Module 2 - Respiratory Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics

Question 1

Explain the general manifestations of respiratory dysfunction

Answer 1

1. Clubbing - the bulbous enlargement of distal fingers
   and toes
2. Cyanosis - the blueish discolouration of skin and
   mucous membranes. Peripheral (fingers
   and toes), Central (lips, tongue and
   mucous membranes)
3. Abnormal Breath Sounds - e.g. crackles, absence,
   wheezing, stridor
4. Coughing
5. Sputum - different colours indicate certain conditions
6. Dyspnoea - Difficulty breathing

Question 2

Explain the types of assessments/investigations to diagnose restrictive and obstructive disorders

Answer 2

1. GCS - Hypoxia can cause alterations in LOC
2. Physical Appearance - Skin colour, Tripod position,
   Dyspnoea
3. Respiratory Assessment
4. Oximeters
5. Pulmonary Function Tests (e.g. peak flow meter,
   spriometers)
6. Radiography
7. Bronchoscopy
8. ABG’s - measures O2, CO2, pH and HCO3-

Question 3

Explain the aetiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of asthma

Answer 3

Aetiology: Exposure to allergens, medications, URTI,
cold air
Pathophysiology: Mast cells (histamine, leukotrienes
and cytokines) trigger inflammatory
response -> mucous hypersecretion
and airway hyperresponsiveness ->
bronchoconstriction
Clinical Manifestations: High-pitched wheeze,
dyspnoea, hypoxia

Question 4

Explain the aetiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of chronic bronchitis

Answer 4

Aetiology: Bronchial irritation, generally smoking
Pathophysiology: Bronchial irritation -> inflammatory
response -> goblet cells cause
hyperplasia and hypertrophy ->
excessive mucous production ->
airway obstruction
Clinical Manifestations: Productive cough, dyspnoea,
wheeze

Question 5

Explain the aetiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of emphysema

Answer 5

Aetiology: Exposure to respiratory irritants, most often
smoking
Pathophysiology: Exposure to respiratory irritants ->
lung parenchyma destruction ->
collapse of bronchioles -> gas
trapping -> alveolar vasculature ->
V/Q mismatch -> impaired gas
exchange
Clinical Manifestations: Dyspnoea, Fatigue, Clubbing,
Pursed Lips, Barrel Chest

Question 6

Explain the aetiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of pneumonia

Answer 6

Aetiology: Bacteria
Pathophysiology: Pathogen entry or trauma to lung
parenchyma -> alveolar oedema and
vascular congestion -> inflammation
Clinical Manifestations: Dyspnoea, Cough, Tachycardia,
Sputum Production, Fever,
Malaise