Medsurg Exam 2 Study Guide - Chapter 17 Respiratory System

Comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering Chapter 17 Medsurg review concepts including respiratory manifestations, physical assessment techniques, and procedural nursing care.

Primary Function of Respiratory Tract

The primary function of both the upper and lower respiratory tract is ventilation.

Upper Respiratory System Components

Composed of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, tonsils, and adenoids.

Major Signs of Respiratory Disease

The five major signs include dyspnea, cough, chest pain, wheezing, and hemoptysis.

Nighttime Cough

A cough occurring at night that may indicate left heart failure (HF) or bronchial asthma.

Morning Cough with Sputum

A cough occurring in the morning accompanied by sputum production, which typically indicates bronchitis.

Cough Worsening in Supine Position

A cough that worsens when the patient is lying supine, indicating rhinosinusitis (postnasal drip).

High-Pitched Irritative Cough

A characteristic cough pattern associated with laryngotracheitis.

Brassy Cough

A distinct cough quality that indicates a tracheal lesion.

Signs of Nasal or Nasopharyngeal Bleeding

Manifests as considerable sniffing with blood possibly appearing in the nose.

Appearance of Pulmonary Blood (Hemoptysis)

Blood originating from the lungs that appears bright red, frothy, and mixed with sputum.

Initial Signs of Lung Bleeding

Early sensations including tickling in the throat, a salty taste, and a burning or bubbling sensation in the chest.

pH of Blood from Lungs

Blood originating from the lungs has an alkaline pH of $\text{pH} > 7$.

pH of Blood from Stomach

Blood originating from the stomach (vomited/aspirated) has an acidic pH of $\text{pH} < 7$.

Posterior Thorax Assessment Position

Patient positioning technique where the patient is placed upright with arms folded across the chest and hands placed over the shoulders.

Anterior Thorax Assessment Position

Patient positioning where the patient is placed in either a supine or sitting position.

Barrel Chest

An altered chest wall configuration that serves as a hallmark sign for emphysema and COPD.

Funnel Chest

A chest wall deformity characterized by depression of the lower sternum.

Funnel Chest Murmurs

A cardiovascular physical exam finding caused by the anatomical displacement from a funnel chest deformity.

Hallmark Conditions of Funnel Chest

Systemic or metabolic conditions associated with funnel chest, specifically Rickets or Marfan syndrome.

Kyphoscoliosis

A spinal deformity characterized by elevation of the scapula and an S-shaped spine.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Preparation

Patient preparation requiring no bronchodilator medications and no smoking for $8\,\text{hrs}$ prior to the test.

Optimal Timing for Sputum Culture

Collection performed early in the morning before the patient eats or drinks.

Pre-Sputum Culture Preparation

Patient actions immediately before sample collection, consisting of clearing the nose and throat and rinsing the mouth with water.

CT with Contrast Patient Education

Dietary restriction education specifying no solid foods on the day of the procedure and no liquids for $2\,\text{hrs}$ before.

Pre-Pulmonary Angiography Interventions

Nursing actions prior to angiography including verifying informed consent, maintaining NPO status for $4\,\text{hrs}$ prior, and assessing pregnancy status.

Pulmonary Angiography Monitoring

Assessments during and after angiography that involve monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias, inspecting the site for hematoma/bleeding, and encouraging fluid intake.

Pre-PET Scan Nursing Interventions

Preparation instructions requiring no caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco for $24\,\text{hrs}$ prior, and abstaining from all food and fluids for $4\,\text{hrs}$ prior.

Pre-Bronchoscopy Nursing Interventions

Dietary restriction requiring the patient to be NPO for $4\text{--}8\,\text{hrs}$ before the procedure.

Post-Bronchoscopy Nursing Interventions

Care requirement of keeping the patient NPO following the procedure until the gag reflex returns.

Expected Post-Bronchoscopy Findings

Normal expected post-procedure findings including blood-tinged sputum and a low-grade fever.