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Questions and Answers
A patient with a history of anxiety presents with rapid and deep respirations. Which respiratory condition is the MOST likely cause?
A patient with a history of anxiety presents with rapid and deep respirations. Which respiratory condition is the MOST likely cause?
- Dyspnea
- Orthopnea
- Cheyne-Stokes respirations
- Hyperventilation (correct)
Which of the following conditions is characterized by respirations that gradually increase in rate and depth, then become shallow and slow, potentially followed by a period of apnea?
Which of the following conditions is characterized by respirations that gradually increase in rate and depth, then become shallow and slow, potentially followed by a period of apnea?
- Hyperventilation
- Cheyne-Stokes respirations (correct)
- Dyspnea
- Orthopnea
A patient reports experiencing shortness of breath when lying flat, which is relieved by sitting upright. Which respiratory condition is the MOST likely cause?
A patient reports experiencing shortness of breath when lying flat, which is relieved by sitting upright. Which respiratory condition is the MOST likely cause?
- Dyspnea
- Hyperventilation
- Hypoxia
- Orthopnea (correct)
Which of the following is the MOST direct physiological consequence of hypoxia at the cellular level?
Which of the following is the MOST direct physiological consequence of hypoxia at the cellular level?
A dark-skinned patient is suspected of having hypoxia. Where would the nurse FIRST assess for cyanosis?
A dark-skinned patient is suspected of having hypoxia. Where would the nurse FIRST assess for cyanosis?
Which of the following signs and symptoms of hypoxia is MOST indicative of an alteration in mental status?
Which of the following signs and symptoms of hypoxia is MOST indicative of an alteration in mental status?
A patient with a history of heart failure is exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes respirations. What is the underlying mechanism contributing to this breathing pattern?
A patient with a history of heart failure is exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes respirations. What is the underlying mechanism contributing to this breathing pattern?
A patient with pneumonia is experiencing dyspnea. Which of the following compensatory mechanisms is MOST likely to be observed initially?
A patient with pneumonia is experiencing dyspnea. Which of the following compensatory mechanisms is MOST likely to be observed initially?
Which of the following best describes the primary role of a support worker regarding oxygen therapy for clients?
Which of the following best describes the primary role of a support worker regarding oxygen therapy for clients?
Supplemental oxygen is administered to clients with breathing difficulties via:
Supplemental oxygen is administered to clients with breathing difficulties via:
Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to directly cause hyperventilation?
Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to directly cause hyperventilation?
What potential risk is associated with administering excessive oxygen to a client?
What potential risk is associated with administering excessive oxygen to a client?
A patient is showing early signs of hypoxia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
A patient is showing early signs of hypoxia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
The role of setting up of the oxygen device is typically of which healthcare provider?
The role of setting up of the oxygen device is typically of which healthcare provider?
Before assisting a client with oxygen therapy, what key steps should a support worker take to ensure they are acting within their scope of practice and competence?
Before assisting a client with oxygen therapy, what key steps should a support worker take to ensure they are acting within their scope of practice and competence?
Which healthcare professional is authorized to prescribe oxygen therapy to a client?
Which healthcare professional is authorized to prescribe oxygen therapy to a client?
A client with heart disease reports chest pain. The physician has prescribed 'PRN' oxygen. What does 'PRN' most likely indicate regarding the oxygen administration?
A client with heart disease reports chest pain. The physician has prescribed 'PRN' oxygen. What does 'PRN' most likely indicate regarding the oxygen administration?
What is the initial step a support worker should take if they are unsure about the correct operation of the oxygen equipment?
What is the initial step a support worker should take if they are unsure about the correct operation of the oxygen equipment?
A client reports shortness of breath. Which of the following actions should the support worker take first?
A client reports shortness of breath. Which of the following actions should the support worker take first?
A client receiving continuous oxygen therapy is being transferred to another room. What is the support worker's primary responsibility regarding the oxygen equipment during this transfer?
A client receiving continuous oxygen therapy is being transferred to another room. What is the support worker's primary responsibility regarding the oxygen equipment during this transfer?
Which of the options is NOT one of the conditions to be followed before giving or assisting with any care described in the text?
Which of the options is NOT one of the conditions to be followed before giving or assisting with any care described in the text?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between increased effort to breathe and oxygen consumption?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between increased effort to breathe and oxygen consumption?
A client with altered respiratory function prefers to sit upright. What is the most likely reason for this preference?
A client with altered respiratory function prefers to sit upright. What is the most likely reason for this preference?
Why is it crucial to avoid adjusting a client's oxygen level without specific instructions?
Why is it crucial to avoid adjusting a client's oxygen level without specific instructions?
If a client is experiencing shortness of breath, which of the following physiological processes is most likely affected?
If a client is experiencing shortness of breath, which of the following physiological processes is most likely affected?
Which of the following observations would suggest that a client is experiencing altered respiratory function?
Which of the following observations would suggest that a client is experiencing altered respiratory function?
