Respiratory Conditions and Breath Sounds Review

Practice flashcards covering respiratory pathologies, breath sounds, physiological formulas, and emergency treatments such as CPAP and suctioning guidelines.

What is the medical definition of a Pneumothorax?

Partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space, leading to a loss of negative vacuum pressure and the collapse of the lung due to its natural elasticity.

Which demographic is specifically noted as more susceptible to spontaneous pneumothorax during strenuous activities like heavy lifting?

Tall thin young men.

What are the late signs of a pneumothorax?

Hypotension, increased dyspnea, absent or severely decreased breath sounds on one side, presence of jugular vein distention (JVD), and cyanosis.

What is a Pleural Effusion?

A collection of fluid outside the lung in one or both sides of the chest that compresses the lungs and causes gradual build-up of dyspnea.

What is an embolus?

Anything in the circulatory system that moves from its point of origin and travels to lodge elsewhere, obstructing blood flow; it can be a blood clot fragment or a foreign body like a bubble of air.

What is the term for coughing up blood, often seen in pulmonary embolism?

Hemoptysis.

What is the physiological result of Hyperventilation regarding $CO_2$ levels?

Hyperventilation leads to $\text{lowered } CO_2$ ($\text{Hyperventilation} \rightarrow \text{hypocapnia}$), which results in Respiratory Alkalosis.

What are carpopedal spasms?

Painful spasms of the hand and/or feet associated with alkalosis during hyperventilation.

Why is Carbon Monoxide ($CO$) referred to as the 'silent killer'?

It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and highly poisonous gas that has a much stronger bond with hemoglobin than oxygen does.

What are the signs of Carbon Monoxide exposure in the most severe cases?

Syncope (fainting) or seizure.

What is the formula for Minute Ventilation?

$$Minute \text{ } Ventilation = Tidal \text{ } Volume \times Respiratory \text{ } Rate$$

What do wheezing sounds indicate and which conditions are they associated with?

They indicate constriction and/or inflammation in the bronchus; they are heard as high-pitched whistling sounds on exhalation, commonly in asthma and COPD patients.

What are crackles (rales) and which pathology do they typically suggest?

Crackles are sounds of air trying to pass through fluid in the alveoli heard on inspiration; they are seen in patients with congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema.

What are rhonchi lung sounds?

Low-pitched rattling sounds caused by secretions or mucus in the larger airway, often seen in pneumonia, bronchitis, or aspiration.

What does Stridor indicate and when is it heard?

Stridor is a high-pitched sound heard on inspiration as air passes through an upper airway obstruction, such as a partial obstruction of the trachea.

What are the specific requirements for a patient to receive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?

The patient must be alert and able to follow commands, have tachypnea, or have a pulse oximetry reading less than 90 \text{ %}.

List the contraindications for the use of CPAP.

Low blood pressure, respiratory arrest, signs of pneumothorax or chest trauma, a tracheostomy, decreased level of consciousness, inability to follow commands, or active gastrointestinal bleeding.

What are the maximum recommended suctioning times for adults, children, and infants?

15 seconds for adults, 10 seconds for children, and 5 seconds for infants.

Define status asthmaticus.

A prolonged asthma attack that is unrelieved and is considered a true emergency.

In addition to crackles, what clinical signs and medications are associated with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?

Pedal edema and use of medications like Lanoxin and Lasix.

What are the typical clinical findings for Pneumonia according to the lecture notes?

Scattered crackles/wheezing, fever, brown, green, or yellow sputum, dehydration, and use of antibiotics.

What physical sign is associated with Emphysema (COPD)?

A barrel chest; patients may also take theophylline or supplemental $O_2$.