Adult Health Chapter 17 Assessment of Respiratory Function
The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of COPD and scheduled for pulmonary function studies using a spirometer. Which client statement would the nurse clarify?
"I will breathe in through my mouth and out through my nose." -During a pulmonary function test using a spirometer, a nose clip prevents air from escaping through the client's nose when blowing into the spirometer.
A nurse is instructing the client on the normal sensations that can occur when contrast medium is infused during pulmonary angiography. Which client statement demonstrates an understanding of the teaching?
"I will feel warm and may have chest pain"
The nursing instructor is teaching students about the respiratory system. The instructor knows the teaching has been effective when a student makes which statement?
"Ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the respiratory tract."
Orthopnea
(inability to breathe easily except in an upright position) may be found in patients with heart disease and occasionally in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dyspnea
(subjective feeling of difficult or labored breathing, breathlessness, shortness of breath) is a multidimensional symptom common to many pulmonary and cardiac disorders, particularly when there is decreased lung compliance or increased airway resistance.
A nurse is instructing a client who is scheduled for a perfusion lung scan. What teaching should the nurse include in the information about the procedure? Select all that apply.
- A mask will be placed over the nose and mouth during the test. - The client will be expected to lie under the camera. - The imaging time will amount to 20 to 40 minutes.
Symptoms of Respiratory Disease
- Cough - Sputum Production - Chest Pain - Wheezing - Hemoptysis
A client has suspected fluid accumulation in the pleural space of the lungs and is scheduled for a thoracentesis. The nurse will implement which of the following for this procedure? Select all that apply.
- Educate the client about the need to cleanse the thoracic area. - Apply pressure to the puncture site after the procedure. - Complete a respiratory assessment after the procedure.
Gerontologic Considerations
- Gradual decline in respiratory function - Changes in alveoli, reduction in surface area, elasticity changes - Amount of respiratory dead space increases - Loss of chest wall mobility - All lead to decreased oxygen levels in circulation
The nurse is taking a respiratory history for a patient who has come into the clinic with a chronic cough. What information should the nurse obtain from this patient? (Select all that apply.)
- Previous history of lung disease in the patient or family - Occupational and environmental influences - Previous history of smoking
Sputum Production
- Reaction of lungs to constant irritant, may result from persistent cough - Profuse amount of purulent sputum (thick, yellow, green, rust color) or change in color may mean bacterial infection. - Thin, mucoid sputum may be viral infection - Pink tinged may be a lung tumor - Profuse, frothy, pink material may indicate pulmonary edema - Foul smelling sputum & bad breath may indicate lung abscess, bronchiectasis or infection.
If cough occurs after food intake it may be
- aspiration (perform swallow evaluation) - reflux
Causes of Dry cough :
- asthma - cold - GERD - Sleep apnea - vocal cord dysfunction - allergies - COVID
Lower Respiratory Tract Structures Bronchi & Bronchioles
- branches to bronchioles - Bronchioles have no cartilage in walls. Must have alveolar pressure and elastic recoil of surrounding smooth muscle tissue - Contain glands that produce mucus , cilia propels it to larynx. - terminal bronchioles have no glands or cilia. - gas exchange happens in alveoli
If cough is violet it may cause ....
- bronchial spasm - obstruction - further irritation ➔ syncope (fainting)
Causes of wet cough :
- cold - flu - lung infection - cystic fibrosis - COPD - Acute bronchitis - Bronchiectasis
If cough occurs at night it may be ...
- left side heart failure - asthma
V/Q ratio
- may have inadequate ventilation - inadequate perfusion - or both
Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio (V/Q ratio) Low ratio - called shunting
- perfusion > ventilation - blood bypasses alveoli without gas exchange - pneumonia, tumor, mucus plug
If cough is wet it may be
- productive - pneumonia, post-nasal drip check for fever
Mediastinum
- space between the lungs contains: the heart, thymus gland, portions of the esophagus and trachea, aorta and vena cava other structures, Widening can indicate disease.
Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio (V/Q ratio) High ratio - dead space
- ventilation > perfusion - alveoli don't have enough blood supply for gas exchange - pulmonary emboli, pulmonary infarction, cardiogenic shock
If the cough is dry it may be ....
