Respiratory Flashcards
(138 cards)
what is included in the upper airways
nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx , lungs
what is included in the lower airways
trachea, bronchi, segmental bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs
what happens in the alveoli
where gas exchange actually occurs also secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
what is the function of the respiratory tract
: Gas exchange (alveoli oxygen transport to the cells and Co2 away from the cells), Ventilation (atmospheric air – higher in O2 into lungs and removal of CO2), respiratory diffusion (movement of air across alveolar) , perfusion (blood flow – by the heart = central perfusion)
what changes happen to respiratory system with age
structure chest stiffness, decrease muscle mass (harder to expand lungs, less elasticity, alveolar are enlarged) a lifetime exposure to environmental pollutants could also harm the body over time
how can you prevent respiratory problems
Minimize exposure to inhalation irritants, stop smoking (including 2nd/3rd hand smoke),
what does the IPREPARE assessment stand for
Investigate, presenting work, resident, environment, past work, activity, resources/referral, educate
what should you ask when talking about family history
allergies, current health problems, current meds, genetic risk, smoking, drug use, travel, veterans (deployment location)
what is included on the physical assessment on the nose and sinuses
External nose – deformities or tumors, Septum – perforation or deviation, Nares – symmetry, size, shape, Nasal Cavity/Sinuses – color, swelling, drainage, bleeding, Mucous membranes- color, abnormalities
what is included on the assessment on pharync, trachea and larynx
– Mouth- can show early cyanosis (pale blue lips and mouth = central cyanosis = bad), Posterior pharynx, Neck – symmetry, alignment, masses, swelling, bruises, use of accessory muscles, lymph nodes, Trachea- palpate for position, mobility, tenderness, masses, Larynx – voice abnormality, hoarseness
what is included on the assessment of the lungs
Have them sit look at front and back, observe the chest and compare both sides while breathing and a rest, Assess breathing and respirations – rate rhythm, depth, effort, if retractions show remove shirt and get a better look, Percussion for pulmonary resonace, organ boundaries, diaphragmatic excursion, dull (pneumonia), Palpate – for movement, symmetry, tenderness, tactile fremitus and Auscultate
what does hemoglobin tell you and what doe low levels mean
low means less O2 to body = hypoxemia can also help identify deficiencies that may lead to hypoxemia
what do sputum specimens (culture and sensitivity) tell you
Identify the causative organism and the specific antibody to treat it
what does cytologic examination tell you
identifies cancer cells, allergic conditions
what do low/high levels of CBC tell you
could be increases in chronic disease r/t increased production of erythropoietin, decrease seen in anemia, hemorrhage, hemolysis
what does high/low levels in WBC tell you
elevation in acute infections or inflammation, Decrease in overwhelming infection, autoimmune disorder, immunosuppressant therapy
what does high levels of differential WBC tell you
can be decreased in sepsis, autoimmune and immunosuppressant therapy
what do low/high levels of neutrophils tell you
elevated in acute bacterial infection, COPD, or smoking, Decreased in viral infections
what do high levels of eosinophils tell you
elevated in COPD, asthma, allergies
what do high/low levels of basophils tell you
elevated could mean chronic infections, decreased in acute infection
what does high/low levels of lymphocytes tell you
elevated in viral infections, pertussis, and mononucleosis, decreased in corticosteroid therapy
what does a chest x-ray show you
Assess lung pathology (pneumonia, atelectasis, pneumothorax, tumor), Detects (pleural fluid, ETT placement, invasive line placement, chest tube placement
what position should the pt be in for chest x ray
position= posteroaneterior and left lateral (so air will rise),
what is the limitation for chest xray
may appear normal even with severe disease present