Med Surg Respiratory

Vesicular Breath Sounds

inspiratory longer than expiratory
heard over entire lung field except over the upper sternum and between the scapulae

Bronchovesicular Breath Sounds

inspiratory and expiratory sounds are about equal.
Often in the 1st and 2nd interspaces anteriorly and between the scapulae (over main bronchus)

Bronchial breath sounds

expiratory sounds last longer than inspiratory ones
over the manubrium, if at all

Bradypnea

slow respiratory rate, usually below 10 respirations per minute

Tachypnea

an abnormally rapid rate of respiration, usually >20 breaths per minute

Hypoventilation

Slow, Irregular Breathing

Hyperventilation

Increased rate and depth of breathing that results in decreased CO2 levels
Inspiration and Expiration are nearly equal

Apnea

period of cessation of breathing; time duration varies; life threatening if sustained

Cheyne-Stokes

regular cycle where the rate and depth of breathing increase, then decrease until apnea occurs
Associated with heart failure and damage to the respiratory center
-drug induced, tumor, trauma

Biot's respiration

periods of normal breathing followed by a varying period of apnea
associated with nervous system disorders

CXR

detection of pathology of the pulmonary tissue, pleura, mediastinum, thoracic wall and heart.

CT scan

assessing mediastinal tumors, needle biopsy can be performed with guidance from this scan

MRI

discriminates between mediastinal nodes and vascular structures useful in PE

Pulmonary Angiography

catheter threaded to the pulmonary artery. Uses are to aid in finding thromboembolic disease of the lungs and vascular changes associated with emphysema

Arterial Blood Gases

assess patient's oxygen transport function, the adequacy of alveolar ventilation and acid base status of the blood.

Respiratory Acidosis

increased CO2

Respiratory Alkalosis

decreased CO2

ABG nursing management

firm pressure to the site
5 minutes radial
10 minutes femoral
-assess for swelling, ecchymosis, numbness, tingling, pain

Spirometer

uses to test lung volumes and capacities.
Useful for pre-op eval of COPD patient
evaluate dyspnea
detect early stages of lung disease
evaluate effects of medications
follow progression of chronic lung disease

C & S

do not rinse or brush teeth
provide adequate fluid the night before to help in sputum collection
obtain first expectorate of the morning
instruct to deep breath and cough

Bronchoscopy

NPO for 6 hours
local anesthetic
post procedure- NPO until gag reflex returns
observe for hemoptysis, hypoxia, hypotension

Thoracentesis

assess for allergy
place in upright position
support arms
after needle is withdrawn, apply pressure
obtain chest x-ray
record amount and type of fluid removed
monitor A,B,C's

Rhinitis

common cold, inflames nasal cavities

Sinusitis

inflamed mucus membranes
-antihistamines
-decongestants
-hand washing

Antihistamines

may cause vertigo, dizziness, hypertension, urinary retention

Epistaxis

rich capillary network in anterior part of nose

cause of epistaxis

trauma, hypertension, leukemias, nose blowing

treatment of epistaxis

sit forward, direct pressure 3-5 inches of loose gauze packing, cautery with silver nitrate, post nasal packing, bed rest and abx

Cancer of larynx

Head and neck
2-3% of all cancers
More than 80% are squamous cell arising from the mucosal epithelium (80% men)
Cure rate is excellent when limited to vocal chords

Risk factors for cancer of larynx

Smoking and voice abuse
1. hoarseness
2. pain in throat
3. cough
4. dyspnea
5. mass in neck, weight loss, foul breath and general debility

Interventions of cancer of larynx

maintain airway and optimal air exchange
radiation 90% cure of early cancer with better voice quality
1. skin care of radiated are (carotid artery weakens)
2. High fowlers
3. scrupulous mouth care

Partial Laryngectomy

small tumor excision, one vocal chord
has temporary tracheostomy

total laryngectomy

for advance lesion
Entire larynx
Permanent tracheostomy

nursing care of tracheostomy patient

establish a trusting relationship
coping with altered self perception, body image, loss of ability to communicate
nutritional support pre-op
prevent aspiration
maintain airway
prevent hemorrhage
post op secretion control (Suction)
communication
tracheosto

Laryngeal Edema

medical emergency arising from anaphylaxis, urticaria, laryngitis, edema

symptoms of laryngeal edema

Partial: gurgling, snoring, stridor
Complete: absent breath sounds, loss of consciousness

endotracheal tube

a catheter that is inserted into the trachea in order for the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining a patent airway and to ensure the adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

tracheostomy tube

catheter that is inserted into the trachea in order for the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining a patent airway and to ensure the adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide

Respiratory Infections

acute tracheobronchitis
Pneumonia
community-acquired pneumonia
hospital-acquired pneumonia
PCP: pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia
Aspirator pneumonia