Which of the following statements best describes the role of a support worker in managing a client's altered respiratory function?
Which of the following statements best describes the role of a support worker in managing a client's altered respiratory function?
A client with a history of respiratory issues starts exhibiting increased anxiety and visible distress. What aspect of altered respiratory function is most contributing to the client's anxiety?
A client with a history of respiratory issues starts exhibiting increased anxiety and visible distress. What aspect of altered respiratory function is most contributing to the client's anxiety?
A client is experiencing shortness of breath on Exertion (SOBOE). Which activity would be most important to monitor?
A client is experiencing shortness of breath on Exertion (SOBOE). Which activity would be most important to monitor?
If a client with altered respiratory function reports feeling increasingly short of breath despite using oxygen therapy as prescribed, what is the most appropriate initial action?
If a client with altered respiratory function reports feeling increasingly short of breath despite using oxygen therapy as prescribed, what is the most appropriate initial action?
A patient presents with a persistent, harsh cough that sounds like a seal bark. Which of the following is the MOST likely underlying cause?
A patient presents with a persistent, harsh cough that sounds like a seal bark. Which of the following is the MOST likely underlying cause?
A client is experiencing chest pain described as 'stabbing' and worsening with deep breaths. This type of pain is MOST indicative of which condition?
A client is experiencing chest pain described as 'stabbing' and worsening with deep breaths. This type of pain is MOST indicative of which condition?
A patient's sputum is frothy and pink-tinged. Which condition does this MOST strongly suggest?
A patient's sputum is frothy and pink-tinged. Which condition does this MOST strongly suggest?
Why might a patient with significant respiratory distress assume a tripod position (leaning forward while sitting)?
Why might a patient with significant respiratory distress assume a tripod position (leaning forward while sitting)?
An elderly patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with increased shortness of breath and a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute. Which term BEST describes this respiratory rate?
An elderly patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with increased shortness of breath and a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute. Which term BEST describes this respiratory rate?
A patient with diabetes mellitus presents with rapid, deep respirations. Lab results reveal a significantly low blood pH. This breathing pattern is MOST likely:
A patient with diabetes mellitus presents with rapid, deep respirations. Lab results reveal a significantly low blood pH. This breathing pattern is MOST likely:
Which of the following is the MOST concerning finding when assessing a patient's sputum?
Which of the following is the MOST concerning finding when assessing a patient's sputum?
A patient is suspected of hypoventilation. Which set of vital signs would be MOST consistent with this condition?
A patient is suspected of hypoventilation. Which set of vital signs would be MOST consistent with this condition?
A nurse observes that a patient's nail beds are bluish in color. This finding is MOST indicative of:
A nurse observes that a patient's nail beds are bluish in color. This finding is MOST indicative of:
After administering an opioid pain medication, a nurse assesses a patient and finds their respiratory rate has decreased from 16 to 10 breaths per minute. Which term BEST describes this change in respiratory status?
After administering an opioid pain medication, a nurse assesses a patient and finds their respiratory rate has decreased from 16 to 10 breaths per minute. Which term BEST describes this change in respiratory status?
Flashcards
Ventilation
Ventilation
Movement of air into and out of the lungs.
Alveolar Gas Exchange
Alveolar Gas Exchange
Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange at the alveoli.
Gas Transport
Gas Transport
Blood carries O2 to cells and removes CO2.
Shortness of Breath (SOB)
Shortness of Breath (SOB)
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SOBOE
SOBOE
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Altered Respiratory Function
Altered Respiratory Function
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Orthopnea
Orthopnea
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Breathing Effort
Breathing Effort
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Report Breathing Issues
Report Breathing Issues
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Never Adjust Oxygen
Never Adjust Oxygen
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Oxygen (O2)
Oxygen (O2)
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Airway
Airway
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Supplemental Oxygen
Supplemental Oxygen
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Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen Therapy
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Oxygen Prescription
Oxygen Prescription
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Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapist
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Oxygen Dosage
Oxygen Dosage
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Safe Task Performance
Safe Task Performance
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Examples of Airways
Examples of Airways
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Importance of Oxygen
Importance of Oxygen
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Hypoxia
Hypoxia
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Hemoptysis
Hemoptysis
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Cyanosis
Cyanosis
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Eupnea
Eupnea
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Tachypnea
Tachypnea
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Bradypnea
Bradypnea
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Apnea
Apnea
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Kussmaul Respirations
Kussmaul Respirations
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Hypoventilation
Hypoventilation
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Wet-sounding Respirations
Wet-sounding Respirations
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Dyspnea
Dyspnea
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Cheyne-Stokes Respirations
Cheyne-Stokes Respirations
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Apprehension
Apprehension
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Anxiety
Anxiety
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Increased Pulse Rate
Increased Pulse Rate
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Increased Respiratory Rate
Increased Respiratory Rate
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Disorientation
Disorientation
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Study Notes
- Oxygen (O2) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is essential for life.