- viral URI - ACE inhibitor
Tachypnea is rapid breathing with a rate greater than
24 breaths per minute.
Upper Respiratory Tract Structures Paranasal sinuses -
4 pairs of bony cavities. Resonating chamber for speech
What is the purpose of the vascular and ciliated mucous lining of the nasal cavities?
463 and humidify inspired air
Cyanosis appears when there is at least
5 g/dL of unoxygenated hemoglobin.
type II cells account for only
5% of this area, but are responsible for producing type I cells and surfactant.
An oxygen saturation value of less than _____%, using pulse oximetry, indicates that tissues are not receiving enough oxygen.
90
Type I cells account for
95% of the alveolar surface area and serve as a barrier between the air and the alveolar surface;
Egophony
A change in vocal resonance in the presence of a lung consolidation condition in which the transmission of the "eee" sound becomes a nasal "ay" sound.
A nurse would question the accuracy of a pulse oximetry evaluation in which of the following conditions?
A client experiencing hypothermia
tachypnea (rapid respirations) + hypoxemia ➔
ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome
A nurse working in the radiology clinic is assisting with a client after an unusual arterial procedure. What assessment should the nurse notify the health care provider about?
Absent distal pulses
Your client is scheduled for a bronchoscopy to visualize the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. What precautions would you recommend to the client before the procedure?
Abstain from food for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
Ventilation and Perfusion Balance (and Imbalance)
Adequate gas exchange depends on adequate ventilation/perfusion (V/Q)
Which is a true statement regarding air pressure variances?
Air is drawn through the trachea and bronchi into the alveoli during inspiration. -Air flows from a region of higher pressure to a region of lower pressure. During inspiration, movement of the diaphragm and other muscles of respiration enlarge the thoracic cavity, thereby lowering the pressure inside the thorax to a level below that of atmospheric pressure.
A patient visited a health care clinic for treatment of upper respiratory tract congestion, fatigue, and sputum production that was rust-colored. Which of the following diagnoses is likely based on this history and inspection of the sputum?
An infection with pneumococcal pneumonia
The nurse auscultated a patient's middle lobe of the lungs for abnormal breath sounds. To do this, the nurse placed the stethoscope on the:
Anterior surface of the right side of the chest, between the fourth and fifth rib.
The nurse is caring for a client with recurrent hemoptysis who has undergone a bronchoscopy. Immediately following the procedure, the nurse should complete which action?
Assess the client for a cough reflex. -After the procedure, the client must take nothing by mouth until the cough reflex returns, because the preoperative sedation and local anesthesia impair the protective laryngeal reflex and swallowing. Once the client demonstrates a cough reflex, the nurse may offer ice chips and eventually fluids.
The nurse assessed a 28-year-old woman who was experiencing dyspnea severe enough to make her seek medical attention. The history revealed no prior cardiac problems and the presence of symptoms for 6 months' duration. On assessment, the nurse noted the presence of both inspiratory and expiratory wheezing. Based on this data, which of the following diagnoses is likely?
Asthma
A client presents to the emergency department with fluid overload. The nurse is concerned about fluid accumulation in the lungs. On which of the following areas would the nurse focus the lung assessment?
Bilateral lower lobes - Assessment of the anterior and posterior lungs is part of the nurse's routine evaluation. Fluid overload should be monitored for accumulation in the lungs. Dependent areas must be assessed for breath sounds. The bases of the lungs are considered dependent areas. Fluid in the lungs will usually produce the adventitious sounds of crackles, most frequently auscultated in the bilateral bases of the lungs.
A client appears to be breathing faster than during the last assessment. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Count the rate of respirations. - Observing the rate and depth of respiration is an important aspect of a nursing assessment. The normal adult resting respiratory rate is 12 to 18 breaths per minute.
The nurse is assessing the lungs of a patient diagnosed with pulmonary edema. Which of the following would be expected upon auscultation?
Crackles at lung bases
The nurse is caring for a patient with a pulmonary disorder. What observation by the nurse is indicative of a very late symptom of hypoxia?