Community Acquired Pneumonia

Streptococcal/Pneumococcal
Haemophilus influenza
legionella pneumophilia
mycoplasma
viral
chlamydial

Atypical pneumonias

mycoplasma, viral-influenza and varicella pneumonias in adults are most common

Hospital-acquired pneumonias

bacterial staphlococcus, pseudamonus

pneumonia in COPD

viral pneumonia Hemophilus-influenza is life threatening to patients

HIV patients pneumonia

protozoal infections- pneumocystic carinii
(opportunistic protozoal pathogen
(mild fever, cough and dyspnea)

Pneumonia

classic inflammatory response, exudate of fibrin containing fluid, bacteria, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and erythrocytes fills the alveoli and enhance further bacterial growth
Alveolar hypoxia caused by underventilation causes shunting, hypoxemia
(alve

symptoms of pneumonia

cough, chest pain- pleuritic, chills, fever, lethargy
Dyspnea
Orthopnea
Tachycardia increases by 10 BPM with each degree elevevation

inspection of pneumonia

shallow respirations (30-40 per min), nasal flaring, accessory muscle use, cyanosis

auscultation of pneumonia

diminished breath sounds, fine crackles, later signs of consolidation revealed by bronchial breath sounds

percussion of pneumonia

dull to flat

palpation of pneumonia

increased fremitus

ABG's of pneumonia

hyperventilation may decrease CO2

Antimicrobial Drugs

based on results of gram stain and culture, clinical severity, presence of underlying disease and the presence of complications

bacterial antimicrobial drugs

antibiotics

fungal antimicrobial drugs

Amphotericin B

Viral antimicrobial drugs

non specific such as amantadine

Protozoa antimicrobial drugs

or trimethoprim PO, aerosol pentamidine
(these drugs are also given IV as needed)
Response within 24 hours after abx initiated

Medical treatment of Pneumonia

-Supportive treatment includes fluid, oxygen for hypoxia, antipyretics, antitussives, decongestants and antihistamines
-Administration of antibiotic therapy is determined by Gram stain results
-If the etiologic agent is not identified, use empiric antibio

Prevention of Pneumonia

Frequent turning and early mobilization
strategies to improve ventilation; deep-breathing exercises at least every 2 hours, incentive spirometer
-Strategies to remove secretions: coughing exercises, suctioning, aerosol therapy, and chest physiotherapy

Treatment for pneumonia

strategies to improve ventilation and remove secretions
treatments may include PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure
Bronchoscopy can also be used to remove obstruction

Collaborative Problems with Pneumonia

Continuing symptoms post treatment
Shock
Respiratory failure
atelectasis
pleural effusion
confusion
superinfection

Goals for pneumonia patient

Improved airway clearance
Maintenance of proper fluid volume
Maintenance of adequate nutrition
patient understanding of treatment and prevention
Absence of complications

Improving airway clearance

-encourage hydration: 2-3 L/day
(unless contraindicated)
-Humidification can be used to loosen secretions; face mask or with oxygen
-Coughing techniques
-Chest physiotherapy
-Position Changes
-Oxygen therapy administered to patient needs

Pleurisy

an inflammation of both layers of the pleurae
-Inflamed surfaces rub together with respirations and cause sharp pain that is intensified with inspiration

Pleural effusion

a collection of fluid in the pleural space, usually secondary to another disease process
-large effusions impair lung expansion and cause dyspnea

Empyema

accumulation of thick, purulent fluid in the pleural space
-patient is usually acutely ill. Fluid, fibrin development, and location will impair lung expansion. Resolution is a prolonged process

Pleurisy/Pleural effusion etiology

chemical or infectious related to cardiac or pulmonary disease, connective tissue diseases, or malignancy
-treating the underlying cause with antibiotics, drug therapy for congestive failure, or radiation for malignancy, as well as thoracentesis, analgesi

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

a severe form of acute lung injury
-Characterized by sudden and progressive pulmonary edema, increasing bilateral lung infiltrates on the cxr, hypoxemia refractory to oxygen therapy, and decreased lung compliance

symptoms of ARDS

rapid onset of severe dyspnea
hypoxemia that does not respond to supplemental oxygen

management of ARDS

intubation and mechanical ventilation with PEEP to treat progressive hypoxemia
Frequent position changes
Nutritional support
general supportive care

Pulmonary Embolism

thrombus that has traveled the venous system to the right side of the heart and into the pulmonary vasculature
-Most common type of embolism
-strikes more than 500,000 persons annually
may go unnoticed until autopsy

predisposing factors of Pulmonary embolism

1. deep vein thrombosis, prolonged bed rest, obesity, pregnancy and orthopedic casts, leg and pelvic fractures, diabetes, bums and IV drug users
2. coagulation problems precipitated by cancer, polycythemia, sepsis and estrogen replacement

