Pathophysiology Flashcards
(29 cards)
Pathophysiology of Asthma
Asthma is characterised by reversible bronchospasm. It is a respiratory disease. It is caused by an inflammatory (swelling) state within the lungs resulting in recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, it is often associated with mucus plugging of airways.
Pathophsiology of COPD (chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD is a respitory disease, it is an umbrella term which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is a disease effecting the larger broncial pipes and patients may present with a chronic cough. Emphasema is damage to the air sacks in the lower lungs inhibiting gas exchange, patients may present with a wheeze, lower Sp02 and they may be Co2 retainers.
COPD is not fully reversabile.
Pathophysiology of Stridor
Stridor is an abnormal high pitched noise created when air is moving through a narrowed airway. it is a clinical sign and not a diagnosis or a disease. It is predominantly inspiratory, but may have an expiratory component. It is important to distinguish from a wheeze
Pathophysiology of Croup
Croup is a viral infection of the upper airway. it is the most common cause of stridor in children (6m-2y). There id usually an onset of illness over the preceding days, a barking cough that is worse at night and a low grade fever.
Pathophysiology of Myocardial Ischaemia
Treat patient as per STEMI.
The heart (myocardium) receives insufficient blood flow, and therefore a lack of oxygen needed to function. Most common cause is narrowing of the coronary arteries with patrial or complete blockage.
Pathophysiology of CPO (Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema)
CPO is most commonly caused by Myocardial ischaemia involving the left ventricle. Pre load of the heart is still working as per normal, however after load is reduced causing a build up of fluid in the lungs. It may produce an asthma like wheeze which is worse bilaterally in the lower zones
Pathophysiology of ACS (acute coronary syndrome)
A reduction or complete occlusion of blood flow in the coronary arteries, if ischaemia is prolonged, cellular death (infarction) can occur
Pathophysiology of Angina
Chest pain/discomfort caused by a lack of adequate blood flow to the heart. Can be classed as stable, unstable or prinzmetal’s
Pathophysiology of Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Occurs when one of the coronary arteries is suddenly blocked or has significantly impaired blood flow due to the formation of a clot (thromus). Can be STEMI or NSTEMI
Pathophysiology of Cardiac arrest
A pt is in cardiac arrest when they are unconscious and have no signs of like. Agonal gasping is common , particularly in the pressence of good CPR (this is not considered a sign of life)
Pathophysiology of Pneumonia
Inflammation of alveoli and bronchioles in the lungs with consolidation.
Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) dislodges and becomes trapped in the pulmonary vessels.
Pathophysiology of Pneumothorax
Occurs when lung tissue is disrupted and air leaks into the pleural cavity. The 3 types are Open (penetrating trauma), Closed and Tension.
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Tamponade
Fluid accumulates in the pericardium causing pressure on the heart preventing ventricles from expanding fully so they cannot adequately fill or eject blood resulting in cardiogenic shock.
Pathophysiology of Shock
It is widespread inadequate tissue perfusion at a cellular level.
What are the 3 stages of shock
Compensating, decompensating and irreversible.
What are the 7 types of shock
Hypovolaemic
Anaphylactic
Septic
Neurogenic (spinal)
Hypoadrenal
Obstructive
Cardiogenic
Pathophysiology of Anaphylactic shock
A rapid onset, multi organ allergic reaction. Characterised by systemic inflammatory mediator release (rash, itch, flush, swelling to the lips or tongue. It also involves one of the following systems.
Respiratory-SOB, chest or throat tightness, wheeze or stridor.
Cardiovascular-hypotension, poor perfusion, fainting, altered LOC.
Gastrointestinal-severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea.
Pathophysiology of Cardiogenic shock
It is caused by the heart being unable to pump adequately and is most commonly caused by myocardial infarction.
Pathophysiology of Obstructive shock
Caused by a physical obstruction within the heart or major blood vessels.
Pathophysiology of Septic shock
Life threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
Pathophysiology of Hypovolaemic shock
Occurs when there is significant loss of fluid from the bodys circulation. It is the most common form of shock.
Pathophysiology of Neurogenic shock
Caused by a loss of sympathetic outflow from the spinal cord following injury.
Pathophysiology of Hypoadrenal shock
Caused by inadequate levels of circulating cortisol, an important hormone produced by the adrenal glands involved it the control of BP.
