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Questions and Answers
What is a primary component of patient assessment in respiratory therapy?
What is a primary component of patient assessment in respiratory therapy?
Which diagnostic test is often included in a patient assessment for respiratory care?
Which diagnostic test is often included in a patient assessment for respiratory care?
In assessing a patient exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, which finding would be most uncommon?
In assessing a patient exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, which finding would be most uncommon?
What is likely indicated by distended jugular veins during a patient assessment?
What is likely indicated by distended jugular veins during a patient assessment?
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Which aspect is critical to assessing a patient's lung function in respiratory therapy?
Which aspect is critical to assessing a patient's lung function in respiratory therapy?
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A systematic process in respiratory therapy assessment includes which of the following elements?
A systematic process in respiratory therapy assessment includes which of the following elements?
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What finding might suggest obstruction of the pulmonary vein during a patient assessment?
What finding might suggest obstruction of the pulmonary vein during a patient assessment?
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Which statement best reflects the focus of respiratory therapy assessments?
Which statement best reflects the focus of respiratory therapy assessments?
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What is the most likely classification of the deep and fast breathing observed in a new patient upon arrival in the emergency department?
What is the most likely classification of the deep and fast breathing observed in a new patient upon arrival in the emergency department?
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What condition is suggested by the presence of a bounding and full radial pulse?
What condition is suggested by the presence of a bounding and full radial pulse?
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What does the absence of identifiable P waves with an irregular ventricular rhythm on an EKG most likely indicate?
What does the absence of identifiable P waves with an irregular ventricular rhythm on an EKG most likely indicate?
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Which of the following findings during lung auscultation would indicate consolidation in the right lower lobe?
Which of the following findings during lung auscultation would indicate consolidation in the right lower lobe?
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What is a significant disadvantage of using a pulse oximeter for monitoring oxygenation?
What is a significant disadvantage of using a pulse oximeter for monitoring oxygenation?
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In which situation is the use of neck muscles during regular inspiration typically observed?
In which situation is the use of neck muscles during regular inspiration typically observed?
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When you assess a sputum sample, which characteristic should you prioritize documenting?
When you assess a sputum sample, which characteristic should you prioritize documenting?
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What does a flat percussion note on routine chest percussion suggest?
What does a flat percussion note on routine chest percussion suggest?
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Which of the following might result in an SpO2 of 95% but an SaO2 of 67% upon further examination?
Which of the following might result in an SpO2 of 95% but an SaO2 of 67% upon further examination?
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What first step should you take when a patient does not respond after speaking to them?
What first step should you take when a patient does not respond after speaking to them?
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Which condition is most consistent with a patient experiencing dyspnea and uses their shoulders to breathe?
Which condition is most consistent with a patient experiencing dyspnea and uses their shoulders to breathe?
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What does the pitting sensation felt when palpating the neck of a patient likely indicate?
What does the pitting sensation felt when palpating the neck of a patient likely indicate?
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What does a respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min typically indicate in an unconscious patient?
What does a respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min typically indicate in an unconscious patient?
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Which imaging procedure is specifically used to evaluate arteries for abnormalities?
Which imaging procedure is specifically used to evaluate arteries for abnormalities?
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What is the primary purpose of using a high flow nasal cannula system for an adult patient?
What is the primary purpose of using a high flow nasal cannula system for an adult patient?
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In addition to standard precautions, what additional precautions must be taken before entering a room of a patient with severe influenza?
In addition to standard precautions, what additional precautions must be taken before entering a room of a patient with severe influenza?
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What describes the breathing pattern characterized by gradual increase and decrease in tidal volumes with pauses?
What describes the breathing pattern characterized by gradual increase and decrease in tidal volumes with pauses?
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What is the most likely cause of hearing a grating sound on inspiration and expiration while auscultating a patient?
What is the most likely cause of hearing a grating sound on inspiration and expiration while auscultating a patient?
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If a patient receiving oxygen via nasal cannula is hypoxic with a saturation of 83%, what should be the immediate action?
If a patient receiving oxygen via nasal cannula is hypoxic with a saturation of 83%, what should be the immediate action?
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What could explain distended external jugular veins in a patient positioned with her head 45 degrees above her legs?
What could explain distended external jugular veins in a patient positioned with her head 45 degrees above her legs?
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Following an SVN treatment, a patient's heart rate increases significantly. What is the best course of immediate action?
Following an SVN treatment, a patient's heart rate increases significantly. What is the best course of immediate action?
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If a patient has clear bilateral breath sounds but receives scheduled treatments with albuterol, what action is appropriate?
If a patient has clear bilateral breath sounds but receives scheduled treatments with albuterol, what action is appropriate?
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When a patient's WBC count increases and secretions thicken, what should be the focus of care?
When a patient's WBC count increases and secretions thicken, what should be the focus of care?
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What would you expect a patient in respiratory distress due to severe hypoxemia to exhibit?
What would you expect a patient in respiratory distress due to severe hypoxemia to exhibit?
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Which condition is most likely to cause a tracheal shift observed during patient assessment?