Cyanosis
Which groups of receptors assist in the brain's control of the respiratory system? A) Chemoreceptors B) Mechanoreceptors C) Proprioceptors D) All of the above
D. All of the above Rationale: - Chemoreceptors located in the medulla respond to chemical changes in the cerebrospinal fluid and work to maintain balance through increased or decreased respiratory rate. - Mechanoreceptors are located in the lungs and respond to changes in resistance by altering inflation of the lungs. - Proprioceptors are in the muscles and chest wall and respond to body movements to stimulate breathing.
Which ventilation-perfusion ratio is exhibited in a client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolus?
Dead space
The nurse enters the room of a client who is being monitored with pulse oximetry. Which of the following factors may alter the oximetry results?
Diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease
Which of the following clinical manifestations should a nurse monitor for during a pulmonary angiography, which indicates an allergic reaction to the contrast medium?
Difficulty in breathing
A client arrives at the physician's office stating dyspnea; a productive cough for thick, green sputum; respirations of 28 breaths/minute, and a temperature of 102.8° F. The nurse auscultates the lung fields, which reveal poor air exchange in the right middle lobe. The nurse suspects a right middle lobe pneumonia. To be consistent with this anticipated diagnosis, which sound, heard over the chest wall when percussing, is anticipated?
Dull
High or increased compliance occurs in which disease process?
Emphysema
Cyanosis is a reliable and early sign of hypoxia.
FALSE
(T/F) The only function of the larynx is vocalization.
False -Rationale: Another name for the larynx is the voice box, and a primary function is to create vocal sounds. The larynx also serves as a barrier to foreign substances entering the lower respiratory tract and facilitates coughing.
A client with sinus congestion complains of discomfort when the nurse is palpating the supraorbital ridges. What sinus is the client referring?
Frontal -The nurse may palpate the frontal and maxillary sinuses for tenderness. Using the thumbs, the nurse applies gentle pressure in an upward fashion at the supraorbital ridges (frontal sinuses) and in the cheek area adjacent to the nose (maxillary sinuses).
___________________ is the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract.
Hemoptysis
A client seeks medical attention for new onset of a cough and sputum production. The client is producing sputum that is yellowish-green in color. The nurse anticipates which action for these types of symptoms?
Immediate admission -Cough results from irritation or inflammation of the mucous membranes anywhere in the respiratory tract and is associated with multiple pulmonary disorders.
A nurse is concerned that a client may develop postoperative atelectasis. Which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate if this complication occurs?
Impaired gas exchange
What would the instructor tell the students purulent fluid indicates?
Infection
The nurse is in the radiology unit of the hospital. The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a lung scan. The nurse knows that lung scans need the use of radioisotopes and a scanning machine. Before the perfusion scan, what must the client be assessed for?
Iodine allergy
During a pulmonary assessment, the nurse observes the chest for configuration. She identifies the findings as normal. Which of the following would be consistent with normal assessment?
Lateral diameter greater than anteroposterior diameter -Inspecting the thorax is part of assessment of the respiratory system. Normally, the ratio of the anteroposterior diameter to the lateral diameter is 1:2. Chest deformities are associated with respiratory disease.
Lower Respiratory Tract Structures Two lungs, five lobes
Left: upper and lower Right: upper, middle, and lower in thoracic cage, is an airtight chamber
A client has just undergone bronchoscopy. Which nursing assessment is most important at this time?
Level of consciousness
________________ tract accomplishes gas exchange
Lower respiratory
A client has a nursing diagnosis of "ineffective airway clearance" as a result of excessive secretions. An appropriate outcome for this client would be which of the following?
Lungs are clear on auscultation.
Upper Respiratory Tract Structures
Nose, Paranasal sinuses , pharynx
A nurse practitioner diagnosed a patient with an infection in the maxillary sinuses. Select the area that the nurse palpated to make that diagnosis.
On the cheeks below the eyes
The nurse is performing an assessment for a patient with congestive heart failure. The nurse asks if the patient has difficulty breathing in any position other than upright. What is the nurse referring to?
Orthopnea
When assessing a client, which adaptation indicates the presence of respiratory distress?
