A-a Gradient Normal or Widened
A retired construction worker presents with a months-long history of a dry, hacking cough. CT scan shows scarred lung tissue
what is widened
(diffusion limitation)
This breathing problem happens when you take too few or too shallow breaths, causing CO2 to build up. A-a gradient is normal.
what is hypoventilation
A 6-month-old with RSV makes this high-pitched sound at the end of exhalation to generate auto-PEEP and pry open collapsed alveoli
What is grunting
A patient who has overdosed on heroin and aspirated vomit into their lungs
What is widened
(V/Q mismatch due to the aspiration)
Ivan aspirates a grape that obstructs their right mainstem bronchus. What happens to the V/Q ratio?
A 2-year-old in respiratory distress will automatically perform this action with their nose to decrease upper airway resistance and delay muscle fatigue
what is nasal flaring
Dr. Willenbrock who's flying first class to Japan suddenly feels short of breath and dizzy
What is normal
(lower inspired O2 due to change in atmospheric pressure)
Dom has been bedbound for a month recovering from his rib fracture. He suddenly develops acute shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain due to a pulmonary embolism.
What does this do to his V/Q ratio?
what is increased
This visible sign of distress occurs when severe respiratory effort pulls a baby's highly compliant, chest wall inward.
what are retractions
A 45-year-old strict vegan presents with severe fatigue, tingling in her legs, a wide-based gait, and shortness of breath walking
What is normal
(B12 deficiency leads to macrocytic anemia)
A patient is placed on 100% supplemental oxygen, but their arterial oxygen levels PaO2 barely improve. Which is the likely cause?
What is right to left shunt
A sudden drop in this vital sign in a pediatric patient indicates profound hypoxia and impending respiratory and cardiac arrest.
What is heart rate or bradycardia