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism

1. anxiety related to SOB and tachypnea
2. elusive signs- cyanosis, cough, hemoptysis, diaphoreses, hypotension, chills, fever, and mental status changes
3. auscultate: pleural friction rub
4. ABG's decreased O2- initially respiratory alkalosis- but progr

tachypnea- pulmonary embolism

as the blood flow to the pulmonary vessels diminishes-hypoemia- increased respiratory rate- chest pain

Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Chest x-ray
EKG
Ventilation/Perfusion scan (radioisotope)
Pulmonary Angiogram

Prevention of pulmonary embolism

exercises to avoid venous stasis
early ambulation
anticoagulant therapy
Sequential compression devices (SCDs)

treament of pulmonary embolism

Measure sto improve respiratory and CV status
anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapy

Embolectomy

opening the blood vessel in an attempt to remove clot
Patients who have massive pulmonary emboli

Surgical for pulmonary embolism

insertion of venal caval filter "umbrella"
Prevents recurrence-device traps emboli that have dislodged from a peripheral vein, keeping them from reaching pulmonary vessels.
Alternative to anticoagulant therapy.
-implanted under general anesthesia or percu

Pneumoconioses

Occupational lung disease
Cause of death of 124,846 people in the US between 1968 and 2000
Causative agents
Role of the nurse as employee advocate
role of the nurse in health education and in teaching of preventive measures
Role of OSHA

Lung Cancer

2nd most commonly occurring cancer in both men and women
often asymptomatic
5 year survival rate average 16%
-Leading cause of cancer death in women
- cough is the most common sign

Later symptoms of lung cancer

a change in character of sputum, blood tinged, think and purulent.
may develop dyspnea, wheezing

Metastases of Lung cancer

may cause chest pain, horseness, dysphagia, head and neck swelling, resulting in weakness, weight loss, anorexia and anemia

Small Cell lung cancer

20%, aggressive and spreads bilaterally, considered metastatic because of the usual spread to bone, liver or brain. Small tumor may respond to Tx.

Non Small Cell lung cancer

Adenocarcinoma: 40% in lung periphery and metastasizes to brain, bone, liver, kidney and other lung
Squamous Cell: 30% grows locally and causes atelectasis (better prognosis)

Diagnostic Tests for lung cancer

chest x-ray
sputum cytology
thoracentesis (if has pleural effusion)
Percutaneous fine needle aspiration complications
Bronchoscopy

Post-operative care for lung cancer

-Improved gas exchange
-VS every 15 minutes for first 2 hours
-pulse oximetry- greater than 95%
coughing and deep breathing
Head of bed 30-40 degrees
Pneumonectomy- position on operative side
Lobectomy- position on nonoperative side

radiation

as combination or alone. Complications include coughing, skin charges, dysphagia, dyspnea

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

collection of air within the pleural cavity, no external trauma (closed)

Traumatic pneumothorax

chest wall- laceration (fx ribs, gunshot) may be an open or closed.
Open is sucking chest wound

Etiology of pneumothorax

rupture of a bleb (air from ruptured alveoli) into pleural space, most often at the apex of the lung
-open-air enters pleural space from outside during inspiration, lung collapses, mediastinal shift to contralateral side then incomplete expansion of other

Closed Chest Drainage

Chest tubes, chest catheter is inserted into pleural space, the proximal end is attached to tubing connected to a water seal container

Purpose of chest tube

To remove air or fluid from pleural space
Aid in the re-expansion of lung tissue
Re-establish normal negative intrathoracic pressure
re-establish the mediastinal structure in normal place

Principals of chest tube

1. water seal drainage acts as a one way valve so that air and fluid may escape from the pleural space into the container
2. water seal maintains the negative intra thoracic pressure
3. water seal prevents air from entering the pleural space

Tuberculosis

infection most commonly found in the lungs
-caused by mycobacterium but may be spread to other organs

Patients at risk for TB

debilitated patients, malnutrition, cancer, chemotherapy, or steroids make persons more susceptible because of their reduce immune system. Higher risk if patients has lived in area where medical care is scarce

Etiology of TB

airborne transmission from coughing, talking, sneezing, laughing, singing, a single droplet nuclei
-bacteria multiply in the alveoli

symptoms of TB

fever, cough, night sweats
Diminished breath sounds, crackles or wheezes

Diagnostic for TB

mantoux - .1ml of PPD intradermally- read 48-72 hours after
Induration of .5cm is significant
AFB sputum, CXR, bronchoscopy

TB medications

medications are used in combination to prevent the formation of drug-resistant bacteria
1. Isoniazid- (liver toxic)
2. Rifampin
3. Pyrazinamide (PZA)
4. Streptomycin
5. Ethambutal
-instruct on importance of drug compliance. Test all TB infections as they

Nursing Interventions for TB

1. Isolation- place in a room with negative pressure and adequate airflow for two weeks or until clinical symptoms improve
2. Use a respirator mask when caring for patient (AFB precautions)

Prevention of Aspiration

-Elevated HOB
-Turn patient to the side when vomiting
prevention of stimulation of gag reflex with suctioning or other procedures
-Assessment and proper administration of tube feeding
-Rehabilitation therapy for swallowing

Atelectasis

Collapse or airless condition of the alveoli caused by hypoventilation, obstruction to the airways, or compression.

