Lab & Diagnostics
What does CBC stand for, and what does it primarily measure?
CBC stands for Complete Blood Count, primarily measuring red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
What position should the nurse prioritize for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
High Fowler's position.
What is the definition of hypoxemia?
Low arterial blood oxygen levels.
What is the classification of medications like albuterol and atrovent?
Bronchodilators.
When is suctioning typically performed?
Suctioning is typically performed as needed (PRN), especially when a patient is unable to clear respiratory secretions effectively.
What is the oxygen delivery device that delivers the lowest FiO2?
Nasal cannula.
What are the two main subtypes of COPD?
Blue (chronic bronchitis) and pink (emphysema) puffers.
What does WBC stand for, and what does an elevated count typically indicate?
WBC stands for White Blood Cell count, and an elevated count typically indicates infection or inflammation.
What is the initial action if a patient's oxygen saturation is below 90%?
Apply supplemental oxygen.
What conditions may lead to hypoxemia?
Heart failure, COPD, sleep apnea, anemia, asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.
What are the side effects of corticosteroids?
Side effects may include hypertension, weight gain, moon face, increased infection risk, oral thrush, hyperglycemia, and mood swings.
What are some examples of oxygen delivery devices?
Answer: Examples include nasal cannula, simple face mask, partial non-rebreather mask, non-rebreather mask, Venturi mask, face tent, and trach collar.
What is the typical FiO2 range delivered by a nasal cannula?
20% to 40%.
What characterizes a "blue puffer" in COPD?
"Blue puffer" refers to a patient with chronic bronchitis who typically presents with cyanosis and chronic cough with sputum production.
What do Hemoglobin and Hematocrit measure, and what do low levels suggest?
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit measure the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Low levels suggest anemia or blood loss.
What vital sign is crucial to assess in a patient with respiratory distress?
Respiratory rate & oxygen saturation.
What is the etiology of hypoxia?
Inadequate oxygenation of organs or tissues.
What is the classification of guaifenesin?
Expectorant.
What should be included in an oxygen prescription?
The prescription should include the concentration, liters or percentage of oxygen per minute, and the method of delivery.
Which oxygen delivery device can deliver the highest FiO2 among the low-flow devices?
Non-rebreather mask.
What characterizes a "pink puffer" in COPD?
"Pink puffer" refers to a patient with emphysema who typically presents with pursed lip breathing, barrel chest, clubbing,weight loss
What does a Sputum Culture & Sensitivity test identify, and what is its purpose?
It identifies the presence of bacteria in sputum and determines the most effective antibiotic for treatment.
What is the first step in managing a patient in respiratory distress?
Repositioning the patient.
What are the signs of hypoxia?
Restlessness, anxiety, tachycardia, tachypnea, cyanosis, decreased LOC, and abnormal lung sounds.
What are the side effects of bronchodilators like albuterol?
Side effects may include dry mouth, trembling, nervousness, palpitations, tachycardia, muscle cramps, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.
What are the nursing interventions for oxygen therapy?
Nursing interventions include assessing the patient's oxygenation status, monitoring oxygen saturation, adjusting oxygen flow rate as prescribed, and ensuring proper oxygen delivery device placement.
What is the typical FiO2 range delivered by a simple face mask?
40% to 60%.
What is the primary symptom of chronic bronchitis, represented by the term "blue puffer"?
Chronic cough with sputum production.
What diagnostic test is often performed to evaluate lung function in patients with respiratory conditions?
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs).
What are some possible prescriptions for a patient with respiratory distress?
Chest X-ray, arterial blood gases, nebulizer treatments, and antibiotics.
What interventions are recommended for hypoxia?
Rapid assessment, positioning, oxygen therapy, and monitoring vital signs.
What is the purpose of using codeine as a respiratory medication?
Codeine is used as an antitussive and opioid analgesic to suppress cough.
When is nasal cannula commonly used?
Nasal cannula is commonly used for patients requiring low to moderate oxygen flow rates.
What is the oxygen delivery device that allows for precise FiO2 control?
Venturi mask.
What is the primary symptom of emphysema, represented by the term "pink puffer"?
Dyspnea on exertion.
