Respiratory Disorders
What condition occurs when the alveoli collapse, reducing gas exchange?
Atelectasis
What COPD disorder involves destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil?
Emphysema
What high-pitched, musical breath sound is commonly associated with narrowed airways?
Wheezing
What breathing technique helps patients with COPD prolong expiration and reduce air trapping?
Pursed-lip breathing
What complication of chronic lung disease causes pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure?
Cor pulmonale
What respiratory infection causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli?
Pneumonia
What inherited protein deficiency increases the risk of developing emphysema at an early age?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
What diagnostic imaging study uses contrast to visualize the pulmonary arteries and detect pulmonary emboli?
CT pulmonary angiography
What position should the nurse place a patient in to promote lung expansion and decrease the work of breathing?
High-Fowler's position
What life-threatening condition occurs when a blood clot obstructs blood flow through the pulmonary arteries?
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
What condition causes sharp chest pain that worsens with inspiration due to inflammation of the pleura?
Pleurisy (Pleuritis)
What class of bronchodilators blocks acetylcholine to prevent bronchoconstriction?
Anticholinergics (muscarinic antagonists)
What assessment finding involves a decrease in systolic blood pressure greater than 10 mmHg during inspiration?
Pulsus paradoxus
What oxygen saturation range is commonly targeted for patients experiencing an acute COPD exacerbation who are at risk for hypercapnic respiratory failure?
88–92%
What class of medications is generally avoided in spontaneously breathing patients experiencing status asthmaticus because of the risk of respiratory depression?
Sedatives
What disorder involves an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space?
Pleural effusion
What class of inhaled medications reduces airway inflammation and helps prevent asthma exacerbations?
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
A patient experiencing a severe asthma exacerbation suddenly has minimal breath sounds, increased fatigue, and worsening respiratory distress. What critical assessment finding should the nurse recognize?
Silent chest, indicating severely reduced airflow and possible impending respiratory failure.
What short-acting beta₂ agonist is commonly administered for rapid relief of bronchospasm?
Albuterol
A patient hospitalized with pneumonia develops confusion, hypotension, tachypnea, and signs of organ hypoperfusion. What life-threatening complication should the nurse suspect?
Sepsis, with concern for septic shock if hypotension and hypoperfusion persist despite appropriate resuscitation.
What chronic respiratory disorder causes permanent dilation of the bronchi, recurrent infections, and excessive sputum production?
Bronchiectasis
What life-threatening asthma condition involves severe bronchospasm that does not respond adequately to initial treatment?
Status asthmaticus
What breath sounds would the nurse expect to hear when auscultating a patient with pneumonia who has fluid and secretions in the alveoli?
Crackles (rales).
A patient with a chest tube develops sudden respiratory distress, hypotension, and absent breath sounds on one side. What life-threatening complication should the nurse suspect?
Tension pneumothorax
A patient with a severe asthma exacerbation suddenly develops diminished breath sounds, increased fatigue, and difficulty speaking. What life-threatening complication should the nurse suspect?
Impending respiratory failure.