Nursing > Respiratory problems > Flashcards

Respiratory problems Flashcards

(69 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

Bronchodilators

A
  1. Beta 2 agonists
  2. Cholinergic antagonists (anticholinergics): ipratropium (Atrovent)
  3. Methylxanthines: theophylline (Theo-Dur)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Albuterol (Proventil)

A

short-acting beta 2 agonist (SABA) : rapid but short-term relief; causes bronchodilation by relaxing bronchiolar smooth muscles .
Inhaler

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Albuterol : use

A

primary - fast acting rescue drug to be used either during an asthma attack or just before engaging in activity that usually triggers an attack

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Albuterol: nursing interventions

A
  1. carry at all times;
  2. monitor HR: can cause tachycardia
  3. use 5 min before the other inhaled drug
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Anti-Inflammatory Agents

A
  1. Corticosteroids
  2. NSAIDs
  3. Leukotriene antagonist
  4. Immunomodulator
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Fluticasone (Flovent)

A

inhaled corticosteroid; disrupts all known production pathways of inflammatory mediators.
MDI or DPI inhalers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Flovent : use

A

The main purpose is to prevent an asthma attack caused by inflammation or allergies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Flovent: nursing interventions

A
  1. Use daily , even if no symptoms are present
  2. Perform good mouth care and check mouth daily for lesions or drainage (drug reduced local immunity - risk for local infection - Candida albicans - yeast)
  3. not to use with onset of asthma symptoms ( drug has slow onset of action and does not relieve symptoms)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Prednisone ( Deltasone)

A

oral corticosteroid; not recommended unless asthma symptoms cannot be controlled with any other therapy; rescue drug .

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Prednisone side effects:

A
  1. GI ulceration
  2. fat redistribution
  3. weight gain
  4. hyperglycemia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Prednisone: nursing interventions

A
  1. avoid anyone who has upper respiratory infection (drug reduces all protective inflammatory responses)
  2. avoid activities that lead to injury ( blood vessels become more fragile , leading to bruising and petenchie)
  3. take drug with food ( to reduce the risk for GI ulceration)
  4. do not suddenly stop taking the drug ( if vomiting - receive the drug parenterally) - drug suppresses adrenal production of corticosteroids.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Ipratropium (Atrovent)

A

cholinergic antagonist : both rescue and prevent asthma; used in place of SABA by patients who cannot tolerate side effects of beta 2 agonists: tachycardia, nausea, nervousness.
Mouth dryness - drink 4 L of fluid daily

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Asthma and exercise

A

regular exercise (aerobic ) recommended: assist in maintaining cardiac health, enhancing skeletal muscle strength and promoting ventilation and perfusion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Asthma and oxygen therapy

A

delivered by mask, NC, or endotracheal tube;

Heliox ( 50 % helium + 50 % of oxygen) can help improve oxygen delivery to the alveoli.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Status Asthmaticus

A

severe, life-threatening acute episode of airway obstruction that intensifies once it begins.
S/S: extremely labored breathing and wheezing - if not reversed - pneumothorax and cardiac or respiratory arrest !!!
TX: IV fluids, systemic bronchodilators, steroids ( decrease inflammation), epinephrine, oxygen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Asthma S/s:

A
  1. Dyspnea (SOB)
  2. Chest tightness
    3, Coughing
  3. Wheezing
  4. Increased mucus production
  5. Use of accessory muscles (muscle retraction)
  6. Possible barrel chest
  7. Cyanosis of oral mucosa and nail beds
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

FVC

A

forced vital capacity : volume of air exhaled from full inhalation to full exhalation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

FEV1

A

forced expiratory volume in the first second

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

PEF

A

peak expiratory flow : fastest airflow rate reached at any time during exhalation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Asthma - inflammation

A

obstructs lumen (inside) ;can be caused by allergens attaching to antibodies which are
attached to mast cells and basophils (WBC)
-can also be cause by general inflammatory triggers not related to allergic responses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Inflammation triggers:

A 
cold air
dry air
fine airborne particles
microorganisms
aspirin (increase in leukotrienes)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Asthma - airway hyperresponsiveness

A

twitchy airways; obstructs airways ( outside) constricting bronchial muscles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Airway hyperresponsiveness triggers

A

exercise
upper respiratory illness
inflammation
unknown

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Asthma labs:

