Exam Study Guide: Respiratory Conditions and Therapy

Flashcards covering key concepts related to respiratory conditions, diagnostics, and therapies.

Tuberculosis

A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, transmitted through the air by cough or respiratory droplets.

Primary Tuberculosis

Characterized by lung tissue inflammation and the formation of pockets due to bacteria eating away lung tissues.

Common Symptoms of Reactivation Tuberculosis

Cough, blood in sputum, night sweats, fever, and weight loss.

Significance of Positive Tuberculosis Skin Test

Indicates the stage of tuberculosis and is used for diagnostics; a person with tuberculosis will always test positive.

General Management for Tuberculosis

Includes sputum tests three times in the morning and treatment lasting six to nine months, but it incurs many side effects.

Risk Factors for Reactivation Tuberculosis

Lowered immune systems, possibly due to chemotherapy for cancer or conditions like HIV.

Latent TB vs Active TB

Latent TB is asymptomatic and non-contagious; Active TB shows symptoms and is contagious.

Complications of Disseminated Tuberculosis

It can spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnostic Tests for Tuberculosis

Gold blood test, tuberculosis skin test, chest radiographs, and three sputum cultures.

Effects of Tuberculosis on Immunocompromised Individuals

They are more susceptible to active infection compared to those with latent infections.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air enters the thoracic cavity, causing lung collapse.

Anatomic Alterations in Pneumothorax

Includes lung collapse, atelectasis, shift of the trachea, and decreased cardiac venous return.

Gas Entry into the Pleural Space

Can occur through spontaneous, traumatic, or atmospheric means.

Classifications of Pneumothorax

Spontaneous, iatrogenic, and traumatic pneumothorax.

Common Symptoms of Pneumothorax

Chest pain, dyspnea, cyanosis, and cardiovascular collapse.

Chest Assessment Findings in Pneumothorax

Diminished breath sounds and tracheal shift.

Diagnostic Tests for Pneumothorax

Chest radiographs, CT scans, ABGs, and visual inspection for tracheal shift.

Management of Small Pneumothorax

Typically resolves on its own without treatment.

Treatment for Large Pneumothorax

Includes chest tubes, surgical intervention, and needle aspiration.

Pleurodesis

A treatment involving medication that causes lung adherence to the chest wall.

Antibiotic for Streptococcus pneumoniae

Penicillin is commonly used.

Antibiotic for Atypical Pathogens

Doxycycline or azithromycin is preferred.

MRSA pneumonia treatment

Vancomycin is recommended.

Alpha-one Proteinase Inhibitor Therapy

Indicated for individuals with alpha-one antitrypsin deficiency, which can lead to emphysema.

Alpha-one Proteinase Inhibitors

Includes Erolast NP, Glacia, Prolastin C, and Zemaira.

Toxic Products of Inhaled Nitric Oxide

NO2 and methemoglobin are formed.

Only Inhaled Product in the United States

Afreeza is the only inhaled product available.

Recommended Dose of Inhaled Nitric Oxide

20 to 40 parts per million for pulmonary vascular relaxation.

Two Inhaled Prostacyclin Analogs

Iloprost and treprostinil are available in the United States.

Goal of Smoking Cessation Drug Therapy

To stop smoking and mitigate withdrawal symptoms.

Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Pulmonary Hypertension

It dilates pulmonary vasculature to distribute blood flow better.

Indication for Roflumilast

To decrease the risk of COPD exacerbations.

Primary Cause of Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Left-sided heart failure or chronic heart failure.

Common Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema

Pedal edema, frothy white/pink secretions, dyspnea, and alveolar flooding.

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Heart Failure

A left ventricle that cannot pump enough blood; below 55% is concerning.

Categories of Pulmonary Edema

Cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic.

Hydrostatic Pressure in Pulmonary Edema

Maintains fluid stability in the interstitial space.

Causes of Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Left ventricle failure, pulmonary embolus, and excessive fluid administration.

Significance of Alveolar Hypoxia

It causes vasoconstriction, leading to medial hypertrophy.

Treatment Goals for Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Managing preload, afterload, and fluid overload.

Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease

Age, family history, and obesity.

Non-Cardiogenic vs Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema Treatment

Non-cardiogenic is untreated; cardiogenic can use Lasix and dialysis.

Anatomical Alterations for ARDS

Includes interstitial and intra-alveolar edema, atelectasis, and alveolar consolidation.

Common Causes of ARDS

Trauma and various diseases; significant in ICU admissions.

Typical Symptoms of ARDS

Increased respiratory rate, dyspnea, cyanosis, and abnormal breath sounds.

Diagnostic Tests for ARDS

ABGs, O2 indices, hemodynamic indices, and chest radiographs.

Partial Pressure of Oxygen and FiO2 in ARDS

Categorizes severity and monitors treatment response.

Treatment Protocols for ARDS

Includes oxygen therapy, intravenous corticosteroids, and lung expansion methods.

Clinical Manifestations of ARDS

Dyspnea, hypoxemia, cyanosis, and tachycardia.

Ground Glass Appearance in Chest Radiographs

Indicates increased lung density and fluid or inflammation in the airspaces.

Function of Surfactant in Lungs

Decreases surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse.

Indication for Exogenous Surfactants in Newborns

Used for treatment or prevention of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns.

Hazards of Surfactant Therapy

Includes airway occlusion, desaturation, bradycardia, and pulmonary hemorrhage.

Primary Causes of Chest Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and blast injuries.

Definition of Flail Chest

Multiple fractures in three or more adjacent ribs.

Primary Symptoms of Chest Trauma

Tachypnea, pain, anxiety, and paradoxical movement of the chest wall.

Anatomic Alterations from Chest Trauma

Includes rib instability and lung collapse.

Differences in Dry and Wet Drowning

Dry drowning prevents water entry, while wet drowning allows flooding of the respiratory system.

Common Symptoms of Drowning

Apnea, cough, increased respiratory rates, and cyanosis.

Primary Treatments for Near Drowning Victims

Warming the patient and potentially intubation or mechanical ventilation.

Factors Determining Fire Victim Prognosis

Smoke exposure duration, gas temperatures, and the patient's age.

Anatomical Alterations Due to Smoke Inhalation

Atelectasis, increased membrane thickness, and excessive bronchial secretions.

Common Diagnostic Tests for Smoke Exposure

ABGs, carbon monoxide assessments, and hemodynamic monitoring.

Key Components of Care for Smoke Inhalation Patients

100% supplemental oxygen, airway management, and possible bronchoscopy.