Pulmonology Flashcards
(117 cards)
A pt presents with shortness of breath with expiratory wheezing, use of accessory muscles and possibly inability to speak in complete sentences most likely suffers from …
Asthma
What are five important features of severe asthma exacerbation?
- hyperventilation/ increased respiratory rate
- decrease in peak flow
- hypoxia
- respiratory acidosis
- possible absence of wheezing (omnious sign bc means no airflow)
What is the diagnostic test for suspected active asthma?
pulmonary function tests (PFTs) before & after bronchodilators (increase in FEV1 > 12%)
What is the diagnostic test for suspected asthma in an asymptomatic pt with history of asthmatic symptoms?
methacholine stimulating testing (decrease in FEV1 in response to metacholine)
What is the best initial treatment for a pt with acute asthma exacerbation?
- inhaled bronchodilators (albuterol)
- bolus of methylprednisone (needs 4-6 hours)
- inhaled ipratropium
- oxygen
- magnesium
When should a pt presenting with asthma exacerbation be placed in ICU?
if have respiratory acidosis with CO2 retention (persistence indicates need for intubation and mechanical ventilation)
What are the 4 things that should be performed for all patients with shortness of breath presentation?
- oxygen
- continous oximeter
- chest x-ray
- arterial blood gas
What is the best initial therapy for nonacute asthma?
inhaled bronchodilator (albuterol)
What is the next best step in management of a nonacute asthma not controlled by inhaled bronchodilator?
add inhaled steroid (chronic controller medication)
What is the next best step in management of nonacute asthma not controlled by inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled steroid?
add long acting inhaled beta agonist (salmeterol or formeterol)
What is the last resort for managing nonacute asthma not controlled by other medications?
oral steroids
What is a treatment that is specific for asthma associated with extrinsic allergies (such as hay fever)?
cromolyn or nedocromil
What is a treatment that is specific for asthma associated with atopic disease?
montelukast
What is a treatment that is specific for asthma exacerbation associated with COPD?
tiotropium or ipratropium (inhaled anti-muscarinic)
What is a treatment that is specific for asthma associated with high IgE levels and not controlled with cromolyn?
omalizumab (IgG that is anti-IgE)
What is the best treatment for exercise-induced asthma?
inhaled bronchodilator prior to exercise
A long-term smoker presents with increasing shortness of breath and decreased exercise tolerance most likely suffers from …
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
What six things should be performed at the initial presentation of COPD exacerbation?
- oxygen
- arterial blood gas (assess for CO2 retention)
- inhaled albuterol
- inhaled ipratropium
- bolus of methylprednisone
- chest X-ray (to assess for possible pneumonia)
What should be added to treatment if fever, sputum and/or new infiltrate on chest X-ray are present in a COPD exacerbation?
ceftriaxone and azithromyocin
What is the best treatment for mild respiratory acidosis in a COPD exacerbation?
CPAP or BiPAP
When should a COPD exacerbation pt be intubated?
if worsening drop in pH (indicative of worsening respiratory acidosis)
What are the pulmonary function testing results associated with COPD? (6)
- decrease FEV1
- decrease FVC (loss of elastic recoil)
- decrease FEV1/FVC ratio
- increase total lung capacity
- increase residual volume
- decrease in DLCO (diffusion capacity of lung carbon monoxide)
What is included in chronic medical therapy of COPD?
- tiotropium/ ipratropium inhaler
- albuterol inhaler
- pneumococcal vaccine
- influenza vaccine
- smoking cessation
- long term home oxygen (if indicated)
When is long term home oxygen indicated for COPD treatment?
- pO2