Restrictive Lung Diseases

What are restrictive lung diseases?

Conditions that impair lung expansion, leading to reduced total lung capacity (TLC).

What is the most common restrictive lung disease on the NCLEX?

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

What is the typical age range for diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

50-70 years.

What are hallmark findings of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Dry, nonproductive cough; progressive dyspnea on exertion; 'Velcro-like' crackles; clubbing (late finding).

What is the prognosis for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Poor; median survival is 3-5 years with no cure.

What is the core problem in restrictive lung diseases?

Impaired lung expansion leading to reduced total lung capacity (TLC).

What is the mechanism of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Inflammation leads to fibrosis (scarring), resulting in loss of compliance and stiff lungs.

What are the pulmonary function test (PFT) results in restrictive lung diseases?

Decreased TLC, decreased vital capacity (VC), decreased functional residual capacity (FRC), but normal or increased FEV₁/FVC ratio.

What are the two categories of restrictive lung diseases?

Group 1: Chest Wall Abnormalities; Group 2: Intrinsic Lung Disease.

What are examples of chest wall abnormalities causing restrictive lung disease?

Kyphosis, scoliosis, muscular dystrophy, ALS, poliomyelitis, obesity hypoventilation.

What are examples of intrinsic lung diseases?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pneumoconioses, radiation fibrosis, sarcoidosis.

How do obstructive lung diseases differ from restrictive lung diseases?

Obstructive: air gets trapped in (can't exhale); Restrictive: air can't get in (can't expand).

What is the FEV₁/FVC ratio in obstructive vs. restrictive lung diseases?

LOW in obstructive, NORMAL or HIGH in restrictive.

What is pneumoconiosis?

Chronic restrictive diseases from long-term inhalation of irritating particles.

What is Farmer's Lung?

A hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by an immune reaction to inhaled organic dusts.

What is the pathophysiology of pneumoconioses?

Inhaled particles cause chronic inflammation, leading to gradual destruction of connective tissue and fibrosis.

What are key types of pneumoconioses involving inorganic dusts?

Silicosis, asbestosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

What is the treatment for pneumoconioses?

End exposure, treat infections, supportive care; damage is irreversible.

What nursing priority is critical in assessing respiratory conditions?

Occupational history is crucial; ask about exposure to irritants.