Medical Patient Care Notes Review

Flashcards covering key medical concepts related to respiratory assessment, treatment protocols, surgical care, immune responses, and pharmacological therapies.

Respiratory Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of a patient's respiratory status, including history, physical exam, and vital signs.

Physical Examination Techniques

Inspection, palpation, auscultation, and assessment of vital signs to evaluate respiratory function.

ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases)

Diagnostic test to assess oxygenation and acid-base status.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

Tests that measure lung volumes and airflow.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Lung disease characterized by chronic cough, dyspnea, and increased sputum production.

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory airway disease often triggered by allergens and characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath.

Bronchodilators

Medications like albuterol that relax bronchial smooth muscle to relieve bronchospasm.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory medications like prednisone, used to manage asthma and COPD.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

A condition involving blood clots, which can manifest as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

Nursing Considerations for DVT

Monitor for symptoms like leg swelling, pain, redness, and implement prevention measures such as mobility and anticoagulants.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.

Nursing Management of Infection

Assessment, prevention, treatment, and education related to infections and antimicrobial therapy.

HIV Pathophysiology

HIV infects CD4+ T cells, leading to immune system impairment and progression to AIDS.

Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, characterized by immune system attacking the body.

Nursing Role in Preoperative Phase

Assessing patient's health status, providing education about the surgical process, and obtaining informed consent.

Postoperative Assessment

Monitoring patient's recovery including airway management, cardiovascular status, and signs of complications.

Patient Discharge Instructions

Guidelines for postoperative care, including wound care, medication management, and emergency contact information.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Abnormal immune responses to allergens; can manifest as mild symptoms or anaphylaxis.

Antiviral Medication Purpose

Used to inhibit viral replication and treat infections such as HIV and herpes.

Antineoplastic Drugs

Chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer by inhibiting cell growth and division.

Postoperative Complications

Potential issues such as PE, hypotension, infection, requiring immediate assessment and management.

Glucocorticoids

Anti-inflammatory medications that suppress the immune response, used in autoimmune diseases.

Opioids

Pain relief medications that can cause respiratory depression and require careful monitoring.