Which condition is most likely to cause a tracheal shift observed during patient assessment?
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What is a significant action to take when a patient demonstrates increased peak pressure but stable plateau pressure?
What is a significant action to take when a patient demonstrates increased peak pressure but stable plateau pressure?
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What is the likely recommendation for a patient with significant wheezing and increased peak pressures during mechanical ventilation?
What is the likely recommendation for a patient with significant wheezing and increased peak pressures during mechanical ventilation?
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What precaution is most important for a patient exhibiting signs of infection such as a temperature of 102°F and elevated WBC?
What precaution is most important for a patient exhibiting signs of infection such as a temperature of 102°F and elevated WBC?
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Study Notes
Patient Assessment in Respiratory Therapy
- Patient assessment is crucial for guiding respiratory therapy treatment decisions.
- It involves gathering vital signs, physical examinations, interpreting diagnostic tests, and reviewing patient history.
- Proficiency in assessment is vital for accurate and effective care.
- Assessment is a systematic evaluation of physical, emotional, and psychological health, gathering information for diagnosis and treatment.
- Patient history, physical examinations, and vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate) are key components.
- Diagnostic tests (imaging, labs) provide comprehensive understanding.
Case Study Questions (TMC Practice)
- Jugular Vein Distention: Right ventricular failure is the most likely cause.
- Respiratory Distress (24-year-old female): Expect diaphoresis, accessory muscle usage, intercostal retractions, and an abnormal respiratory rate. A normal respiratory rate is NOT expected during distress.
- Coma (61-year-old): Obtain medical history from family (prescription vials), or nurse. Do not request a blood drug screen directly.
- EKG (no P waves, irregular ventricular rhythm): Atrial fibrillation is the likely problem.
- High Heart Rate (ICU patient, 134 bpm): Anxiety or agitation is most likely.
- Abnormal Respiratory Signs (adult): Higher posterior ribs at end-expiration, use of scalene muscles at rest, decreased costal angle (90°) change during inspiration are abnormal. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min at rest is generally normal.
- Unresponsive Patient: First, speak to the patient. If unresponsive, gently shake the patient's arm, then call for help.
- Extremely Deep/Fast Breathing: Kussmaul breathing is a likely classification.
- Patient complaining of fast breathing and shoulder lifting: Increased work of breathing is a likely diagnosis.
- Asthma Attack: Improvement in airflow after bronchodilators, identified by wheezing.
- Neck Muscle Use During Inspiration: COPD, or another condition requiring increased breathing effort are causes.
- Sputum Assessment: Document sputum density and viscosity.
- Bounding Pulse: Hypertension or other conditions that increase blood pressure are likely.
- Abdominal Motion During Inspiration: Outward motion of the abdomen during inspiration indicates normal diaphragm activity.
- Uneven Pulse: Pulsus alternans (alternating pulse strength/irregular pattern) or pulsus paradoxes (decreased pulse during inspiration) are possible.
- Crepitations in Neck: A pneumothorax (air in the pleural space) is a likely cause.
- Bronchial Breath Sounds: Consolidation (fluid buildup in the lungs) in the right lower lobe.
- Pulse Oximetry Disadvantages: False results leading to incorrect decisions is a disadvantage.
- SpO2 vs. SaO2 Discrepancy: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a potential cause.
- Artery Abnormality Evaluation: Angiography is often used.
- Flat Percussion Note: Pneumothorax and atelectasis are possible causes.
- Unable to Obtain EKG Reading: Motion artifact is the most probable cause.
- High Flow Nasal Cannula Selection: To washout anatomic deadspace and assure a stable or fixed FiO2.
- Influenza Patient Precautions: Airborne precautions should be used.
- Cyclic Breathing Pattern: Cheyne-Stokes breathing
- Grating Sound on Inspiration/Expiration: Pleural friction rub.
- Patient with nasal cannula unable to breathe and low oxygen saturation: Increase the O2 flow until the SpO2 is at or above 90%, then call a doctor.
- Fluid Overload in Patient with Distended Jugular Veins: Fluid overload is plausible.
- Albuterol Treatment Problems: If heart rate or respiratory rate increase excessively during an albuterol treatment, stop the treatment, monitor the patient, and notify the physician.
- Scheduled Albuterol Treatments: Continue treatments if the patient is stable and no other problems have been identified
- Increased Peak Pressure in ventilated patient: Nebulize a bronchodilator.
- Patient with Infection and Thick Secretions: Obtain a sputum sample for culture and sensitivity.
- Chest Tightness, Left Shoulder Pain: Obtain stat chest X-ray is an option among the options given for further assessment
General Assessment Considerations
- Patient assessment is a key skill for respiratory therapists.
- Practice questions like the ones provided helps aid in exam preparation.
- Evidence-based research can contribute to better patient care.
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Description
This quiz covers essential elements of patient assessment in the context of respiratory therapy. It emphasizes the importance of gathering vital signs, conducting physical examinations, and interpreting diagnostic tests. Understanding these components is crucial for effective patient care and treatment planning.