Orthopnea
A patient comes to the emergency department complaining of a knifelike pain when taking a deep breath. What does this type of pain likely indicate to the nurse?
Pleurisy -Pleuritic pain from irritation of the parietal pleura is sharp and seems to "catch" on inspiration; patients often describe it as being "like the stabbing of a knife."
What is the primary function of the larynx?
Producing sound
The clinical finding of pink, frothy sputum may be an indication of which condition?
Pulmonary edema
A patient exhibited signs of an altered ventilation-perfusion ratio. The nurse is aware that adequate ventilation but impaired perfusion exists when the patient has which of the following conditions?
Pulmonary embolism
The client has just had an invasive procedure to assess the respiratory system. What does the nurse know should be assessed on this client?
Respiratory distress -After invasive procedures, the nurse must carefully check for signs of respiratory distress and blood-streaked sputum. Masses in the pleural space are a condition that affects fremitus. General examination of overall health and condition includes assessing the consciousness of a client.
A client with chronic bronchitis is admitted to the health facility. Auscultation of the lungs reveals low-pitched, rumbling sounds. Which term should the nurse document?
Rhonchi
Which ventilation-perfusion ratio is exhibited by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Silent unit
The nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo a thoracentesis. In preparation for the procedure, the nurse places the client in which position?
Sitting on the edge of the bed - If possible, it is best to place the client upright or sitting on the edge of the bed with the feet supported and arms and head on a padded over-the-bed table. Other positions in which the client could be placed include straddling a chair with arms and head resting on the back of the chair, or lying on the unaffected side with the head of the bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees (if the client is unable to assume a sitting position).
Lungs with decreased compliance require greater-than-normal energy expenditure by the patient to achieve normal levels of ventilation.
TRUE
Older adults have a decreased ability to move air in and out of the lungs rapidly.
TRUE
On assessment, the nurse would describe coarse crackles as discontinuous popping sounds heard during early inspiration.
TRUE
Rhonchi are deep and low-pitched snoring sounds associated with partial airway obstruction.
TRUE
For which reason does gas exchange decrease in older adults?
The alveolar walls contain fewer capillaries.
A client arrives at the physician's office stating 2 days of febrile illness, dyspnea, and cough. Upon assisting the client into a gown, the nurse notes that the client's sternum is depressed, especially on inspiration. Crackles are noted in the bases of the lung fields. Based on inspection, which will the nurse document?
The client has a funnel chest. -A funnel chest, known as pectus excavatum, has the sternum depressed from the second intercostal space, and it is more pronounced on inspiration.
The client is returning from the operating room following a bronchoscopy. Which action, performed by the nursing assistant, would the nurse stop if began prior to nursing assessment?
The nursing assistant is pouring a glass of water to wet the client's mouth. -When completing a procedure which sends a scope down the throat, the gag reflex is anesthetized to reduce discomfort. Upon returning to the nursing unit, the gag reflex must be assessed before providing any food or fluids to the client. The client may need assistance following the procedure for activity and ambulation but this is not restricted in the post procedure period.
In relation to the structure of the larynx, which describes the cricoid cartilage?
The only complete cartilaginous ring in the larynx
A client experiences a head injury in a motor vehicle accident. The client's level of consciousness is declining, and respirations have become slow and shallow. When monitoring a client's respiratory status, which area of the brain would the nurse realize is responsible for the rate and depth?
The pons
Which side of the lungs has three lobes?
The right side.
A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory system. Which alveolar cells secrete surfactant to reduce lung surface tension?
Type II
A nurse is discussing squamous epithelial cells lining each alveolus, which consist of different types of cells. Which type of alveolar cells produce surfactant?
Type II cells
__________________ tract warms and filters air
Upper respiratory
A nurse assesses a client's respiratory status. Which observation indicates that the client is having difficulty breathing?
Use of accessory muscles
A nurse caring for a patient with a pulmonary embolism understands that a high ventilation-perfusion ratio may exist. What does this mean for the patient?
Ventilation exceeds perfusion.
What is the difference between respiration and ventilation?
Ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the respiratory tract.