What does a Chest X-ray primarily assess, and what conditions can it detect?
A Chest X-ray primarily assesses lung and heart conditions, detecting pneumonia, lung cancer, and other abnormalities.
What should the nurse prioritize during an emergency situation with a patient in respiratory distress?
ABC - Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
What is the primary stimulus to breathe in individuals with COPD?
Low arterial oxygen levels (hypoxic drive).
What is the classification of medications like prednisone and Solumedrol?
Corticosteroids.
What are the steps for suctioning a patient's airway?
Pre-oxygenate with 100% oxygen, limit each suction pass to ten seconds, and only suction on the way out. The number of passes should be limited to three or less.
What is the FiO2 range that can be achieved with a Venturi mask?
FiO2 ranges from 24% to 60%.
What is the primary difference in presentation between a "blue puffer" and a "pink puffer"?
A "blue puffer" typically presents with cyanosis and chronic cough, while a "pink puffer" typically presents with pursed lip breathing and dyspnea on exertion.
What is the purpose of performing a Sleep Study for Sleep Apnea?
To diagnose and assess the severity of sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea.
How should the nurse manage the duration and frequency of suctioning?
The duration should be limited to ten seconds per pass, with a maximum of three passes.
Why is caution needed when administering oxygen to patients with COPD?
Excessive oxygen can suppress their respiratory drive due to their reliance on hypoxic drive.
What is the primary function of bronchodilators?
To relax the muscle bands in the airway, keeping them dilated and helping to clear mucus.
What are the primary nursing interventions during suctioning?
Nursing interventions include assessing the patient's respiratory status, pre-oxygenating with 100% oxygen, limiting suction passes, and monitoring for complications.
Which oxygen delivery device is commonly used for patients with COPD or those requiring precise FiO2 control?
Venturi mask.
What is the underlying pathology of chronic bronchitis in COPD?
Chronic inflammation and hypersecretion of mucus in the bronchi and bronchioles, leading to airway obstruction.
What does an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test measure, and what information does it provide about a patient's respiratory status?
ABG measures blood pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels, providing information about a patient's acid-base balance and respiratory function.
To prevent and treat hypoxia.
What is the significance of the control of breathing in individuals without illness?
Respiratory centers in the brainstem primarily respond to high levels of CO2 to regulate breathing.
What is the purpose of using expectorants like guaifenesin?
Expectorants reduce the viscosity of tenacious secretions by increasing respiratory tract fluid.
What should be done if a patient's oxygen saturation falls below the desired range?
Supplemental oxygen should be applied to maintain adequate oxygenation.
What is the FiO2 range delivered by a non-rebreather mask?
Approximately 80% to 100%.
What is the underlying pathology of emphysema in COPD?
Destruction of alveoli, narrowing of bronchioles, and air trapping, resulting in loss of lung elasticity.
What is the primary purpose of a Bronchoscopy procedure?
To visualize the airways and obtain tissue samples for further evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
When should suctioning be performed in a patient unable to clear respiratory secretions effectively?
As needed (PRN), typically every 2 hours for at-risk patients.
What are the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea?
Small upper airway, obesity, large neck size, age over 40, smoking, alcohol use, and genetic factors.
What is the purpose of using corticosteroids in respiratory conditions?
Corticosteroids inhibit and suppress inflammation, thereby reducing airway inflammation and improving symptoms.
What is the FiO2 range delivered by a Partial Rebreather mask?
Approximately 65% to 95%.
What does Peak Flow measurement assess, and how is it used in managing respiratory conditions such as asthma?
Peak Flow measures the maximum airflow during forced expiration and is used to monitor and manage asthma by assessing airway obstruction and response to treatment.
What are some possible complications of suctioning?
Mucosal trauma, hypoxia, bronchospasm, atelectasis, infection, pneumothorax, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
What are some treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea?
CPAP therapy, BiPAP therapy, lateral positioning, dental appliances, weight loss, and lifestyle modifications.
What is the primary purpose of using bronchodilators in respiratory conditions?
To keep the airways dilated (open) and facilitate easier breathing, especially in conditions like asthma and COPD.
What are some risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea?
Obesity, large neck size, smoking, and alcohol consumption.