Chapter 12 Part II: Respiratory System Flashcards
Diagnostic Term: Auscultation
Listening to sounds (with a stethoscope) within the body (lungs, abdomen).
Diagnostic Term: Percussion
Tapping on a surface to determine the difference in the density of the underlying structure; dull if over a solid / fluid filled organ or resonant / hollow over air filled tissue (lungs).
Diagnostic Term: Pleural rub
Scratchy sound produced by pleural surfaces rubbing against each other (friction rub) due to a thickened wall from inflammation (pleuritis/pleurisy), scarring, neoplasia,,, etc.
Diagnostic Term: Rale (crackles)
Fine crackling sound on auscultation (during inhalation) when there is fluid in the alveoli (eg. Pneumonia, acute bronchitis); rale in French means rattle.
Diagnostic Term: Rhonchus / rhonchi
Loud rumbling sounds on auscultation of bronchi obstructed by sputum: resembles “snoring” indicating congestion and inflammation in larger bronchial tubes.
Diagnostic Term: Sputum
Material (eg. phlegm) expelled (expectoration) from the bronchi, lungs, or upper respiratory tract by spitting; purulent (containing pus: py/o, green/brown) if infected, sputum with blood as in TB patients, sputum culture to determine pathogen.
Diagnostic Term: Stridor
Strained, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration by obstruction in the pharynx/larynx (eg, throat abscess, airway injury, allergic rxn, epiglottitis or laryngitis).
Diagnostic Term: Wheezes
Continuous high-pitched whistling sounds during breathing (expiration); air is forced through narrowed or obstructed airways (asthma).
Upper Respiratory Disorder: Croup
Acute viral infection of infants and children with obstruction of larynx, barking cough and stridor; often caused by influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Upper Respiratory Disorder: Diphtheria
Acute infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract caused by diphtheria bacterium; immunity induced by administration of weakened toxins (antigens) between 6th and 8th weeks of life (DPT injections).
Upper Respiratory Disorder: Epistaxis
Nosebleed (irritation of nasal membranes, trauma, vitamin K deficiency, clotting abnormalities as in thrombocytopenia,,,, etc).
Thrombocytopenia: Deficiency of the thrombocytes or platelets.
Upper Respiratory Disorder: Pertussis
Whooping cough; highly contagious bacterial infection of the pharynx, larynx and trachea caused by Bordetella pertussis; violent, sudden (paroxysmal) high pitched ‘whoop” sound in infected babies/children when they inhale air after coughing.
Bronchial tube disorders: Asthma
Chronic bronchial inflammatory disorder with airway obstruction due to bronchial edema and constriction and increased mucus production; wheezing, dyspnea and cough; caused by allergy or infection, other triggers include exercise, strong odors, cold air, stress, allergens (dust, mold, pollens, foods) and medication (aspirin); treated with anti-inflammatory agents (steroids), bronchodilators (nebulizer), avoidance of triggers and patient education.
Bronchial tube disorders: Bronchiectasis
Chronic dilation of a bronchus secondary to infection; chronic infection with loss of elasticity of the bronchi.
Bronchial tube disorders: Chronic bronchitis
Inflammation of bronchi persisting over a long time; type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); infection and cigarette smoking.
Bronchial tube disorders: Cystic fibrosis (CF)
Inherited disorder of exocrine glands resulting in thick mucous secretions in the respiratory tract that do not drain normally; affects lungs, pancreas, sweat glands,,,, no cure.
- “Salty baby”
Lung Disorder: Emphysema
Hyperinflation of air sacs with destruction of alveolar walls from loss of elasticity; strong association with cigarette smoking; a form of COPD.
Lung Disorders: Atelectasis
Collapsing of the lung.
•Two forms
• Proximal obstruction of distal airways.
• Accumulations of fluid, blood, or air in the pleural cavity.
Lung Disorders: Lung Cancer
Malignant tumor from the lungs and bronchi; associated with smoking and metastasis.
Lung Disorders: Pneumonia
Acute inflammation and infection of alveoli, often filled with pus or inflammatory products; bacteria, fungus or viruses; air sacs become consolidated “glued” together or air exchange is less efficient.
- Community acquired.
- Hospital acquired (nosocomial).
- Aspiration (food, vomitus,,): affects elderly, stroke victims or patients with dysphagia or Alzheimer disease.
Lung Disorders:
X-ray of Pneumonia with consolidation
Air sacs are consolidated or stuck together. Should normally be clear and black, but consolation is seen.
Lung Disorders: Pulmonary edema
Fluid in the air sacs and bronchioles; can be a result of CHF (heart’s inability to pump required blood so there is a pooling of blood in the lungs); immediate medical attention needed in acute cases, have patients sit up to decrease venous return (orthopnea).
Lung Disorders: Pulmonary abscess
Large collection of pus (bacterial) in the lungs.
Lung Disorders: Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Clot or other material lodges in vessels of the lung; can lead to pulmonary infarction (necrosis).
