Anatomy and Physiology
I include the pharynx, trachea, epiglottis and vocal cords.
Upper Respiratory System
Name two causes of respiratory disorders.
cardiac disease, emboli, infection, harmful environmental exposure, trauma
I may be indicated to help with airway maintenance.
Suctioning
My signs and symptoms include excessive nasal drainage, watery/itchy eyes, sneezing, and inflamed nasal mucosa WITHOUT fever.
Allergic Rhinitis
Name assessment needs for chest tubes.
q4hrs for first 8 hours after insertion, check chest tube site, equipment, tubing, vital signs, lung sounds and amount of drainage.
I include the bronchus, lungs, and alveoli
Lower Respiratory System
I am the "best medicine".
Prevention
Name 3 ways to assist a patient experience dyspnea.
supplemental O2, pursed lip breathing, high-fowler position minimize abdominal distention, stay calm and stay with the patient
I am common after a cold or allergic rhinitis and symptoms may be sinus pressure/pain, non-productive cough, and pain in upper teeth.
Sinusitis
I am trapped air underneath the skin and am "abnormal but expected".
Emphysema
I control both voluntary and involuntary respiration.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Name two ways to prevent respiratory disease.
Hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, smoking abstinence, allergen reduction and avoidance, sufficient rest, optimal nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight
I am the retention of CO2 in the blood.
Hypercapnia
The common name for me is a "nose bleed".
Epistaxis
If this happens it is a breathing emergency. The patient needs to cough/exhale and place occlusive petroleum dressing sealed on three sides.
Disconnection from the patient
Healthy bodies respond to retention of this...
CO2
Name 3 nursing assessment considerations.
History taking, monitoring symptoms, and physical assessment
I am the loss of CO2 in the blood.
Hypocapnia.
If I am viral I usually do not cause a fever and most cases are viral. The bacterial version increases risk of rheumatic fever if left untreated.
Pharyngitis and Laryngitis
These disciplines may remove a chest tube.
RN, NP or MD
Diseased patients, chronic CO2 retention, respond to changes in this...
O2
Name 2 ways to assist with alterations that may occur in nutrition and hydration.
small/frequent meals, supplements, humidification
I am a surgically created airway.
Tracheostomy
Name the "never do's" of chest tubes.
Never milk or strip the chest tube
Never want to see continuous bubbling in the water seal/air leak chamber
Never clamp the chest tube during transport
Never old above the level of the chest