Dyspnea
Difficulty or labored breathing, often described as shortness of breath.
Postural Drainage
A technique used to clear mucus from the lungs, it involves positioning the patient in ways that allow gravity to assist mucus drainage from specific lobes or airways.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx, often resulting in a sore throat, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), often causing hoarseness or loss of voice.
Sputum
A mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract is often used in diagnostic tests for infections or lung diseases.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A group of progressive lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, characterized by airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties.
Pneumonia
An infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Tuberculosis (TB)
A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
A viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, characterized by high fever, cough, and pneumonia-like symptoms.
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung due to air entering the pleural space, causing pressure and preventing lung expansion.
Influenza
A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, presenting with fever, chills, body aches, and respiratory symptoms.
Describe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a chronic, progressive respiratory condition involving airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. It is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke, and includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
List the diagnostic tests used for COPD.
-Pulmonary function tests (e.g., spirometry)
-Chest X-rays
-CT scans
-Arterial blood gas analysis
-Blood tests (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency test)
Which two conditions are classified under COPD?
-Chronic bronchitis
-Emphysema
Compare and contrast chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
-Chronic Bronchitis: Characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, increased mucus production, and persistent cough.
-Emphysema: Involves destruction of alveoli, leading to reduced gas exchange and lung elasticity.
Asthma is sometimes classified as a form of COPD. Define and outline the pathophysiology of asthma.
-Definition: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways causing reversible airflow obstruction.
-Pathophysiology: Triggered by allergens or irritants, it leads to bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production.
What are the manifestations of asthma?
-Wheezing
-Shortness of breath
-Chest tightness
-Coughing, especially at night or early morning
Indicate the treatments currently used for Asthma:
-Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol)
-Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
-Leukotriene modifiers (e.g., montelukast)
-Allergy medications (e.g., antihistamines)
What is a metered-dose inhaler, and what is it used for?
A device that delivers a specific amount of medication to the lungs as a spray or mist is used for conditions like asthma and COPD.
Describe “barrel chest.” What condition is this associated with?
A rounded, expanded chest shape associated with emphysema due to hyperinflation of the lungs.
Why is smoking cessation vital for persons with COPD?
Smoking damages lung tissue and exacerbates COPD progression. Quitting smoking slows disease progression and improves lung function.
Describe the pursed-lip breathing technique.
A technique involving inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips to reduce shortness of breath and improve oxygenation.
Normally, our incentive to breathe is brought about by an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2), but in a person with COPD, the incentive to breathe is provided by a lack of oxygen. What would happen if the person with COPD was put on too high a concentration of oxygen? (Look up “hypoxic drive”).
Excessive oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive, leading to decreased respiratory rate, CO2 retention, and potential respiratory failure.
Nursing Care Plan for COPD:
-Monitor oxygenation and respiratory status
-Encourage smoking cessation
-Teach breathing techniques
-Administer bronchodilators and oxygen therapy as prescribed
Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, and SARS (Causes, Manifestations, and Treatment)
-Pneumonia: Caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi; treated with antibiotics or antivirals. Symptoms include fever, cough, and chest pain.
-Tuberculosis: Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; treated with a combination of antibiotics (e.g., isoniazid, rifampin). Symptoms include weight loss, night sweats, and cough.
-SARS: Caused by a coronavirus; supportive treatment with antivirals and oxygen therapy.
List the diagnostic tests used for Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, and SARS
-Pneumonia: Chest X-rays, sputum culture, blood tests
-Tuberculosis: Tuberculin skin test (TST), chest X-rays, sputum culture
-SARS: PCR tests, chest imaging
What test is performed on the sputum specifically for tuberculosis?
Specific TB Sputum Test: Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear and culture.
Outline nursing care measures for the client with tuberculosis.
-Isolate the patient (airborne precautions)
-Monitor adherence to medications
-Educate about infection control
What is a pneumothorax? What are some causes of a pneumothorax?
A collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space, caused by trauma, lung disease, or medical procedures.
List the manifestations of a pneumothorax.
-Sudden chest pain
-Shortness of breath
-Decreased breath sounds on the affected side
Outline the diagnostic tests and treatment for pneumothorax.
-Tests: Chest X-ray, CT scan
-Treatment: Needle aspiration, chest tube insertion
What is the nursing care for a client with a chest tube?
-Monitor for air leaks
-Ensure tube patency
-Keep drainage system below chest level
Outline the local and systemic manifestations of influenza (the “flu”).
Local: Sore throat, runny nose, cough
Systemic: Fever, fatigue, body aches
List the diagnostic tests used for influenza.
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs)
PCR testing
How long does influenza generally last?
Generally lasts 5-7 days.
Outline nursing care measures for the client with influenza.
-Administer antipyretics and antivirals as prescribed
-Promote rest and hydration
-Educate on infection prevention (e.g., hand hygiene, vaccination)
