Pulmonary Lecture Flashcards

Flashcards generated from the Pulmonary Lecture notes, covering key respiratory concepts, conditions, assessment techniques, and abnormal findings.

Oxygenation

A key concept related to pulmonary health that tells us about the body's status.

Perfusion

A key concept related to oxygenation.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A chronic respiratory condition.

Emphysema

A chronic respiratory condition characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

A respiratory condition involving scarring in the lungs.

Atelectasis

A respiratory condition where there is a collapse of a lung or lobe.

Bronchitis

A respiratory condition involving inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

Pleural Effusions

A respiratory condition involving a buildup of fluid between the layers of the pleura.

Problem-Based History

Questions that provide a clearer picture of the patient's condition, guiding assessment.

General Health History

Includes present health status, past health history, family history, personal and psychosocial history, home environment, occupational environment, and travel history.

Home Environment (Health History)

Assessed for factors like humidity/dryness and smoking habits.

Occupational Environment (Health History)

Assessed for factors like chemical exposure.

Travel History (Health History)

Assessed for vaccinations or exposure in crowds.

Functional Abilities Assessment

Questions to assess changes in breathing difficulty, energy throughout the day, and difficulties completing ADLs.

ADLs

Activities of Daily Living.

DIB/SOB

Difficulties in Breathing / Shortness of Breath.

CT Scan (Pulmonary)

A diagnostic test often used to identify pulmonary embolism.

MRI (Pulmonary)

A diagnostic test used to provide details of lesions.

X-ray (Pulmonary)

A diagnostic test used to identify masses or opacities in the lungs.

PFTs (Pulmonary Function Tests)

Diagnostic tests used to assess pulmonary function.

PET Scan (Pulmonary)

A diagnostic test used for malignancy and staging.

Sputum Sample

A diagnostic test used to check for bacteria or fungus in respiratory secretions.

Bloodwork (Pulmonary)

Diagnostic tests including CBC (Complete Blood Count) and blood cultures.

Suprasternal Notch

An anterior anatomical landmark on the chest located above the sternum.

Clavicle

An anatomical landmark on the chest, useful for anterior assessment.

Costal Angle

An anatomical landmark that should be 90 degrees or less; if greater, it may indicate conditions like barrel chest.

Mid-clavicular line

An imaginary vertical line dividing the clavicle in half, used as an anatomical landmark for anterior chest assessment.

Order of Assessment (Respiratory)

The standard sequence for a respiratory assessment: Inspect, Palpate, Percuss, Auscultate.

Inspect (Assessment)

The first step of assessment, involving observing color, shape (e.g., barrel chest), bruising/swelling, patient positioning (e.g., tripod), and demeanor.

Palpate (Assessment)

An assessment step involving checking skin temperature and for pitting edema.

Percussion (Assessment)

An assessment step performed by advanced practice providers to assess underlying structures by evaluating sounds and vibrations.

Auscultation (Assessment)

An assessment step performed using a stethoscope, avoiding bony or fatty areas of the chest.

Level of Consciousness (LOC)

Assessed as part of the general survey; a normal finding is alert and cooperative.

Integumentary Assessment (Respiratory Clue)

Observing skin color, which should be pink or appropriate for race, for clues about respiratory health.

Cyanotic

An abnormal integumentary finding, indicating bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes.

Nasal Flaring

An abnormal HEENNT finding, indicating increased work of breathing or respiratory distress.

Trachea Midline

A normal HEENNT finding where the trachea is positioned centrally.

Capillary Refill (Assessment)

Assessed in the upper/lower extremities to check peripheral circulation status.

Barrel Chest

An anterior thorax abnormality, often a sign of COPD, characterized by a rounded, expanded chest with a 2:2 A:P ratio.

Tripod Stance

An anterior thorax abnormality where the patient leans forward with arms braced on knees, indicating respiratory distress.

Accessory Muscle Use

An anterior thorax abnormality where muscles like shoulders or abdominal muscles are used during breathing, indicating increased work of breathing.

Retractions

An anterior thorax abnormality, where skin pulls inward between the ribs or at the suprasternal notch during inspiration, indicating respiratory distress.

Symmetrical Chest Expansion

A normal finding during inspection where both sides of the chest move evenly and equally with respiration.

Anterior/Posterior (A:P) Diameter

A measurement of the chest dimensions, normally a 2:1 ratio (lateral diameter is twice the anterior-posterior diameter).

Abnormal A:P Diameter

A 2:2 ratio, meaning the anterior-posterior and lateral diameters are equal, characteristic of a barrel chest.

Lumps, Bulges, Abnormalities (Palpation)

Findings checked for during palpation of the anterior and posterior thorax, alongside pain or tenderness.

Bronchial Lung Sounds

Normal lung sounds heard over the trachea, characterized by louder, higher-pitched sounds.

Bronchovesicular Lung Sounds

Normal lung sounds heard over the main bronchi, with a moderate pitch and intensity.

Vesicular Lung Sounds

Normal lung sounds heard over the lesser bronchi, bronchioles, and lobes, characterized by soft, low-pitched sounds.

Adventitious Sounds

A general term for abnormal lung sounds detected during auscultation.

Crackles (Rales)

Abnormal lung sounds described as slight bubbling, clicking, or rattling, due to fluid accumulation, and not easily cleared by coughing.

Rhonchi

Abnormal lung sounds described as harsh, rattling sounds resembling snoring, due to secretions in the airway, which may be cleared by coughing.

Wheezes

Abnormal lung sounds described as high-pitched sounds due to narrowing of the airways, heard during inspiration and/or expiration.

Pleural Friction Rub

Abnormal lung sound caused by inflammation of the pleura, characterized by a grating sound that cannot be cleared with coughing.

Stridor

A high-pitched, harsh abnormal lung sound due to blocked airflow in the windpipe or back of the throat, indicating a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Normal Respiration Rate

A regular and comfortable breathing rate of 12-20 breaths per minute.

Bradypnea

A respiratory pattern characterized by a slower than normal breathing rate (slower than 12 breaths per minute).

Tachypnea

A respiratory pattern characterized by a faster than normal breathing rate (faster than 20 breaths per minute).

Hyperventilation (Hyperpnea)

A respiratory pattern characterized by faster than 20 breaths per minute with deep breathing.

Kussmaul Respiration

A severe respiratory pattern characterized by rapid, deep, and labored breathing often associated with metabolic acidosis.