Biology
Name the substance the body breathes when inhaling.
Oxygen
Name the part of the respiratory tract made up of the lungs and bronchioles.
Lower respiratory tract
Name two recommendations for how to treat a viral respiratory infection.
Answers can include over-the-counter medications (such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, Mucinex, etc.); use of humidifiers; increased fluid intake; rest, etc.
What is the primary cause for the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
Overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
Name one reason why infants and young children are at higher risk for respiratory infections than adults.
Answers can include they have larger tongues relative to the amount of space in their mouths; they are typically nose breathers; they have smaller airways that are less rigid and more prone to obstruction; and they have higher respiratory rates.
Name the gas the body breathes out when exhaling.
Carbon Dioxide.
In addition to all the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, name three other symptoms that can be present in a lower respiratory infection.
Answers could include productive cough; clear, white, yellow, or green sputum; pulmonary congestion; wheezing or crackling sounds; rapid respirations; labored breathing, and decreased oxygen saturation readings (O2 sats).
What does it mean when a person is said to have a "secondary infection"?
This generally means that a person initially had a viral infection but developed a bacterial infection in addition due to a weakened immune system or mucous providing a receptive area for bacteria to grow.
Name two factors that make a person more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Answers can include: smoking; having chronic conditions such allergic rhinitis or asthma; having a compromised immune system; spending time in crowded areas (airplanes, concerts, etc.); spending time in places that promote droplet spread (daycares, schools, long-term care facilities, prison, etc.); being younger than 5 years old or older than 60 years old; etc.
True or False: Mortality rates (death rates) for older adults with respiratory infection are higher than in the general population.
True.
The nose, nasal cavities, mouth (oral cavity), sinuses, pharynx (throat), Larynx (voice box), and trachea are all part of what section of the respiratory tract?
Upper Respiratory Tract
True or False: Droplets expelled through a cough or sneeze can travel about 6 feet.
True.
True or False: Antibiotics are used to treat viral infections.
What is the name of the condition that occurs when fluid leaks into the lungs, causing a decrease in oxygen supply to the bloodstream?
A. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
B. Pleural Effusion
C. Respiratory Failure
A. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Name one reason that older adults are at an increased risk for respiratory infections.
Answers may include: reduced diaphragm muscle strength and elasticity of lung tissue; altered ribcage bones that impair lung expansion and contraction due to thinning of bones; reduced pulmonary defense mechanisms (such as decreased sensitivity of nerves in the airway that trigger coughing); weakened immune responses; impaired swallow or cough reflexes and strength, etc.
True or False: Upper respiratory infections can progress or spread to lower respiratory infections.
True
What percentage of respiratory infections is viral (as opposed to bacterial)?
A. 10%
B. 50%
C. 75%
D. 90%
D. 90%
True or False: There are no medications available to treat viral infections.
False. Examples include Tamiflu, Remdesivir (treats COVID), Ribavirin (treats Hepatitis C), Acyclovir (treats herpes).
What is it called when oxygen levels decrease and carbon dioxide levels increase to dangerous levels?
A. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
B. Pleural Effusion
C. Respiratory Failure
C. Respiratory Failure
Name one reason that older adults living in long-term care facilities are increasingly vulnerable to respiratory infections.
Answers may include: they are often already debilitated or frail; have chronic medical conditions; have reduced mobility; live in close quarters to others; are exposed to medical caregivers who may inadvertently spread infections between patients.
Name three possible symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection.
Answers could include non-productive cough, possible low-grade fever, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, or malaise.
True or False: Respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria are treated in an identical manner.
False.
True or False: Antibiotics will help cure a common cold.
False. The recommendations for treating an umcomplicated cold virus is generally to use OTC meds to ease symptoms, drink lots of fluids, and rest as much as possible.
What is it called when there is an abnormal amount of fluid in the pleural space?
A. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
B. Pleural Effusion
C. Respiratory Failure
B. Pleural Effusion
Name two reasons why a person may have a compromised immune system that will cause him or her to more susceptible to developing a respiratory infection.
Examples may include: organ transplants; cancer and/or involvement in cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy; respiratory disease (such as COPD); cardiovascular disease; HIV; AIDS; asthma; kidney impairment, etc.