Respiratory

Hemoglobin & Hematocrit

  • Hemoglobin: Iron-containing pigment of RBC

    • Normal Levels:

    • Male: 14-18 g/dL

    • Female: 12-16 g/dL

  • Hematocrit: Percentage of total blood volume made by RBCs

    • Normal Ranges:

    • Male: 42-52%

    • Female: 37-47%

    • Anemia: Decreased levels; causes include bleeding, dietary deficiency, renal disease.

    • Polycythemia: Increased levels; concerns about thrombosis.

D-Dimer

  • Measures D-dimer in blood, indicating clot dissolution.

  • Aids in diagnosing VTE, DIC, and PE.

  • Nursing implications: Draw when PE is suspected, combine with physical assessment.

Sputum Samples

  • Aim: Identify bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and sensitivities.

  • Indicated for patients with:

    • Productive cough and purulent sputum.

    • Signs of systemic infection or unknown fever.

  • Common studies: AFB, Culture & Gram Stain, Cytology.

Pulse Oximetry

  • Measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin.

    • Normal: ≥ 95%

  • Nursing implications: Monitor decreased levels; significant in various lung issues.

Imaging Techniques

  • Chest X-Ray (CXR): Common view; remove metal.

  • CT Scan: Cross-section imaging; requires potential sedation. Assess for allergies before contrast use.

  • MRI: For lesions difficult to assess by CT; may need sedation.

  • PET Scan: Uses tracer for functional imaging, assessing blood flow and oxygen use.

Pulmonary Function Tests

  • Evaluate lung function; measures air movement in lungs.

TB Skin Test (Mantoux Test)

  • Read after 48-72 hours; positive result indicates exposure.

  • Induration > 15 mm: positive for all; > 10 mm: positive for specific groups.

Common Upper Respiratory Problems

  • Epistaxis: Nosebleeds; causes include irritation, trauma, hypertension.

  • Nursing care varies for anterior and posterior types.

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)

  • Common types: Tonsillitis, Influenza, Rhinitis, Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Sinusitis.

  • URI Management: Remove causative agent; prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections and supportive measures for viral infections.