Respiratory

Question 1

Stridor

Answer 1

An abnormal high pitched inspiratory sound produced by turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed airway at the level of the supraglottis - trachea

Question 2

Respiratory Signs (7)

Answer 2

• SOB
• Cough
• Cyanosis: poor circulation (peripheral vasoconstriction secondary to hypovolaemia) / inadequate oxygenation
• Wheeze : asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis
• Stridor
• Pallor: anaemia / poor perfusion (congestive HF)
  -Oedema (pulmonary oedema due to L sided HF)
• Cachexia : ca / end-stage COPD

Question 3

Respiratory Symptoms (5)

Answer 3

• Cough: productive?
• Dyspnoea
• Haemoptosis: lung ca, pulmonary embolism
• Wheeze
• Chest pain: PE, pleurisy

Question 4

Causes of Stridor by age

Answer 4

Young: foreign body, croup, epiglotitis

Adult: mass (older), abscess, vocal chord paralysis, injury, smoke inhalation, anaphylaxis, tonsillitis, surgery.

Question 5

Wheeze

Answer 5

continuous coarse whistling expiratory sound.

associated with asthma (widespread polyphonic wheeze), COPD, bronchiectasis

Question 6

Coarse crackles

Answer 6

discontinuous brief popping lung sounds

associated with pneumonia, bronchiectasis, pulmonary oedema

Question 7

Fine end-inspiratory crackles

Answer 7

sounds similar to separating velcro

associated with pulmonary fibrosis