W2 Respiratory A Flashcards
(205 cards)
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange.
Cells require a continuous supply of oxygen for metabolic processes and need to excrete carbon dioxide to prevent acid-base imbalances.
What are the key respiratory disorders covered in this eBook?
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Pneumonia.
These conditions are explored in terms of pathophysiology and clinical manifestations.
What is asthma characterized by?
Chronic airway inflammation and variable expiratory airflow limitation.
Symptoms include wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough.
What percentage of the Indigenous population in Australia is affected by asthma?
Over 60%.
Asthma is the second most common illness among Indigenous Australians.
What are the key pathophysiological concepts of asthma?
- Airway inflammation
- Airway hyperresponsiveness
- Mucus hypersecretion.
These factors result in airflow obstruction.
What triggers an asthma attack?
Exposure to allergens or other triggers leading to mast cell degranulation.
Common mediators released include histamine and leukotriene.
What are the common clinical manifestations of an asthma attack?
- Wheeze
- Dyspnoea
- Chest tightness
- Coughing.
Symptoms may become more pronounced with worsening airway narrowing.
Define Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
A progressive, chronic lung disease characterized by irreversible obstruction of the airways.
COPD includes Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema.
What are the key features of Chronic Bronchitis?
- Hypersecretion of mucus
- Productive cough for more than 3 months in at least 2 consecutive years.
Mainly caused by cigarette smoking and inhalation of harmful particles.
What is emphysema characterized by?
Abnormal and permanent enlargement of gas-exchange airways and destruction of alveolar walls.
Loss of elastic recoil is a major mechanism of airflow limitation.
What are common symptoms of COPD?
- Persistent cough
- Dyspnoea
- Recurrent pulmonary infections
- Barrel chest
- Digital clubbing
- Fatigue.
Additional symptoms may include haemoptysis and pneumothorax as the condition progresses.
What is pneumonia?
An acute infection of the lung parenchyma.
It can be caused by various microorganisms including bacteria and viruses.
What are the four main classifications of pneumonia?
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
- Aspiration pneumonia.
Each classification has different causative organisms influencing clinical presentation and treatment.
What is the aim of the interprofessional team in managing respiratory conditions?
To collaborate in the assessment, management, and evaluation of care for patients with impaired respiratory function.
Each member of the team plays a vital role in patient care.
Fill in the blank: Asthma is defined as a heterogeneous disease characterized by ______.
chronic airway inflammation.
It includes symptoms that vary over time and intensity.
True or False: The assessment process for respiratory disorders is unique for each condition.
False.
While findings may vary, the assessment process and nursing care considerations are similar.
What are the pharmacological options for treating respiratory disorders?
- Bronchodilators
- Corticosteroids
- Mast cell stabilisers
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists
- Antihistamines
- Mucolytics
- Antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines).
These options focus on various aspects of respiratory care.
What is the most common cause of Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Other causes include Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
What is the definition of Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
An acute infection of the lung occurring in patients who have not been hospitalized or resided in a long-term care facility within 14 days of the onset of symptoms.
List some organisms that may cause Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Respiratory viruses
- Oral anaerobes
- Fungi
Examples of respiratory viruses include chlamydophila pneumoniae and coxiella burnetti.
What is Medical-care-associated pneumonia (MCAP)?
A type of pneumonia that encompasses hospital-associated pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and healthcare-associated pneumonia.
Which organism is the most common cause of Medical-care-associated pneumonia (MCAP)?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
What conditions may increase the risk of Aspiration pneumonia?
- Decreased level of consciousness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nasogastric intubation
Conditions include seizures, anesthesia, head injury, stroke, and alcohol intake.
What characterizes Opportunistic pneumonia?
It occurs in individuals with a depressed immune system.