While auscultating the lungs of a client with asthma, the nurse hears a continuous, high-pitched whistling sound on expiration. The nurse will document this sound as which of the following?
Wheezes
Cyanosis,
a bluish coloring of the skin, is a very late indicator of hypoxia. The presence or absence of cyanosis is determined by the amount of unoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.
During a pulmonary angiography,
a contrast medium is injected into the femoral circulation. When the medium is infused, the client will feel warm and flushed, with a possibility of chest pain. The client will feel pressure when the catheter is inserted.
A hyper resonant sound is an
abnormal lower pitched sound that occurs when free air exists in disease processes such as pneumothorax.
Tachypnea is
abnormally rapid respirations.
Bradypnea is
abnormally slow respirations.
Pulmonary perfusion -
actual blood flow - influenced by patient positioning, pulmonary artery pressure and alveolar pressure
Ventilation is the
actual movement of air in and out of the respiratory tract.
If the cough is a recent onset it may be an ...
acute infection
Air pressure variances
air flows from region of higher pressure to region of lower pressure
Ventilation is the actual movement of
air in and out of the respiratory tract.
Tidal volume is the volume of
air inhaled and exhaled with each breath.
noisy breathing ➔
airway narrowing (tumor, foreign body, croup)
PAO2 is the abbreviation used for the partial pressure of ______________ oxygen.
alveolar
There are three types of
alveolar cells.
Type I and type II cells make up the
alveolar epithelium.
To palpate the maxillary sinuses, the nurse should
apply gentle pressure in the cheek area below the eyes, adjacent to the nose.
Assessment of the lower respiratory structures includes inspection, palpation, percussion, and ___________________ of the thorax.
auscultation
Purulent sputum, or thick yellow-green in color is a common sign of a
bacterial infection which would require antibiotic therapy.
The sphenoidal sinuses are
behind the nose between the eyes.
Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio (V/Q ratio) Normal ratio
blood flow matches gas exchange (1:1 ratio)
Airflow is decreased with atelectasis, which is a
bronchial obstruction from collapsed lung tissue. - If there is an obstruction, there is limited or no gas exchange in this area. Impaired gas exchange is thus the most likely nursing diagnosis with atelectasis.
If cough occurs in the morning with sputum it may be ...
bronchitis
If cough is severe or changing it may be
bronchogenic carcinoma
The larynx, or voice box, is a
cartilaginous framework between the pharynx and trachea. - Its primary function is to produce sound. While the larynx assists in protecting the lower airway, this is mainly the function of the epiglottis. Facilitating coughing is a secondary function of the larynx. Preventing infection is the main function of the tonsils and adenoids.
The central sulcus is a fold in the cerebral cortex called the
central fissure.
Respiratory System Works in conjunction with the
circulatory system
atelectasis
collapsed lung; incomplete expansion of alveoli
Upper Respiratory Tract Structures Pharynx -
connects nasal/oral cavity to larynx, passage for respiratory & digestive tracts
oropharynx -
contains tonsils tonsils - part of lymph system, fights infection
Wheezes, usually heard on expiration, are
continuous, musical, high pitched, and whistle-like sounds caused by air passing through narrowed airways. - Often, wheezes are associated with asthma.
Sibilant wheezes are
continuous, musical, high-pitched, whistle-like sounds heard during inspiration and expiration.
reflex that protects lungs from accumulation of secretions or inhalation of foreign bodies?
cough
Diagnostic clue
cough reflex suppressed by weakness, paralysis of respiratory muscles, prolonged inactivity, NG tube, depressed brain function cough stimulated by mucus, pus, blood, airborne irritant common causes: asthma, GERD, infection, side effects of medications (ACE inhibitors)
A patient with pulmonary edema would be expected to have
crackles in the lung bases, and possible wheezes.
Pleural friction rub is a
creaking or grating sound not affected by coughing.
When ventilation exceeds perfusion a
dead space exists. - An example of a dead space is a pulmonary emboli.
Sonorous wheezes are
deep, low-pitched rumbling sounds heard primarily during expiration.
Rhonchi or sonorous wheezes are
deep, low-pitched, rumbling sounds heard usually on expiration. - The etiology of rhonchi is associated with chronic bronchitis.
a sedative or narcotic is given to
depress the vagus nerve.
