How do you grade dyspnoea
spirometry findings in COPD
how is severity of airflow obstruction graded
COPD investigations
Long term COPD management
management of acute exacerbation of COPD
investigation of asthma in the community
fractional exhaled nitric oxide
spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility
how would you define good asthma control
No daytime symptoms.
No night-time waking due to asthma.
No need for rescue medication.
No asthma attacks.
No limitations on activity including exercise.
Normal lung function (FEV1 and/or PEF > 80% predicted or best).
Minimal side-effects from medication.
additional management of asthma in the community
yearly asthma review
emergency plan
yearly flu jab
describe asthma treatment ladder in adults
asthma treatment ladder in children
how can you establish whether someone’s asthma is well controlled
how do you grade asthma attacks
management for moderate asthma attack
Nebulised beta-2 agonists (i.e. salbutamol 5mg repeated as often as required)
Nebulised ipratropium bromide
Steroids. Oral prednisolone or IV hydrocortisone. These are continued for 5 days
Antibiotics if there is convincing evidence of bacterial infection
management of severe asthma attack
management of life threatening asthma attack
IV magnesium sulphate infusion
admission to HDU/ICU
Intubation - however this should happen early as it’s very difficult to intubate in bronchospasm
ABGs in an asthma attack
Initially patients will have a respiratory alkalosis as tachypnoea causes a drop in CO2.
A normal pCO2 or hypoxia is a concerning sign as it means they are tiring and indicates life threatening asthma.
A respiratory acidosis due to high CO2 is a very bad sign in asthma.
what are the different types of lung cancer and how common are they
list sub-types in order of prevalence
signs and symptoms of lung cancer
finger clubbing
coughing
haemoptysis
lymphadenopathy
recurrent pneumonia
weightloss
cough
investigations of lung cancer
is prognosis generally better for small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer
non-small cell lung cancer generally has a better prognosis
treatment options for lung cancer
list 9 extra pulmonary manifestations of lung cancer
what is recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
presents as hoarse voice and is caused by lung cancer pressing on the recurrent laryngeal nerve