Respiratory and acid base reveiw cards

Which spirometry pattern most strongly supports obstructive disease?

Reduced FEV₁/FVC ratio

A patient with a large pleural effusion is most likely to have which assessment finding over the affected area?

Dullness to percussion and reduced breath sounds

distinguish emphysema from chronic bronchitis?

Emphysema is primarily alveolar wall destruction/loss of recoil; chronic bronchitis emphasizes mucus hypersecretion and airway inflammation

Why can ARDS-related hypoxemia respond poorly to supplemental oxygen alone?

Protein-rich fluid and collapse create substantial shunt through poorly ventilated alveoli

Which conditions can produce low V/Q units or shunt physiology?

Pneumonia, Atelectasis, Pulmonary edema, Severe mucus plugging

Which finding is most characteristic of a tension pneumothorax mechanism?

Pleural pressure rises and reduces venous return/cardiac output

Which statement about restrictive disease is correct?

Reduced compliance or expansion often lowers FVC and increases inspiratory work

A patient with chronic hypoxemia develops JVD and peripheral oedema. Which mechanism is most plausible?

Chronic pulmonary vasoconstriction/remodelling increases right ventricular afterload

Which are appropriate nursing actions for chest drainage safety?

Keep drainage system below chest level, Assess tubing, connections, dressing, and respiratory status, Monitor drainage trend and air leak as appropriate, Follow local protocol for accidental disconnection or system breakage

what is thoracentesis

a medical procedure that uses a needle or catheter to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space

Which may contribute to hypercapnic respiratory failure?

Sedative/opioid-related respiratory depression, Severe COPD with ventilatory limitation, Neuromuscular weakness, Chest-wall restriction

Which finding best distinguishes pleural effusion from pneumothorax on percussion?

Effusion commonly causes dullness; pneumothorax commonly causes hyperresonance

A patient with severe pneumonia has SpO₂ 86% on room air, RR 32/min, crackles, and increasing confusion. Which mechanism most directly explains the hypoxemia?

Low V/Q and shunt from fluid-filled alveoli

A patient with COPD is drowsy after several hours of worsening dyspnea. ABG: pH 7.25, PaCO₂ 68, HCO₃⁻ 29 . Which interpretation is best?

Respiratory acidosis with partial/chronic compensation

Which findings are concerning in acute pulmonary oedema?

Severe orthopnea, Diffuse crackles, Increasing work of breathing, Hypoxemia and diaphoresis