Cause of atelectasis

Bronchial obstruction by secretions due to impaired cough mechanism or conditions that restrict normal lung expansion on inspiration.
-Post Op patients are at high risk

Symptoms of atelectasis

insidious and include cough, sputum production, and a low-grade fever
Respiratory distress, anxiety and symptoms of hypoxia occur if large areas of the lung are affected

COPD

Emphysema
Chronic Bronchitis

Emphysema

permanent enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles, characterized by destructive changes in the alveolar walls.
-Called Pink Puffers

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic airflow limitation like emphysema, characterized by airway disease, daily productive cough for at least 3 months over a period of 2 years
-Called Blue Bloaters

Etiology of Chronic Bronchitis

Smoking, air pollution small % familial

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis

Breathlessness
Cyanosis
Edema
Bloated Appearance
Sputum production at least 3 months

Symptoms of Emphysema

Dyspnea on exertion
use of accessory muscles
Barrel chest and thin
Cyanosis rare

Assessment of COPD

Increase in A/P diameter, SOB, tachypenic, purse lip breathing
Palpation: Increase vibration
Percussion: Hyperresonance
Auscultation: crackling and wheezing
ABG's: hypoxemia, low O2 sat
PFT's: increased TLC, residual volume increased, expiratory flow decr

Risk Factors for COPD

Tobacco smoke causes 80-90% of COPD
Passive smoking
Occupational exposure
Ambient air pollution
Genetic abnormalities

Collaborative problems with COPD

-Respiratory insufficiency or failure
-Atelectasis
-Pulmonary Infection
-Pneumonia
-Pneumothorax
-Pulmonary Hypertension

Goals for COPD

-Smoking cessation
-Improved activity intolerance
-max. self management
-Improved coping ability
- Adherence to therapeutic regimen and home care
-Absence of complications

Improving Gas Exchange

-Administer Corticosteroids and Bronchodilators
-Reduce pulmonary irritants
-Directed coughing
-Chest PT
-Breathing exercises to help reduce air trapping (Diaphragmatic breathing, Pursed Lip breathing)
-Use of Supplemental oxygen

Asthma

(Reversible airway disease)
-Characterized by an increased responsiveness of the airways to various stimuli and manifested by slowing of forced expiration which changes in severity after therapy or spontaneously

3 Types of Asthma

1. Allergic Asthma
2. Idiopathic non allergic asthma
3. Mixed Asthma- may exist with COPD

Symptoms of Asthma

Cough, wheezing, dyspnea

Medications for Asthma

1. Bronchodilators: Beta adrenergic agonists, Antichollinergics, Corticosteroids
2. Inhalers-metered dose inhalers
3. Nebulizers- hand held propels medicine into the airways and lungs via microscopic particles in a mist
3. Oral

Oxygen Therapy

-PaO2 less than 55 mmHg or O2 sat less than 90%
-Symptoms: hypoxemia, include change in mental status, restless, confused, tachycardia, HTN
-Late Symptoms: Headache, hypotension (vasodilate), lethargy, drowsiness, bradycardia, dyspnea, cyanosis
-Devices:

Methods to maintain a patient airway

Cough, Incentive Spirometer, Moisture of oxygen, chest PT

Incentive Spirometer

Mechanical device, encourages deep breaths
1. Assist patient to semi-fowlers
2. exhale normally-inhale deeply through the mouthpiece and hold for 3 seconds- remove mouthpiece and exhale-cough-observe sputum
3. Increase goal by 100-200 for each successive

Chest PT

1. Chest percussion
2. Chest vibration
3. Postural Drainage

Pursed Lip Breathing

prolong emptying time from the lungs, and keeps airways open, exhalation should be twice as long as inspiration improves (3-4%), tighten abdominal muscles while breathing out, fold arms across abdomen while sitting then bend over while exhaling

Mechanical Ventilation

Process of delivering gases into the lungs by a mechanical device indications: inadequate ventilation and hypoxemia

Settings for Mechanical Ventilation

1. mode-positive pressure forcing inspiration- passive exhalation
2. Respiratory Rate (per minute)
3. FiO2- concentration of oxygen
4. I/E Ratios

Cystic Fibrosis

-Hereditary
-Median expected survival age is 37
-Respiratory manifestations: productive cough, wheezing, hyperinflation of the lungs (x-ray)
-Other: pancreatic insufficiency, abdominal pain, vitamin deficiences