Respiratory Flashcards
(54 cards)
What is our stimulus for breathing?
CO2
What is the stimulus for breathing of a pt with COPD?
O2 - pt retains so much CO2 that the sensors become “used” to it so when O2 is introduced, it stimulates
What is eupnea?
normal breathing
Should you be concerned that your pt’s inspiration rate to expiration rate is 1:2?
No, the expiration rate is longer than the inspiration
What is normal RR for an infant/baby?
30-60bpm
How does the body’s position affect respiration?
Sitting up: lungs can maximally expand
What environment factors affect respiration?
- Allergens
- Pollutants
- Humidity
How do lifestyle habits affect respiration?
- Smoking
- Drugs
- Alcohol
Your pt has increased WOB. What does WOB mean?
work of breathing
What are two conditions that increase WOB?
- restriction of lung movement
- obstructive of the lung (airway)
What characterizes restrictive lung movement/disease and how does it increase WOB?
while both restrictive and obstructive conditions cause SOB, restrictive lung disease (RLD) is defined by difficulty filling the lungs with air during inhalation
RLD is characterized by the following:
- Decreased elasticity of the lungs
- Decreased total volume of air and capacity
- Decreased expansion of the chest wall during inhalation
- Stiffening of the lungs (ex. idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis)
Your pt is diagnosed with pneumonia, what is happening in their lungs?
Accumulation of pus or fluid in the alveoli d/t inflammation, which causes consolidation
Your pt now has atelectasis, what does that mean?
Lung collapsed (alveoli collapse)
Pneumothorax vs Atelectasis
Pneumothorax: air trapped; tension causes a shift in your chest
Atelectasis: alveoli collapse and cause the lung to partially or completely collapse
What characterizes obstructive lung disease and how does it increase our WOB?
obstruction in the air passages causing more difficulty with exhaling air, which causes an increase in residual air volume
What is happening with airway obstruction and how does it increase WOB?
The diameter of the airway is decreased and the resistance is increased
What are some examples of Obstructive Lung Disease?
asthma and COPD
What are the 3 main components of Obstructive Lung Disease?
bronchoconstriction, mucus, inflammation
What is COPD?
airways in the lungs become inflamed and thickened and the tissue where O2 is exchanged is destroyed - CO2 retention
Your pt has COPD, what symptoms would you expect to see?
- DOE
- SOB
- Cough with mucous
- Fatigue
- Prone to lung infections
You have two additional pts, one has emphysema and one has bronchitis. Are these different than COPD?
COPD includes both conditions
Your pt is using accessory muscles to breathe, what does that mean?
- SOB
- Dyspnea
- Increased WOB
- Using your trapezius muscles, abdominal muscles, intercostal muscles; or any other muscle other than the diaphragm
The pt is having difficulty breathing, what position are they in to attempt to breathe easier?
- Tripod