Breath Sounds
Crackling or popping sounds heard when air moves through fluid in the alveoli.
Crackles
COPD patients often retain this gas, so oxygen must be titrated carefully.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
This vital sign is commonly elevated in pneumonia due to infection.
Temperature
To prevent postoperative hypoxia, older adults should be positioned in this manner unless contraindicated.
Semi-Fowler’s or High Fowler’s position
High-pitched, musical breath sounds produced by air passing through partially obstructed small airways.
Wheezing
Whats the best position to help COPD patients improve breathing, using accessory muscles.
Tripod position
A patient with pneumonia suddenly becomes confused and restless. This indicates a worsening of which complication?
Hypoxia
Older adults have decreased elasticity in what part of the lungs, reducing oxygen exchange?
the alveoli
A high-pitched, harsh, crowing, inspiratory sound caused by partial obstruction of the larynx or trachea.
Stridor
The nurse teaches COPD patients this breathing technique to prevent airway collapse.
Pursed-lip breathing
What diagnostic test is done to determine whether a patient’s pneumonia is bacterial or viral?
Sputum Culture
Older adults have less effective mucus clearance, increasing the risk for what infection?
Pneumonia
Low-pitched, snoring or moaning sounds caused by mucus in the airways.
Rhonchi
A barrel chest appearance in COPD occurs due to what?
Air trapping in the lungs
What lab test, often elevated in bacterial pneumonia, indicates inflammation and infection severity.
Elevated WBC
Older adults should be encouraged to take deep breaths and cough to prevent what lung complication.
Atelectasis