Pathophysiology
In chronic bronchitis, why do patients develop cyanosis?
Excess mucus production and inflammation obstruct airflow, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood
In bacterial pneumonia, what laboratory test is expected to be elevated?
White blood cell (WBC) count
What are classic early signs of hypoxia?
Restlessness, anxiety, tachycardia/tachypnea (Think of the "RAT" cartoon)
What is the first-line medication for an acute asthma attack?
Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) like albuterol
A nurse is educating a patient with COPD about breathing techniques. What method should be taught?
Pursed-lip breathing to put more pressure on lower airways, prolong exhalation and reduce air trapping
What happens to the alveoli in a patient with pneumonia?
They fill with fluid and inflammatory exudate, impairing gas exchange
What lab result would confirm an influenza infection?
A positive rapid influenza antigen test result
What key signs would indicate a severe asthma attack?
Increased work of breathing, use of accessory muscles, inability to speak full sentences, severe shortness of breath, and audible wheezing.
What class of medications is commonly used for long-term asthma control?
Inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone or budesonide
A patient is experiencing oxygen desaturation while eating. What nursing intervention can help?
Encourage small, frequent meals and provide supplemental oxygen as needed
What is the primary cause of airway obstruction in an asthma attack
Bronchospasm, mucus production, and airway inflammation
A patient presents with fever, night sweats, and a productive cough. Which lab test is commonly ordered to confirm a diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB)?
Sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the gold standard for diagnosing TB
What physical exam finding suggests respiratory distress in infants?
Nasal flaring, grunting, and intercostal retractions
What is the purpose of mucolytic agents (e.g., guaifenesin or acetylcysteine) in COPD management?
Mucolytics thin thick mucus, making it easier to expectorate and clear the airways
A patient with chronic bronchitis is producing large amounts of sputum. What non-pharm actions can help mobilize secretions?
Incentive spirometry, and coughing and deep breathing
What occurs in the lungs in emphysema that leads to air trapping?
Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil, leading to impaired exhalation
A patient with COVID-19 has an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level. What does this indicate?
It indicates systemic inflammation or an acute-phase response, commonly seen in COVID-19 patients with severe disease
What assessment findings would be consistent with hypercapnia in a patient with COPD?
Tachypnea but hypoventilation (shallow breathing), confusion, lethargy, and a flushed skin appearance due to CO₂ retention
For a patient with bacterial pneumonia requiring IV antibiotics, what is an important intervention to ensure adequate drug efficacy?
Ensure the patient receives the antibiotics at the correct times, monitor for side effects, and assess for improvement in symptoms
In a patient with hypoxemia, what non-pharm interventions should be prioritized?
Oxygen therapy, position (semi-high fowler's), breathing techniques based on the disease process (pursed-lip breathing, coughing and deep breathing, incentive spirometry, etc.)
In RSV, what causes the inflammation and airway obstruction seen in affected infants?
RSV infects the epithelial cells of the upper and lower respiratory tract, leading to inflammation, mucus production, and airway narrowing
A patient with lung cancer is found to have an elevated D-dimer. What does this indicate in the context of lung cancer?
D-dimer may indicate the presence of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), which are common complications in cancer patients
A patient with chronic CO₂ retention from COPD may have what skin or mucosal changes?
Reddish or flushed skin due to vasodilation from chronic hypercapnia
A patient with COVID-19 is receiving dexamethasone (steroid medication). What is the purpose of this medication in the treatment of COVID-19?
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and helps prevent severe lung damage in COVID-19 patients
For a child with RSV, what nursing intervention should be implemented to improve airway clearance?
Administer humidified oxygen, provide nasal suctioning, and ensure adequate hydration to thin secretions