When monitoring clients after a pulmonary angiography, nurses must notify the health care provider about
diminished or absent distal pulses, cool skin temperature in the affected limb, and poor capillary refill.
atropine is given to
dry secretions
In carcinoma, the pain may be
dull and persistent because the cancer has invaded the chest wall, mediastinum, or spine.
Lung consolidation such as in pneumonia or fluid accumulation produces the
dull sound.
Compliance:
elasticity and ability of lungs to expand - increased in emphysema
High or increased compliance occurs if the lungs have lost their elasticity and the thorax is overdistended, as in
emphysema.
Respiration is the
exchange of oxygen and CO2 between atmospheric air and the blood and between the blood and the cells.
The frontal lobe completes
executive functions and cognition.
Upper Respiratory Tract Structures Nose -
filters, humidifies, warms
For at least 6 hours before bronchoscopy, the client must abstain from
food or drink to decrease the risk of aspiration. - Risk is increased because the client receives local anesthesia, which suppresses the reflexes to swallow, cough, and gag.
laryngopharynx -
from hyoid bone to cricoid cartilage
4 Paranasal Sinuses
frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, maxillary
Orthopnea A symptom of underlying disease caused by
heart failure, lung disease, COPD
stridor =
high pitched sound from partially blocked airway, usu. inspiration - Stridor = Emergency
A tympanic sound is a
high-pitched sound commonly heard over the stomach or bowel.
Bronchial sounds are relatively
high-pitched sounds.
if V/Q imbalance - can result in
hypoxemia.
When a blood clot exists in a pulmonary vessel (embolus),
impaired perfusion results.
Orthopnea is the
inability to breathe easily except when upright. This positioning can mean while in bed and propped with a pillow or sitting in a chair.
The vascular and ciliated mucous lining of the nasal cavities warms and humidifies
inspired air. .
A client has been newly diagnosed with emphysema. The nurse should explain to the client that by definition, ventilation:
is breathing air in and out of the lungs.
symptoms of allergic reactions to the contrast medium are
itching, hives, or difficulty in breathing.
___________ presents as the elevation of the scapula and a corresponding S-shaped spine.
kyphoscoliosis
The thyroid cartilage is the
largest of the cartilage structures; part of it forms the Adam's apple.
If cough is high pitched it may be ....
laryngotracheitis (croup)
A dull percussed sound, heard over the chest wall, is indicative of
little or no air movement in that area of the lung.
A dull percussed sound, heard over the chest wall, is indicative of
little or no air movement in that area of the lung. Lung consolidation such as in pneumonia or fluid accumulation produces the dull sound.
Foul-smelling sputum and bad breath may indicate a
lung abscess,
bronchogenic carcinoma
lung cancer; cancer originating in the bronchi
The client may need to hold his or her breath for short periods during
lung scans and for bronchoscopy.
Pink-tinged mucoid sputum is associated with a
lung tumor, and profuse,
Vital capacity is the
maximum volume of air exhaled from the point of maximum inspiration.
Expiratory reserve volume is the
maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a normal inhalation.
Following bronchoscopy, level of consciousness is the
most important assessment because changes in the client's level of consciousness may alert the nurse to serious neurologic problems.
A Black client with asthma seeks emergency care for acute respiratory distress. Because of this client's dark skin, the nurse should assess for cyanosis by inspecting the:
mucous membranes.
It is the function of the cilia alone to move
mucus in the nasal cavities and filter the inspired air
Pulse oximetry is a
noninvasive method of monitoring oxygen saturation of hemoglobin. A probe is placed on the fingertip, forehead, earlobe, or bridge of nose. Inaccuracy of results may be from anemia, bright lights, shivering, nail polish, or peripheral vascular disease.
A resonant sound is noted over
normal lung tissue.
The ethmoidal sinuses are located between the
nose and eyes.
The cricoid cartilage is the
only complete cartilaginous ring in the larynx (located below the thyroid cartilage).
Diffusion is the exchange of
oxygen and CO2 through the alveolar-capillary membrane.
