Pathophysiology

Question 1

Asthma

Answer 1

Chronic airway inflammation triggered by various inhaled stimuli leading to airway constriction and altered lung function and poor perfusion

Question 2

Asthma Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 2

• Bronchospasm of large and small airways
• Airway wall oedema
• Mucus plugging

Question 3

COPD

Answer 3

Umbrella term for lung diseases (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma). It is preventable and treatable

Question 4

COPD Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 4

• airflow restrictions within the lungs
• not fully reversible with bronchodilators

Question 5

Croup

Answer 5

Viral infection of the upper airway

Question 6

Croup Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 6

Symptoms result from obstruction of the upper airways due to:
- airway oedema
- airway inflammation
- narrowing of larynx region

Question 7

CPO

Answer 7

Left ventricle of the heart is unable to pump adequately leading to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Can lead to acute myocardial infarction

Question 8

CPO Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 8

Cardiogenic = originating in the heart muscles
Pulmonary = lungs
Oedema = fluid or swelling due to accumulation of fluid
CPO = fluid in lungs caused by the heart

Question 9

Pneumonia

Answer 9

Lung infection caused by either a virus or bacteria, causing the lungs to become inflamed and fill with pus, effecting gas exchange

Question 10

PE

Answer 10

When a blood clot travels from another area of the body (usually the leg) to the lungs and lodges in the pulmonary blood vessels

Question 11

Hyperventilation Syndrome

Answer 11

When the patient breaths >20RR, resulting in a rapid drop of CO2 in the body. “Reset” can occur to allow the body to balance O2 and CO2 levels

Question 12

Hyperventilation Syndrome Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 12

Often occurs due to fear, panic, stress, or phobia

Question 13

Inhalation Injury

Answer 13

Typically results from exposure to harmful inhaled substances such as gas or smoke from fire

Question 14

Inhalation Injury Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 14

Common signs and symptoms:
- dyspnoea
- hypoxia
- airway oedema/blisters

Question 15

Myocardial Ischaemia

Answer 15

When the heart muscle (myocardium) receives insufficient blood flow and therefore lack of oxygen needed to function

Question 16

Myocardial Ischaemia Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 16

Occurs usually due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries from plaque build up/rupture

Question 17

Myocardial Infarction

Answer 17

When one of the coronary arteries is suddenly blocked or has significantly impaired blood flow due to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus)

Question 18

Myocardial Infarction Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 18

STEMI = the presence of ST elevation AND clinical presentation consistent with acute coronary syndrome
NSTEMI = when MI is present but no ST change on ECG

Question 19

CHF

Answer 19

Occurs when the heart cant pump adequately to meet the body’s needs, causing the heart to become weak

Question 20

CHF Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 20

Occurs due to MI, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy

Question 21

Diabetes Results From…

Answer 21

1. an absolute lack of insulin
2. impaired release of insulin from pancreatic B cells
3. production of inactive insulin
4. dysfunction of insulin receptors

Question 22

Diabetes Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 22

BGL rises as insulin cant enter the cells. When there is too much glucose in the body, it exceeds the kidneys ability to reabsorb glucose

Question 23

Diabetes Types

Answer 23

T1DM = autoimmune disorder where the body produces antibodies which attach pancreatic beta cells, preventing them from producing insulin
T2DM = usually caused by lifestyle factors in those over 30 years who are obese

Question 24

Hyperglycaemia

Answer 24

High BGL, often due to medication non-compliance as body has insufficient/inability to produce insulin

Question 25

Hypoglycaemia

Answer 25

BGL <3.5mmol/L, usually occurring from a relative excess of insulin in the blood

Question 26

Hypothermia

Answer 26

CBT drops below necessary for normal function (from 35 degrees). Dropping CBT decreases heat production, increases heat loss, or both as vasoconstriction occurs to conserve heat

Question 27

Hypothermia Chacteristics/Key Words

Answer 27

Mild = 32-35 Moderate = 28-32 Severe = <28

Question 28

Hyperthermia

Answer 28

Elevated CBT due to failed thermoregulation as cooling mechanism is impaired. Body produces or absorbs more heat than it loses (from 38 degrees). Occurs from vasodilation which increases cardiac output, leading to increased blood flow to the skin and increased sweating

Question 29

Hyperthermia Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 29

Mild = 38-39 Moderate = 39-40 Severe = >40

Question 30

Pre-eclampsia

Answer 30

Presence of gestational hypertension (SBP>140, DBP>90) and proteinuria. Occurs from 20 weeks gestation

Question 31

Eclampsia

Answer 31

Severe pre-eclampsia (SBP>40, DBP>90) and proteinuria, where seizures occur as a result

Question 32

PPH

Answer 32

Blood loss in excess of 500ml after child birth and can occur up to 6 weeks after birth

Question 33

PPH Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 33

Common causes Late PPH = retained pieces of placenta or amniotic sac, infection, disorders of clotting Early PPH = uterine atony, vaginal or cervical lacerations

Question 34

Non-traumatic Brain Injury

Answer 34

Damage to the brain caused by an internal event, eg stroke, tumor, infection, or lack of O2

Question 35

TBI

Answer 35

Non-specific term describing blunt, penetrating, or blast injures to the brain

Question 36

TBI Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 36

Mild = GCS 13-15 Moderate = GCS 9-12 Severe = GCS <9

Question 37

SCI

Answer 37

Injury to spinal cord, usually from trauma

Question 38

SCI Characteristics/Key Words

Answer 38

Complete Incomplete = partial movement/sensation Paraplegia = below T1 (arms but no legs) Quadriplegia = above T1 (both legs and arms and breathing can be affected) Cauda Equina = lumbar spine (bladder and bowel function affected)