Disease Process
Which respiratory disease is caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis?
Which abnormal lung sound is commonly heard in asthma?
Wheezing
What is the priority nursing intervention for severe hypoxemia?
Maintain airway and administer oxygen.
Which imaging study is usually obtained first for respiratory complaints?
Chest x-ray
Status asthmaticus is considered what type of emergency?
A life-threatening respiratory emergency.
What causes pulmonary edema to impair oxygenation?
Fluid fills the alveoli, increasing the distance oxygen must diffuse and decreasing gas exchange.
Which abnormal lung sound is most common in pulmonary edema?
Crackles
Which position improves ventilation for most respiratory patients?
High Fowler's position
What diagnostic test identifies the bacteria causing pneumonia?
Sputum culture
Which respiratory emergency often requires mechanical ventilation because of refractory hypoxemia?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Why do patients with bronchiectasis develop chronic infections?
Damaged bronchi cannot effectively clear mucus, allowing bacteria to accumulate.
Which assessment finding suggests an upper airway obstruction?
A. Crackles
B. Wheezing
C. Stridor
D. Rhonchi
Stridor
A patient with TB is admitted. What isolation precautions are required?
Airborne precautions with an N95 respirator.
Pulmonary function tests help diagnose what two types of lung disease?
Obstructive and restrictive lung disease
True or False
A patient becoming increasingly sleepy during respiratory distress is improving.
False
Increasing drowsiness may indicate carbon dioxide retention and worsening respiratory failure.
What genetic abnormality causes cystic fibrosis?
Mutation of the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) gene causing abnormal chloride transport.
List three signs of respiratory distress:
Name four nursing interventions that promote airway clearance:
Which TB screening test requires the patient to return within 48–72 hours?
Tuberculin skin test (TST)
Which complication develops when tissues do not receive enough oxygen?
Hypoxemia
Explain why pulmonary hypertension eventually causes right-sided heart failure.
The right ventricle pumps against increased pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to hypertrophy and eventual failure.
What assessment finding during an asthma attack indicates impending respiratory failure?
A "silent chest" or absent wheezing due to severely decreased airflow.
Your patient suddenly develops severe dyspnea, oxygen saturation drops to 82%, and they are using accessory muscles.
List your first three nursing actions.
A patient has a positive TB screening test.
Does this confirm active tuberculosis?
No.
Further evaluation (such as chest imaging and microbiologic testing) is needed to determine whether the infection is active.
What acid-base imbalance commonly develops with severe hypoventilation?
Respiratory acidosis