Week 3 - Mucus

Question 1

Appearance, Cause - Purulent

Answer 1

Green / Yellow

Caused by broncho-pulmonary infection

Question 2

Appearance, Cause - Serous

Answer 2

Watery thin, pink & frothy

Caused by pulmonary oedema (fluid buildup)

Question 3

Appearance, Cause - Rusty

Answer 3

Brick / rusty red or golden yellow

Caused by Pneumococcal pneumonia

Question 4

Appearance, Cause - Mucoid

Answer 4

Thick, white / grey

Caused by inflammatory exudate from chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma

Question 5

Appearance, Cause - Bloody

Answer 5

Bright red

Caused by lung tumour, tuberculosis

Question 6

Pathophysiology for increased mucus in lungs - clinical signs

Answer 6

• Cough
• Wheeze
• Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
• Increased RR
• Increased HR
• Increased BP
• May have fever
• Blood tests?
  
  • ESR elevated
  • CRP elevated
• ABGs (arterial blood gas) - lower
• Reduced function