Thorax and lungs

What are the symptoms of a chronic cough?

A chronic cough lasts over 2 months and is associated with a history of productive cough for 3 months of the year for 2 consecutive years.

What is hemoptysis?

Coughing up blood, which can appear as streaks or frank blood in the sputum.

What does a pink, frothy sputum indicate?

Pulmonary edema.

What characterizes an acute cough?

An acute cough lasts less than 2 or 3 weeks.

What type of cough is often associated with mycoplasma pneumonia?

A hacking cough.

What is orthopnea?

Difficulty breathing when supine, often requiring multiple pillows to be comfortable.

What are paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea episodes?

Episodes associated with shortness of breath occurring at night that awaken a person from sleep.

What does cyanosis indicate when present around lips or nails?

Hypoxia.

What is the significance of wheezing sounds?

It signals airway obstruction or respiratory issues, often associated with asthma.

How can smoking affect respiratory health?

Smoking can lead to conditions like COPD, which is characterized by symptoms including shortness of breath, productive cough, and wheezing.

What does the term 'adventitious sounds' refer to?

Sounds that are not normally heard in the lungs; can include crackles or wheezes.

How is tactile fremitus assessed?

By palpating the chest while the person repeats certain phrases to feel vibrations.

What should be expected when palpating for symmetric chest expansion?

Both sides of the chest should expand equally when the person takes a deep breath.

What does a silent chest indicate?

No air movement, which is a concerning sign of severe respiratory compromise.

What does a dull percussion note indicate in the lungs?

Abnormal density in the lungs, such as with pneumonia or pleural effusion.

What type of breath sounds are considered normal bronchial sounds?

High-pitched, loud sounds heard over the trachea and larynx.

What does increased breath sounds suggest?

Consolidation or compression of lung tissue, enhancing the transmission of sound from bronchi.

What is the normal range for SpO2 in a healthy individual?

97% to 99%.

What is the forced expiratory time?

The time it takes for a person to exhale from total lung capacity to residual volume.

What does the 6-minute walk test assess?

Functional status and exercise capacity in individuals with pulmonary or cardiac disorders.

What respiratory condition is characterized by a cough, dyspnea, and history of repeated respiratory infections?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What can trigger asthma attacks?

Specific allergens or irritants, extreme cold, or anxiety.

What does the cough's character reveal?

The type of cough can indicate specific conditions (e.g., barking cough in croup, dry cough in early heart failure).

What factors can affect shortness of breath?

Activity level, positional changes (e.g., lying down), and presence of respiratory infections.

What does the presence of rhonchal fremitus indicate?

Thick bronchial secretions.

What is a potential effect of environmental exposure on respiratory health?

Increased risk for conditions like asthma or allergic rhinitis.

How does smoking status impact COPD screening recommendations?

Individuals with smoking history and symptoms should be screened for COPD, while asymptomatic individuals should not.

What does the pulse oximeter measure?

Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2).

What is the most important observation during a respiratory exam?

The symmetry of chest movements and breath sounds during auscultation.

What does a persistent productive cough suggest?

Possibly chronic bronchitis or another underlying lung condition.

How can a stethoscope be used during a respiratory examination?

To auscultate breath sounds and detect any abnormal lung sounds.

What is meant by 'wheezing'?

Continuous musical sounds heard during expiration, often due to narrowed airways.

What is the purpose of the tuberculosis (TB) skin test?

To screen for latent or active tuberculosis infections.

What does clubbing of the fingers indicate in respiratory patients?

Chronic hypoxia, often associated with severe lung disease.

What is the significance of a bronchodilator response in asthma?

Improvement in symptoms or lung function indicates airway reversibility.

How does one assess the quality of respirations?

By observing the pattern, effort, and any noise associated with breathing.

What changes might indicate a respiratory infection?

Fever, increased respiratory rate, or abnormal lung sounds such as dullness on percussion.

What are signs of respiratory distress?

Increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, and patient positioning for comfort.

What is 'chronic dyspnea'?

Shortness of breath lasting longer than 1 month.

What are typical characteristics of vesicular breath sounds?

Low pitch, soft amplitude, with a longer inspiration phase than expiration.

What is a common characteristic of pleural effusion noted during examination?

Dullness to percussion over the affected area.

What does respiratory rate variability indicate?

Potential fluctuations in respiratory status that may need to be monitored.

How is smoking cessation support structured?

Using the five A's: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange.

What does a frequent history of respiratory infections suggest?

Possible underlying lung condition such as asthma, COPD, or immune deficiency.

What is the relationship between exercise and respiratory symptoms?

Increased exertion may exacerbate breathlessness, particularly in pulmonary conditions.

What is the expected finding for adult-breathing patterns?

Regular, even, and unlabored with the ability to take deep breaths without distress.

How can one identify if a cough is due to pulmonary edema?

By the presence of pink, frothy sputum.