Unit 5 - Respiratory and Cardiac Disorders in the Pediatric Population

Practice flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to respiratory and cardiac disorders in the pediatric population.

Acute Respiratory Disorders

Includes conditions like the common cold, tonsillitis, croup, epiglottitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

Chronic Respiratory Disorders

Includes conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.

Work of Breathing (WOB)

The effort or labor associated with respiration, which can increase symptoms like head bobbing and tachypnea.

Signs of Hypoxia

Symptoms such as pallor, cyanosis, diaphoresis, and tachypnea indicating insufficient oxygen.

Peak Expiratory Flow

A measurement of the maximum airflow that can be forcefully exhaled, often used in asthma management.

Bronchodilators

Medications like albuterol that open up the airways in respiratory disorders such as asthma.

Cystic Fibrosis

A chronic genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system, characterized by thick mucus production.

Epiglottitis

A serious inflammation of the epiglottis that can compromise the airway, presenting with drooling and dysphagia.

Otitis Media

An acute infectious process of the middle ear, which may manifest with symptoms like fever and ear pain.

Kawasaki Disease

An acquired heart disease causing systemic vasculitis, primarily affecting children under five years.

Signs of Asthma Exacerbation

Symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath indicating worsening asthma.

Asthma Triggers

Factors that exacerbate asthma symptoms, including allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, and environmental pollutants.

Bronchospasm

Involuntary contraction of the bronchial muscles leading to narrowing of airways, often seen in asthma attacks.

Spacer Device

A device used with inhalers to help deliver medication more effectively to the lungs.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory medications used to control asthma by reducing airway inflammation and hyperreactivity.

Peak Flow Monitoring

A method of measuring the peak expiratory flow rate to monitor asthma control and adjust medications accordingly.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

A common viral infection that can lead to severe respiratory illness in infants and young children.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease characterized by increasing breathlessness, primarily caused by long-term exposure to harmful substances like cigarette smoke.

Asthma Action Plan

A written plan created by a healthcare provider that outlines how to manage asthma, including medication use and steps to take during worsening symptoms.

Nebulizer

A device that delivers medication in the form of a mist to the lungs, often used for patients with severe asthma or respiratory conditions.

Airway Inflammation

Swelling and irritation of the air passages, commonly seen in conditions like asthma, leading to reduced airflow and difficulty breathing.

Allergen

A substance that can cause an allergic reaction, triggering symptoms in individuals with asthma or other allergic conditions.

Lung Function Tests

A series of tests that measure how well the lungs are working by assessing airflow and the volume of air in and out of the lungs.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A treatment method that uses a machine to deliver air at a constant pressure to help keep the airways open during sleep, often used for sleep apnea and in severe respiratory conditions.

Common Cold

A viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract, primarily affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses.

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils, often due to a viral or bacterial infection, causing sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

Croup

A viral infection in children leading to inflammation of the larynx and trachea, characterized by a barking cough.

Epiglottitis Symptoms

Drooling, difficulty swallowing, high fever, and stridor indicating inflammation of the epiglottis.

Bronchiolitis

An inflammation of the small airways in the lungs commonly seen in infants, usually caused by viral infections.

Pneumonia Causes

Can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi leading to inflamed air sacs filled with fluid in the lungs.

Allergic Rhinitis

An allergic reaction causing sneezing, congestion, and runny nose, triggered by allergens like pollen or dust.

Asthma Management Strategies

Include using inhalers, avoiding triggers, and following an asthma action plan to control symptoms.

Respiratory Infections

Infections that occur in the respiratory tract, including the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

Hyperventilation

Rapid or deep breathing that can lead to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing lightheadedness.

Hypoxemia

A condition where there is inadequate oxygen in the blood, potentially leading to tissue damage and organ failure.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute, important for assessing respiratory function.

Oxygen Therapy

A treatment providing supplemental oxygen to patients with low oxygen levels, often used in various respiratory conditions.

Ventilator Support

Mechanical assistance to help patients breathe, commonly used in severe respiratory failure.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

A program that combines education, exercise, and support to improve the physical and emotional conditions of patients with chronic respiratory diseases.