Asthma and COPD Flashcards
(15 cards)
what is polycythaemia?
in response to chronic hypoxia, there will be an increase in the total volume of red blood cells
whilst the aim is to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, polycythaemia is not helpful as it increases blood viscosity which can reduce blood flow and result in blood clots. patients by have a plethoric appearance (rosy face)
why does pursed lip breathing help in respiratory distress?
mouth generates a positive pressure within the airways to help splint airways open during expiration
what is tachypnoea?
increased respiratory rate
what is active expiration and why is it a sign of respiratory distress?
use abdominals and internal intercostals to aid expiration
it a patient is breathless this will speed up expiration so they can take the next breath more quickly
how does fixing upper limbs help with respiratory distress?
allows the reversal of the origin and insertion of pectoralis minor, so it can be used as an accessory muscle of inspiration
how do the accessory muscles help a patient in respiratory distress?
helps elevate the rib cage and increase thoracic diameter in a vertical direction
what is hoovers sign?
indrawing of lower ribs on inspiration (a sign of diaphragmatic fatigue)
what is respiratory failure?
the inability to maintain the partial pressures in the arterial blood of carbon diode and oxygen without normal physiological limits
what is the normal partial pressure of oxygen?
> 8.7kPa
what is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide?
> 6.7kPa
what is type 1 respiratory failure?
low PaO2, normal PaCO2
what is type 2 respiratory failure?
patient presents with a low PaO2 and high PaCO2. this is caused by hypoventilation e.g. respiratory muscle fatigue, weakness, paralysis
what makes type 2 respiratory failure acute?
HCO3 levels are not elevated.
what makes type 2 respiratory failure chronic?
HCO3 levels are elevated
how long does it take the kidneys to compensate for respiratory failure?
2-3 days