A
  1. ABGs : decrease in PaO2
    early : decrease in PaCO2 ( increase in RR)
    later: increase in PaCO2 (poor gas exchange; CO2 retention)
  2. Allergic asthma: increase in serum eosinophil count
    increase in IgE levels (immunoglobulin E)
  3. PFT: pulmonary function test
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
The Step System
* 1 – Mild Intermittent * 2 – Mild Persistent * 3 – Moderate Persistent * 4 – Severe Persistent * 5 – Severe Persistent Not Responsive to Previous Step * 6 – Severe Persistent Not Responsive to Previous Step
26
Asthma : Goal
increase symptom-free periods, less hospital stays
27
Asthma: patient education
• Avoid environmental triggers • Avoid trigger meds (ASA, NSAID’s, beta-blockers) • Proper use and compliance with medications and metered dose inhalers (teach patient to always carry the rescue drug inhaler with them) • Monitor peak expiratory flow rates with a peak flow meter at least twice daily • When to seek emergency care
28
Emphysema classic symptoms:
``` 1 – loss of lung elasticity 2 – hyperinflation of the lungs • Air becomes trapped in the lungs • Loss of recoil in alveolar walls • Overstretched and enlarged alveoli - bullae • Use of accessory muscles for breathing ```
29
Emphysema: "air hunger"
need for oxygen ; Inhalation starts before exhalation is completed - uncoordinated patter of breathing
30
Proteases
enzymes that destroy and eliminate protein-based particulate matter and organisms inhaled during breathing; if present in higher than normal levels: damage the alveoli and small airways by breaking down elastin ( alveolar sacs loose their elasticity).
31
Emphysema classification :
* An alveolar problem (loss of alveolar tissue) * Classified as panlobular, centrilobular, or paraseptal depending on the pattern of destruction and dilation of the gas-exchanging units - acini
32
Chronic bronchitis
• Inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles • Affects only the airways and not the alveoli The irritant triggers inflammation, with vasodilation, congestion, mucosal edema, and bronchospasm
33
Chronic bronchitis: causes
- increase in number of mucous glands - increase in size of mucous glands - thickened bronchial walls - increased and excessive mucus production - mucous plug formation - PaO2 decreases - hypoxemia - PaCO2 increases - respiratory acidosis
34
COPD and cigarette smoking
Most important risk factor !!! 8-pack-year history : obstructive lung changes; 20-pack-year history : early -stage COPD Inhaled smoke triggers the release of excessive amounts of the proteases from cells in the lungs: break down elastin; impairing the action of cilia ( from clearing bronchi of mucus, cellular debris, and fluid).
35
COPD and AAT
Alpha 1-antitrypsin - Protease Inhibitor; • Enzyme made by the liver to function in lungs - regulates proteases (which break down pollutants) • Prevents proteases from breaking down lung structures - depends on the inheritance of a pair of normal gene alleles for this protein .
36
COPD complications:
* Hypoxemia * Acidosis * Respiratory infection * Cardiac failure (esp. cor pulmonale: right sided heart failure caused by pulmonary disease) * Cardiac dysrhythmias
37
Obtain smoking history
1. length of time the patient has smoked ; 2. the number of packs smoked daily to determine the pack - year smoking history
38
COPD: assessment
* Smoking history * Description of breathing difficulties: wheezing, SOB, difficulty with breathing with speaking, cough/cough pattern, orthopnea * Appearance: thin with loss of muscle mass in extremities * Person usually sits in a forward-bending posture (tri-pod) * L ABS  ABG’s; sputum samples; Hgb and Hct * Chest X-ray * PFT
39
Orthopnea
breathlessness is worse when lying down ( many patients sleep in semi-sitting position
40
COPD: nursing diagnosis
* Impaired Gas Exchange * Ineffective Breathing Problems * Ineffective Airway Clearance * Activity Intolerance * Fatigue * Imbalanced Nutrition * Anxiety * Sleep Deprivation * Impaired Thought Processes * Knowledge Deficit * Sexual Dysfunction * Ineffective Coping
41
COPD: interventions
• Airway maintenance and monitoring• Mucolytics to thin mucus secretions • Expectorants • Corticosteriods • Couch enhancement • Oxygen therapy (2-4L) • Energy conservation (space out ADL’s/take breaks) • Surgery: lung transplantation • Homecare management: O2; pulmonary rehabilitation programs
42
Expectorants:
mycolytics which thin secretions, making them easier to expectorate
43
Breathing techniques :
- diaphragmatic/abdominal breathing: use abd mucles to blow out as much air as can - pursed-lip breathing: breath in through nose then purse lips when breathing out as if whistling - planned/controlled coughing especially in morning and at mealtimes
44
Chest physiotherapy:
- postural drainage - suctioning prn - positioning and hydration
45
Pneumonia :
