Med Surg 2: Infectious Respiratory Conditions Flashcards

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering infectious respiratory conditions including influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and anthrax based on Med Surg 2 lecture notes.

Influenza Winter Virulence

The virus is more virulent in winter because lower temperatures allow the lipid layer to harden, and drier air allows droplets to travel farther.

Influenza

Droplet Precautions.

Period of Contagion (Influenza)

For adults, starts $24$ hours before symptoms occur and lasts $5$ days after exposure, with $2$ days being typical.

Influenza Type A

A viral strain that can affect both humans and animals.

Influenza Type B

A strain primarily found among humans that can cause epidemics.

Influenza Type C

A strain that affects both humans and pigs, usually resulting in mild upper respiratory infections.

Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

The preferred diagnostic test for influenza.

Antiviral Treatment Window

Antivirals like Tamiflu should be started within $24-48$ hours of symptoms being observed.

Bebtelovimab

A monoclonal antibody given via a single dose IV infusion for COVID-19.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the alveoli, most commonly caused by bacterial Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

Pneumonia acquired in the community rather than a hospital, presenting with cough, fever, SOA, and chest pain.

Nosocomial Pneumonia

Pneumonia that is hospital-acquired or ventilation-associated.

Tripod Position

An upright sitting position used by patients to improve breathing when experiencing respiratory distress.

Definitive Test for Pneumonia

Chest X-ray, though changes may not appear until $2$ days after symptoms start.

Pneumonia Vaccinations

PPSV23 and PCV15, recommended for those $>65$ or immunocompromised individuals aged $19$ and older.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The infectious agent responsible for Tuberculosis (TB).

Latent TB Infection

An inactive, non-contagious period following initial infection that can last years or decades before symptoms appear.

Mantoux Test

The most reliable TB skin test; a positive result is indicated by an induration of $10\,mm$ or greater.

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)

A treatment strategy where patients are observed taking their medications to improve outcomes, especially in multi-drug resistant cases.

Isoniazid (INH) Patient Teaching

Take on an empty stomach, take B-complex vitamins to prevent depletion, avoid alcohol, and report signs of liver toxicity.

Rifampin Side Effects

Reddish-orange staining of skin, urine, and contact lenses; also reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Pyrazinamide (PZA) Considerations

Drink at least $8\,oz$ of water to flush uric acid; assess for history of gout and use sun protection due to photosensitivity.

Ethambutol Vision Warning

Patients must report changes in vision as the drug can cause optic neuritis, potentially leading to blindness.

Rhinosinusitis

An inflammation that can be viral or bacterial, characterized by facial pain over the cheeks and tenderness to percussion over the sinuses.

Peritonsillar Abscess Emergency Signs

Stridor or drooling, which indicates a possible airway obstruction.

Inhalation Anthrax Prodromal Stage

The early stage lasting $2-4$ days; treatment must start during this time to be effective against symptoms like fever and dry cough.

Inhalation Anthrax Fulminant Stage

The late stage with an increased mortality rate where death typically occurs within $24-48$ hours.