When a blood clot exists in a pulmonary vessel (embolus), impaired
perfusion results.
Egophony may occur in patients diagnosed with
pleural effusion.
The nurse auscultates the lung sounds of a client during a routine assessment. The sounds produced are harsh and cracking, sounding like two pieces of leather being rubbed together. The nurse would be correct in documenting this finding as
pleural friction rub.
Sputum that is rust colored suggests infection with
pneumococcal pneumonia.
A low ventilation-perfusion ratio exists in
pneumonia or with a mucus plug.
Bronchial breath sounds occur in consolidation, such as
pneumonia.
A silent unit occurs in
pneumothorax or ARDS.
A silent unit occurs in
pneumothorax or acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Conditions associated with decreased compliance include
pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Absent breath sounds occurs in
pneumothorax.
nasopharynx -
posterior to nose, above soft palate, contains adenoids adenoids - part of lymph system
If cough is worse when supine it may be ...
postnasal drip (rhinosinusitis)
Pulmonary perfusion refers to the
provision of blood supply to the lungs.
frothy pink sputum may indicate
pulmonary edema, which would require immediate admission.
Pink, frothy sputum may be an indication of
pulmonary edema.
Profuse frothy, pink material, often welling up into the throat, may indicate
pulmonary edema.
Bronchitis usually yields a small amount of
purulent sputum.
Bronchiectasis and a lung abscess usually are associated with
purulent thick and yellow-green sputum.
The inspiratory and expiratory centers in the medulla oblongata and pons control the
rate and depth of ventilation. When injury occurs or increased intracranial pressure results, respirations are slowed.
If a client cannot breathe easily while lying down, there is an element of
respiratory distress.
The middle lobe of the lung is only found on the
right side of the thorax and can only be assessed anteriorly. It is located at the fourth rib, at the right sternal border and extends to the fifth rib, in the midaxillary line.
A pleural friction rub is heard
secondary to inflammation and loss of lubricating pleural fluid.
When the contrast medium is infused, the client will
sense a warm, flushed feeling.
airway resistance
size of airway, lung volume , airflow velocity
Trachea -
smooth muscle, C-shaped rings of cartilage at regular intervals, prevent collapse. passage between larynx and bronchi
Crackles are
soft, high-pitched, discontinuous popping sounds that occur during inspiration.
The Wernicke's area is the area linked to
speech.
Surfactant reduces
surface tension, thereby improving overall lung function.
Alveolar macrophages, the
third type of alveolar cells, are phagocytic cells that ingest foreign matter and, as a result, provide an important defense mechanism.
The arytenoid cartilages are used with the
thyroid cartilage in vocal cord movement.
The term for the volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath is
tidal volume.
Diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing are
two controlled breathing techniques that help the client conserve energy.
A mechanical ventilator assists patients who are
unable to breathe on their own.
The epiglottis is the
valve flap of cartilage that covers the opening to the larynx during swallowing.
A dead space exists when
ventilation exceeds perfusion (high ventilation-perfusion ratios). - An example of a dead space is a pulmonary embolus, pulmonary infarction, and cardiogenic shock.
A high ventilation-perfusion rate means that
ventilation exceeds perfusion, causing dead space. The alveoli do not have an adequate blood supply for gas exchange to occur. This is characteristic of a variety of disorders, including pulmonary emboli, pulmonary infarction, and cardiogenic shock.
Thin mucoid sputum is associated with
viral bronchitis which would require no use of antibiotics due to viral origin.
Larynx -
voice box. Connects pharynx and trachia -Epiglottis - valve flap covers opening to larynx when swallowing Glottis - the opening between vocal cords Thyroid cartilage - part forms Adams apple, used in vocal cord movement Cricoid cartilage - only complete cartilage ring Arytenoid cartilages - used in vocal cord movement Vocal cords - ligaments in lumen of larynx, produce sounds
Residual volume is the
volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximum expiration.
Lower Respiratory Tract Structures Pleura
•visceral pleura - cover the lungs •parietal pleura - lines the thoracic cavity, mediastinum, diaphragm, inner ribs. •small amount of pleural fluid between lubricates, helps with smooth motion