Pathophysiology
In chronic bronchitis, patients develop cyanosis for this reason.
What is excess mucus production and inflammation obstruct airflow, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood?
In the initial diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia, this laboratory test is expected to be abnormal.
What is elevated White blood cell (WBC) count?
Classic early signs and symptoms of hypoxia.
What are restlessness, anxiety, and tachycardia/tachypnea (Think of the "R.A.T." cartoon)?
First-line medication for an acute asthma attack.
What are short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) bronchodilators, like albuterol?
A breathing technique that is helpful for the patient with COPD.
What is pursed-lip breathing to put more pressure on lower airways, prolong exhalation and reduce air trapping?
This happens to the alveoli in a patient with pneumonia.
What is the alveoli fill with fluid and inflammatory exudate, impairing gas exchange?
This abnormal laboratory result would confirm an influenza infection.
What is a positive rapid influenza antigen test result?
Key signs that would indicate a severe asthma attack.
What are increased work of breathing, use of accessory muscles, inability to speak full sentences, severe shortness of breath, and audible wheezing?
This class of medication is commonly used for long-term asthma control, as the primary action is to reduce inflammation in the airways.
What are inhaled corticosteroids, like fluticasone or budesonide?
Nursing interventions to help a patient who is experiencing oxygen desaturation while eating.
What are to encourage small, frequent meals and provide supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula per orders as needed?
The primary causes of airway obstruction in an asthma attack.
What is bronchospasm, mucus production, and airway inflammation?
A lab test commonly ordered to confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).
What is a sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the gold standard for diagnosing TB?
Physical assessment findings that suggest respiratory distress in an infant.
What are nasal flaring, grunting, and intercostal retractions?
The purpose of mucolytic agents (e.g., guaifenesin or acetylcysteine) in COPD management.
What is Mucolytics thin thick mucus, making it easier to expectorate and clear the airways?
Non-pharmacologic actions that can help mobilize secretions in a patient with chronic bronchitis who is producing large amounts of sputum.
What are use of the incentive spirometry (IS) device, coughing and deep breathing exercises, increased fluid intake (when appropriate) and ambulation?
This occurs in the lungs with emphysema that leads to air trapping.
What is destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil, leading to impaired exhalation?
The meaning of an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level in a patient with COVID-19?
What is this indicates systemic inflammation or an acute-phase response, commonly seen in COVID-19 patients with severe disease?
Physical assessment findings that support hypercapnia in a patient with COPD?
What are tachypnea but hypoventilation (fast breathing rate but shallow breaths), confusion, lethargy, and a flushed skin appearance due to CO₂ retention?
Key nursing actions when giving IV antibiotics to a patient with bacterial pneumonia.
What are ensure the patient receives the antibiotics at the correct times, monitor for side effects, and assess for improvement in symptoms?
Non-pharmacologic interventions that are prioritized for a patient with hypoxia/hypoxemia?
What are oxygen therapy, upright positioning (semi to high fowler's position), and breathing techniques based on the disease process (pursed-lip breathing, coughing and deep breathing, incentive spirometry, etc.)?
In RSV, this causes the inflammation and airway obstruction seen in affected infants.
What is RSV infects the epithelial cells of the upper and lower respiratory tract, leading to inflammation, mucus production, and airway narrowing?
The meaning behind an elevated D-dimer level in a patient with lung cancer.
What is an elevated D-dimer level 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 these skin or mucosal changes.
What are reddish or flushed skin due to vasodilation from chronic hypercapnia?
The purpose of administering dexamethasone in the treatment of COVID-19.
What is dexamethasone (corticosteroid medication) reduces inflammation and helps prevent severe lung damage in COVID-19 patients?
Nursing interventions that are implemented to improve airway clearance in a pediatric patient with RSV.
What are to administer humidified oxygen, provide nasal suctioning, upright positioning, and ensure adequate hydration to thin secretions?