Cara Fizzuoglio MS, RN
Course NU 206
Understand Respiratory Diagnostic Procedures.
Comprehend Pathophysiology of Acute Respiratory Disorders:
Atelectasis
Pneumonia- crackles
Pulmonary Embolism
Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Influenza
Rhonci can be coughed away, crackles cannot-
Rhonic- blowing out candled. clears it
Assess and identify respiratory disorders- take a
Plan care for patients
Educate patients on health prevention
Reports the status of oxygenation and acid-base balance of blood.
Perform an arterial puncture using surgical aseptic technique.
Collect specimen into a heparinized syringe.
Place collected specimen in ice to preserve pH and oxygen pressure.
Transport specimen to laboratory immediately.
Hold direct pressure on the site for at least 5 minutes (20 minutes if on anticoagulants).
Hematoma & Arterial Occlusion:
Observe for temperature change, swelling, color, loss of pulse, or pain.
Notify provider if symptoms persist.
Air Embolism:
Air enters arterial system during catheter insertion.
Position client on left side in Trendelenburg position to prevent flow blockage.
Monitor for sudden onset of shortness of breath (SOB), decreased SaO2, chest pain.
Administer 100% oxygen if symptoms occur.
Collect biopsy, aspirate sputum or lung abscesses for culture and sensitivity.
Allows visualization of larynx, trachea, and bronchi using flexible fiber-optic or rigid bronchoscope.
Can be outpatient, in surgical suite under general anesthesia, or at bedside under local anesthesia.
Assess for allergies to anesthetics or anticoagulants.
Ensure consent form is signed.
Remove dentures if applicable.
Maintain NPO status for 4 to 8 hours pre-procedure.
Administer pre-procedure medications like viscous lidocaine.
Position client sitting or supine.
Assist in specimen collection and labeling.
Monitor vital signs, respiratory pattern, and oxygen saturation.
Continuously monitor respirations, vital signs, and level of consciousness.
Check gag reflex and swallowing ability before oral intake.
Client cannot be discharged until adequate gag reflex and respiratory effort return.
Laryngospasm, pneumothorax, aspiration.
Surgical perforation of the chest wall and pleural space with a large-bore needle.
Obtain specimens, instill medications, or remove fluids (effusion).
Pre-Procedure: Position client upright with arms supported.
Post-Procedure: Apply dressing over puncture, monitor vital signs, and auscultate lungs.
Include rhinitis, sinusitis, influenza, and pneumonia.
Older adults have reduced pulmonary reserves due to age-related lung changes.
Hand hygiene, immunizations (flu, pneumonia), and smoking cessation.
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by infection or allergens.
Viral infections, allergies, and coexistence with asthma.
Symptoms include excessive nasal drainage, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy watery eyes.
Encourage rest (8-10 hours/day) and hydration (at least 2000ml/day).
Suggest humidifiers and proper tissue disposal.
Antihistamines, decongestants, antipyretics, antibiotics for bacterial infections, intranasal glucocorticoids.
Importance of hand hygiene, complementary therapies, and limiting exposure to others.
Inflammation of the mucosa membrane of sinuses.
Occurs after rhinitis and can be linked to various factors, including infections and anatomical issues.
Symptoms include nasal congestion, headaches, facial pressure, cough, and low-grade fever.
Encourage use of steam humidification, saline nasal sprays, and adequate fluid intake.
Nasal decongestants, broad-spectrum antibiotics, pain relief medications.
Meningitis and encephalitis may occur if infections spread.
Description of nasal cavity conditions and mucus discharge.
Highly contagious viral infection seen in fall-winter months.
Recommended for all ages above 6 months.
Maintain droplet precautions, monitor hydration, admin medications like Tamiflu.
Stress importance of vaccination and hygiene practices.
Collapse of alveoli, a common abnormality on chest x-ray.
Can be caused by obstruction, retained secretions, prolonged supine positioning, and specific surgeries.
Marked respiratory distress, elevated heart rate, cyanosis, and decreased breath sounds.
Frequent turning, early mobilization, deep breathing exercises, and incentive spirometry.
Low tidal breathing, pain, anesthesia effects, and immobility.
Incentive spirometry, coughing, oral care, and mobility encourage.
Use PEEP, CPAP, bronchoscopy, or mechanical ventilation when necessary.
Inflammation of lung parenchyma caused by microorganisms.
Community-acquired, healthcare-associated, hospital-acquired, ventilator-associated.
Includes heart failure, COPD, AIDS, and chronic illness.
Symptoms like anxiety, confusion, fever, and chills are common.
Similar symptoms with emphasis on respiratory distress and altered breath sounds.
Include sputum culture, CBC, ABGs, blood cultures, chest x-ray, and pulse oximetry.
Position to maximize ventilation, encourage coughing, administer oxygen, and promote hydration and nutrition.
Administer appropriate antibiotics and supportive treatment like fluids and antipyretics.
Culture specimens should be obtained before antibiotics are given.
Monitor for side effects, especially in older adults.
Importance of adherence to medication, rest, and avoiding crowded places.
Possible sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and atelectasis.
Pneumococcal vaccination recommended for at-risk populations.
Monitor for improvements in breathing, hydration, and education.
Inhalation of foreign material causing serious complications.
Symptoms can lead to severe respiratory distress and potential death.
Includes coma, alcohol overdose, and poor gag reflex.
Maintain head of bed elevation, check tube placement, use thickened fluids.
Identify clients at risk for developing pneumonia.
Blocking of pulmonary vasculature due to emboli.
Most commonly caused by DVT.
Includes long-term immobility, surgery, smoking, and advanced age.
Symptoms include anxiety, chest pressure, dyspnea, and hemoptysis.
Utilize various tests, including ABG, D-dimer, CT scans, and pulmonary angiograms.
Administer oxygen, maintain IV access, and assess client status.
Encouraging exercises and ambulation, anticoagulation therapy.
Overview of medications used to prevent clot growth.
Monitor for bleeding and educate on medication interactions.
Embolectomy and vena cava filter are surgical interventions.
Instructions about monitoring and lifestyle changes to reduce PE risk.
Advise on monitoring for signs of bleeding and safe grooming practices.
Remind of preventive measures to avoid PE during long travels.