- Without oxygen, death will occur within minutes.
- Oxygen enters the body through the airway (nose, mouth, breathing tube, or tracheostomy) and goes into the lungs.
- Support workers often care for clients needing supplemental oxygen delivered via nasal tube or face mask
- It's crucial for support workers to be able to provide safe and effective care relating to O2 delivery
Oxygen Therapy
- Oxygen therapy is administering oxygen at concentrations higher than in room air.
- Only qualified healthcare providers can administer oxygen due to strict rules.
- A physician or nurse practitioner must prescribe oxygen therapy, including the amount, device type, and therapy schedule.
- Respiratory therapists or nurses typically set up the oxygen device and lead in respiratory therapies.
- Respiratory therapists are regulated professionals who assess, treat, and maintain heart and lung function.
- Some clients need oxygen constantly, while others need it for symptom relief like chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Only administer the prescribed amount of oxygen to avoid dangerously slowing the client's respiratory rate.
- Before assisting with any care, ensure the task is within your scope of practice, facility policy, and that you have proper training, equipment knowledge, and nursing review.
- A nurse or respiratory technician must supervise you.
Altered Respiratory Function
- Respiratory function depends on air moving in/out of the lungs, O2/CO2 exchange in the alveoli, and O2 transport to cells with CO2 removal.
- Shortness of breath (SOB) or shortness of breath on exertion (SOBOE) indicates altered respiratory function, which can be acute or chronic.
- Clients struggling to breathe may panic, become uncomfortable, visibly struggle, and prefer sitting up (orthopnea).
- Breathing difficulty is exhausting and dangerous; report observations promptly to your supervisor.
- Never adjust oxygen levels on an oxygen tank unless directed by the client's care plan.
- Increasing oxygen levels can sometimes harm the client, making them even more short of breath!
Signs and Symptoms of Altered Respiratory Function
- Hypoxia signs and symptoms
Breathing Patterns Indicating Altered Respiratory Function
- Abnormal breathing pattern
- Complaints of shortness of breath or being "winded/short-winded"
- Cough (note frequency/time of day)
- Dry/hacking cough
- Harsh/barking cough
- Productive (sputum producing) or nonproductive cough
- Sputum color (clear, white, yellow, green, brown, or red)
- Sputum odor (none/foul)
- Sputum consistency (thick, watery, or frothy)
- Hemoptysis (bloody sputum): note bright/dark red, blood-tinged, or streaked appearance
- Noisy respirations (wheezing, wet-sounding respirations, crowing sounds)
- Chest pain (note location, constant/intermittent nature, client's description, and exacerbating factors)
- Cyanosis (skin, mucous membrane, lips, nail bed)
- Changes in vital signs
- Body position (sitting upright, leaning forward/hunched)
Abnormal Respiratory Patterns
- Normal adult respiration rate: 12-20 breaths per minute
- Normal respiration should be quiet, effortless, and regular, with uniform chest rise/fall (eupnea).
- Tachypnea: rapid breathing (>20 breaths/min) caused by fever, exercise, pain, airway obstruction, hypoxemia.
- Bradypnea: slow breathing (<12 breaths/min) caused by drug overdoses, nervous system disorders.
- Apnea: absence of breathing; occurs in cardiac/respiratory arrest and sleep apnea.
- Kussmaul respirations: deep, rapid breaths characteristic of diabetic acidosis.
- Hypoventilation: slow, shallow, irregular respirations caused by lung disorders (pneumonia), obesity, airway obstruction, drugs, and musculoskeletal/nervous system issues.
- Hyperventilation: rapid, deep breaths caused by asthma, emphysema, infection, fever, nervous system disorders, hypoxia, anxiety, pain, and some drugs.
- Dyspnea: difficult, labored, painful breathing caused by heart disease, exercise, and anxiety.
- Cheyne-Stokes: gradually increasing rate/depth followed by decreasing rate/depth, with apnea lasting 10-20 seconds; linked to drug overdose, heart/renal failure, brain disorders, and nearing death.
- Orthopnea: shortness of breath when lying flat, relieved by sitting/standing; caused by emphysema, asthma, pneumonia, angina pectoris, and heart/respiratory disorders.
Hypoxia
- This is a deficiency of oxygen in the cells (oxia) resulting from abnormal respiratory function, caused by illness, disease, injury, or surgery.
- This is life threatening as cells will be damaged or die without enough oxygen to function.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypoxia
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Behaviour and personality changes
- Difficulty concentrating and difficulty following directions
- Apprehension
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Increased pulse rate
- Increased rate and depth of respirations
- Sitting position, often leaning forward
- Cyanosis (abnormal bluish condition in the skin, mucous membranes [lips, gums, around the eyes] and nail beds)
- Dyspnea
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Description
Overview of oxygen therapy for support workers. This lesson covers the importance of oxygen, how it enters the body, and the roles of healthcare providers in administering oxygen. It emphasizes safe and effective care in oxygen delivery.