* Inflammatory process resulting in excess fluid in the lungs * Inflammation can be in interstitial spaces, alveoli and bronchioles * Triggered by infective/irritating organisms (many different kinds) * Results in reduced oxygenation and tissue perfusion * Can be nosocomial (HAP) or community (CAP)
46
HAP: risk factors
* Older adult * Has chronic lung disease * Altered LOC * Poor nutritional status * Immunocompromised * Receiving mechanical ventilation * Has NG, endotracheal or tracheostomy tube
47
CAP: risk factors
* Older adult * Never received pneumonia vaccine or received more than 6 years ago * Tobacco or alcohol use * Has chronic health problem or other coexisting conditions
48
Pneumonia: S/s
* Flushed cheeks, bright eyes, anxious expression * Chest or pleuritic pain or discomfort * Hemoptysis; increased fatigue; cyanosis * Headache; fever; chills; cough; sputum production * Tachycardia; dyspnea; tachypnea * Crackles - fluid * Wheezing - inflammation and exudate in airways (narrowing) * Tactile fremitus is increased over pneumonia consolidated areas; dulled percussion over these areas
49
Pneumonia: DX
* Diminished chest expansion and/or unequal on inspiration * May be hypotensive with orthostatice changes * Rapid weak pulse (dehydration) * LABS: CBC (inc WBC); hypernatremia and inc BUN may be result of dehydration * Chest x-rays (shows changes only until 2 or more days after manifestations are present): appears as area of increased density * Thoracentesis if accompanying pleural effusion
50
Pneumonia: nursing diagnoses and intervention
* Similar and comparable to those symptoms of COPD * Pts have potential for sepsis - eradication of the organism causing the infection * Meds similar * Antibiotics : Ampicillin/sulbactam (Unasyn); Azithromax (Zithromax); Levofloxacin (Levaquin); Vancomycin (Vancocin)
51
Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
* Highly communicable; caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis | * Airborne transmission
52
TB: assessment
``` • Has a slow onset and often symptoms not significantly recognizable until further advancement – can be several months • S/S: 1. persistent cough (mucopurulent with possible blood streaks) 2. fatigue 3. lethargy 4. nausea 5. anorexia; weight loss 6. irregular menses 7. low grade fever; night sweats ```
53
TB: labs
* Positive smear for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) * Tuberculin test (mantoux test) * Chest X-ray confirms diagnosis following a positive TB skin test
54
TB: nursing diagnosis
* Impaired gas exchange• Fatigue * Imbalanced nutrition * Social isolation * Deficient knowledge
55
TB: interventions
• Drug therapy: Isoniazid (INH); Rifampin • Additional drug therapy: Pyrazinamide; Ethambutol; (antiemetics for nausea possibly caused by above TB drugs) • Pt put on airborne precautions in hospital – room with ventilation of 6 exchanges of fresh air per minute • Health care workers must wear special mask/respirator • Can be managed at home
56
Rifampin (RIF) : action
kills slower-growing organisms, even those that reside in macrophages and caseating granulomas
57
Rifampin : nursing interventions
1. Expect the drug to stain the skin and urine and other secretions - reddish-orange tinge; + soft contact lenses will become permanently stained. ( harmless) 2. Women using oral contraceptives - use additional protection while taking this drug + 1 month after. 3. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while on this drug ( can cause liver damage). 4. Risk for liver toxicity or failure : darkening of the urine, yellow skin or whites of the eyes; increase tendency to bruise or bleed. 5. Ask patient about all other drugs in use ( interacts with many drugs).
58
Guaifenesin
expectorant - thin secretions
59
Bactericidal
Bacteria killing
60
Acetylcysteine ( Mucomyst)
mycolytic - destroys or dissolves mucus
61
Bacteriostatic
Inhibiting growth or multiplication of bacteria
62
Chronic bronchitis and hypoxia
Large amount of thick mucus ( impaired gas exchange )
63
Pneumonia, pulmonary embolus
altered alveolar capillary diffusion
64
Step 1 : Mild intermittent asthma
symptoms less the once/week ; night symptoms less than 2/month; no daily drugs; rescue drug - SABA inhaler : Albuterol
65
Step 2 : Mild persistent asthma
symptoms more than 1/week ( but not daily); night symptoms more than 2/month; daily ICS low dose: Flovent; rescue inhaler
66
Step 3 : Moderate persistent asthma
symptoms daily; night symptoms more than 1/week; low dose ICS + LABA : Salmeterol (Serevent) or ICS alone - medium dose range
67
Step 4: Severe persistent asthma
symptoms daily; night symptoms frequently; limited activity; ICS (medium) + LABA
68
Step 5: Severe persistent asthma not responsive to previous step
ICS ( high) + LABA
69
Step 6: Severe persistent asthma not responsive to previous step
ICS (high) + oral corticosteroids: Prednisone (Deltasone ) + LABA
Nursing
flashcards
Decks in class (18)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions