Lower Respiratory Infections
Infectious Prevention
All Consuming
100
This condition causes acute inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli and bronchi become plugged with thick fluid and causes productive cough, fever, tachypnea, dyspnea.
What is pneumonia?
Distinguishing symptoms: fever, tachypnea, and dyspnea.
Additional symptoms: systemic malaise, myalgias, and anorexia.
Infections can be acquired in the community (CAP), the hospital (HAP), or ventilator associated (VAP).
Can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or non-infectious irritants like chemicals, smoke, aspirating food/water/vomit.
Can lead to sepsis and is a major cause of death.
Patho: inflammation leads to migration of WBCs, capillary leak, and accumulation of edema/exudates. Fluid collects around alveolar resulting in impaired gas exchange.
Treatment depends on suspected etiology, symptoms should show improvement after drug therapy started.
100
Hand washing for 60 seconds and coughing/sneezing into sleeve.
What is patient education for preventing spread of respiratory diseases?
100
This disease is not considered contagious if there are no presenting symptoms or evidence of active disease on chest x-ray.
What is tuberculosis (TB)?
Most common bacterial infection worldwide.
Spread by airborne droplets.
It is common to be infected with the bacillus and never develop active TB. A healthy individual can fight off the growth of bacillus, but lesions that form can remain inactive.
>15cm is positive test reading
>10cm and >5cm for at risk populations:
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/hcp/testing-diagnosis/tuberculin-skin-test.html
200
The presence of blood in the pleural space.
What is Hemothorax?
Remember a collection of (non-blood) fluid in the pleural space is called a pleural effusion.
Either condition may require a chest tube.
200
Recommended vaccination annually for this acute viral infection that causes severe muscle aches, fever, chills, fatigue, sore throat, and rhinorrhea.
What is seasonal influenza?
200
A client has been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). This action by the nurse takes the highest priority.
A. Teaching the client ways to balance rest with activity
B. Encouraging the client to eat a well-balanced diet
C. Informing the client about follow-up sputum cultures
D. Educating the client on adherence to the treatment regimen
D. Educating the client on adherence to the treatment regimen
The treatment regimen for TB often ranges from 26 weeks, but can be up to 2 years, making adherence problematic for many people. The nurse would stress the absolute importance of following the treatment plan for the entire duration of prescribed therapy. The other options are appropriate topics to educate this client on but do not take priority.
300
A procedure performed to remove fluid in the pleural space, obtain a specimen for diagnostic testing, and/or relieve dyspnea and improve respiratory compromise.
What is a thoracentesis?
300
Known as “The Lady With the Lamp,” she was a British nurse, social reformer and statistician best known as the founder of modern nursing.
Who is Florence Nightingale?
300
These types of patients with tuberculosis can have a negative PPD (purified protein derivative) skin test.
What is immunocompromised or elderly?
Tuberculosis (TB)? is a highly contagious disease transmitted through inhalation or swallowing of droplets contaminated with the TB Bacillus. Patients that are immunocompromised or elderly can get a sputum test or QuantiFERON Gold TB blood test.
400
This class of inhaled medications can be used in pneumonia to treat dyspnea and wheezing.
What are bronchodilators?
400
This common issue associated with respiratory infections is prevented by encouraging oral intake and monitoring intake & output.
What is dehydration?
400
Patients receiving pharmacotherapy for tuberculosis need close monitoring of this organ due to possible toxicity.
What is the liver?
Combination drug therapy with strict adherence for 6-12 months includes:
-Isoniazid
-Rifampin
-Pyrazinamide
-Ethambutol
500
A collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).
What is empyema?
Often requires a chest tube for management and culture & sensitivity for treatment.
500
There are two types of this vaccine and both are recommended for patients over 50 years old, to be given a year apart.
What is the pneumonia vaccine?
PCV13 and PPSV23
Other criteria for recommended vaccination:
Chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease
Diabetes
Alcohol use disorder or smoking
Immunocompromising conditions (e.g., HIV, cancer treatment, organ transplant, sickle cell disease, asplenia)
Caregivers to people with the above conditions
500
This medication is used to treat influenza and can be prescribed for this condition within 48hour of symptom onset.
What is oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?