Exam 3 Flashcards
(150 cards)
normal intrapleural pressure is
negative compared to atmosphere
pleural disorders result from:
Change in amount of pleural fluid Infections trauma congenital malformations These disorders restrict lung expansion secondary to inflammation, fibrosis or other fluid in the pleural space
Pleurisy (what is it and causes)
Pleural inflammation
Definition- acute inflammation of parietal pleura
Causes: pneumonia, pulmonary infarction, rib injury, viral respiratory illness
Pleurisy symptoms
Sharp stabbing pain with any movement of the chest wall(especially inspiration), dyspnea, fever, abrupt onset of pain, unilateral, Crackles, pleural friction rub, Decreased breath sounds, area tender (pt can pin point location of pain)
Pleurisy Diagnosis and treatment
Medical treatment-relief of pain and treat underlying cause
Pleural Effusion (what is it)
Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space
normally, fluid seeps in from parietal pleura capillaries and is reabsorbed by visceral pleura capillaries and lymphatics- any condition that changes either of these can lead to pleural effusion
(increased hydrostatic, hyperalbumin, trauma, infection)
Pleural Effusion clinical manifestations
Depends on the size of the effusion
-less than 250ml may only be seen on CXR
-large effusion-lung expansion will be restricted and pt. may have dyspnea especially on exertion
dry non productive cough-due to bronchial irritation and mediastinal shift
-decreased tactile fremitus and breath sounds
Empyema
PUS IN THE PLEURAL CAVITY
must be drained and infection treated
may need surgical intervention if it becomes solidified and compresses the lung
Thoracentesis (what is it used for)
Used to remove fluid or air from the pleural space
used to decrease symptoms and diagnose source of fluid
note color and consistency of drainage
send specimen to the lab for: specific gravity, Glucose, Protein, pH, C&S, cytology
Pre-procedure thoracentesis
Informed consent, explain procedure
sit upright while leaning over a table
insertion of needle painful- medicate for pain
important to remain still during procedure- sudden movements can damage lung
takes ten to fifteen minutes to drain
Care during thoracentesis
Assist the doctor provide emotional support to the patient monitor the vital signs observe for dyspnea, nausea, pain encourage the patient to be still
Post-care thoracentesis
Turn to unaffected side for one hour for lung expansion
VS per institution policy, assess breath sounds
monitor for hemoptysis
record amount of fluid removed
CXR to assess lung reexpansion and presence of pneumo
assess for crepitus- mark the amount
Rib Fractures
One of the most common chest injuries
simple fracture-nondisplacing, little or no damage to the underlying tissues
treat with analgesics
symptom- pain at site of injury
CXR to confirm
Pt. Must cough and deep breathe
Monitor for 24-48 hours for lung contusion (ARDs)
Flail Chest (what is it)
Fracture of 2 or more ribs on the same side and possibly the sternum. Each rib is fractured in two or more places.
Can develop hemothorax if fractured rib tears pleura
chest wall is unstable
paradoxical chest movement with respiration-in with inspiration out with expiration
Flail Chest (signs and symptoms)
Pt can develop pulmonary edema, pneumonia, and atelectasis because fluids tend to increase and collect at injured site
altered chest movement
decreases patients ability to attain normal tidal volumes and cough effectively
hypoxemia and hypercapnia result
fear and fatigue due to pain with breathing
Flail Chest Diagnosis and treatment
- Ineffective airway clearance, alteration in comfort, impaired gas exchange, ineffective breathing pattern
- medical treatment depends on the severity of the case. Surgical stabilization and mechanical ventilation may be necessary
Pneumothorax (what is it, open/ closed)
Air in the pleural space- prohibits complete lung expansion
Closed pneumothorax- due to puncture or tear in internal respiratory structure (bronchiole, alveoli). Fractured rib can lead to this
Open pneumothorax- air enters pleural space directly through a hole in chest wall secondary to trauma
Pneumothorax symptoms (early)
Acute chest pain especially with chest movement, breathing, or coughing
apprehension (anxiety, restlessness)
Dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, asymmetrical chest expansion
decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side
Chest tube placement for pneumothorax
2nd intercoastal midclavicular line
Chest tube placement for hemothorax
5th/6th intercoastal mid-axillary line
Pneumothorax symptoms (late)
Distended neck veins, crepitus, decreased tactile fremitus, progressive cyanosis
tracheal deviation toward the unaffected side
pneumothorax is confirmed by CXR-chest tube must be placed
Open Pneumothorax
- Opening in chest wall is big enough for air to move freely in and out of the chest cavity with ventilation
- audible sucking noise
- must emergently cover the wound
- dressing of choice is sterile petrolatum gauze 4x4 and tape (not all 4 sides)
tension pneumothorax
Air enters the pleural space with each inspiration and becomes trapped (not expelled with expiration)
frequently associated with flail chest injuries, blunt traumatic injuries
if untreated collapses lung on unaffected side due to mediastinal shift
immediate intervention is required
Hemothorax
Blood in the pleural space
if small amount it may be reabsorbed (<300 cc)
if severe, 1400-2500cc, life threatening due to hypovolemia. Would also cause pressure on the unaffected lung.
Manifestations- tachycardia, hypotension, shock
treat with IV fluids(blood) and chest tube to suction