Physiology of Respiratory and Cardiac Functions

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Questions and Answers

What physiological change occurs due to prolonged fever?

Increased protein synthesis

Increased muscle mass

Increased metabolic rate (correct)

Decreased respiratory rate

How does obesity affect lung volumes?

It increases lung volumes due to excess fat distribution.

It causes the lungs to fully expand.

It has no impact on lung volumes.

It reduces lung volumes from heavy lower thorax and abdomen. (correct)

What is a potential consequence of musculoskeletal abnormalities?

Increased risk of pneumonia (correct)

Improved lung expansion

Enhanced diaphragm function

Normal respiratory rates

Which condition might lead to impaired ventilation due to central nervous system alterations?

Myasthenia gravis Signup and view all the answers

What is often a result of chronic lung disease such as COPD?

Barrel chest and air trapping Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary initial symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women as they age?

Angina Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of chest pain is typically associated with myocardial infarction (MI) in men?

Pain radiating down the left arm Signup and view all the answers

Which lifestyle factor is NOT considered a risk for myocardial ischemia?

Excessive hydration Signup and view all the answers

In older adults, which of the following changes can lead to increased respiratory infection risk?

Enlargement of alveoli Signup and view all the answers

During which condition is chest pain relieved by rest and coronary vasodilators?

Angina Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the risk of mortality within the first year after a heart attack in women?

Atypical symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurs in the cardiovascular system as people age?

Calciﬁcation of heart valves Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of hypoventilation?

Mental status changes Signup and view all the answers

What initial symptom is frequently experienced by women when facing myocardial ischemia?

Fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is likely to lead to hyperventilation?

Diabetic ketoacidosis Signup and view all the answers

What does hypoxia primarily indicate?

Inadequate tissue oxygenation Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with left-sided heart failure?

Cough and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

Normal function of which part of the cardiovascular system is essential to avoid dysrhythmias?

Valvular function Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cause of dysrhythmias?

Severe anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is an effect of right-sided heart failure?

Dependent peripheral edema Signup and view all the answers

Which sign may indicate inadequate tissue oxygenation?

Cyanosis Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly increases the risk of aspiration in surgical patients?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of obesity in surgical patients?

Higher risk for pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

How does advanced age impact surgical risk?

It diminishes pulmonary function. Signup and view all the answers

Which postoperative complication is associated with fluid and electrolyte imbalance?

Dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What effect can anesthesia have on patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

It may worsen OSA and increase risk of death. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary symptom of tension pneumothorax?

Tracheal deviation laterally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of hemothorax?

Pneumonia or tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

What flow rate requires humidification for a nasal cannula?

4-6 L/min Signup and view all the answers

Which position is typically recommended for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?

Semi-Fowler or high-Fowler position Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of pursed-lip breathing?

To prevent alveolar collapse Signup and view all the answers

What does a sudden increase in bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicate?

A leak in the drainage system or pneumothorax Signup and view all the answers

For a patient with a PaO2 of 55 mm Hg or less, what is an appropriate therapy indication?

Home oxygen therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is a vital consideration when administering oxygen therapy?

It should be kept secure and stored upright Signup and view all the answers

How deep should chest compressions be during cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

2 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of respiratory muscle training?

To improve muscle strength and endurance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alterations in Respiratory Functioning

Hypoventilation: Inadequate alveolar ventilation leading to insufficient oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide elimination. Associated conditions include atelectasis and COPD. Symptoms include mental status changes, dysrhythmias, and risk of cardiac arrest.
Hyperventilation: Lungs remove carbon dioxide faster than produced by metabolism. Causes include severe anxiety, infections, diabetic ketoacidosis, and acid-base imbalances. Symptoms include rapid breaths, light-headedness, and numbness or tingling in extremities.
Hypoxia: Insufficient tissue oxygenation at the cellular level. Early signs are restlessness and dizziness. Late signs include cyanosis, increased heart and respiratory rates, and behavioral changes.

Alterations in Cardiac Functioning

Dysrhythmias: Caused by ischemia, valvular abnormalities, anxiety, or substance use. Can indicate underlying cardiac issues.
Left-sided Heart Failure: Causes pulmonary congestion, resulting in symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, and confusion due to tissue hypoxia.
Right-sided Heart Failure: Leads to systemic symptoms such as weight gain, distended neck veins, and fluid retention in extremities and organs.
Valvular Dysfunction: Acquired or congenital valve disorders. Prolonged fever can lead to muscle wasting, impaired respiratory muscle function, and increased work of breathing.

Conditions Affecting Chest Wall Movement

Pregnancy: Enlarging uterus causes dyspnea on exertion due to upward pressure on the diaphragm.
Obesity: Associated with reduced lung volumes, increased work of breathing, and higher risk of atelectasis post-surgery.
Musculoskeletal Abnormalities: Conditions affecting chest structure can lead to impaired ventilation and breathing difficulties.
Trauma and Neuromuscular Diseases: Rib fractures and diseases like myasthenia gravis may significantly decrease respiratory function.
CNS Alterations: Injuries to the medulla oblongata or spinal cord can impair ventilation.

Cardiovascular Issues

Myocardial Ischemia: Angina presents as transient chest pain relieved by rest; pain lasts 3-5 minutes. Myocardial infarction occurs due to decreased blood flow or increased demand.
Chest Pain in Men: Described as crushing or stabbing, often radiating to the arm or jaw. Pain persists longer than 20 minutes and is not relieved by rest.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Women experience higher risk post-menopause; may present atypically with symptoms like fatigue and back pain.

Nursing Knowledge Base

Developmental Factors: Young adults face cardiopulmonary risks due to lifestyle; older adults may experience stiffening of the heart and reduced lung function.
Lifestyle Considerations: Key factors include nutrition, hydration, physical activity, and avoidance of smoking.
Environmental Influences: Higher incidence of chronic lung disease observed in rural areas.
Pneumothorax and Hemothorax: Awareness of symptoms like dyspnea, tachycardia, and absent breath sounds is crucial; monitor for drainage system leaks.
Oxygen Therapy: Ensure safety in oxygen delivery; various delivery methods include nasal cannulas and masks with specific flow rates.

Maintenance and Promotion of Oxygenation

Oxygen Therapy: Administered based on prescribed guidelines; risks include combustibility and proper usage.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Perform at 100-120 compressions per minute; effective treatment of cardiac arrest.

Restorative & Continuing Care

Respiratory Muscle Training: Aims to improve muscle strength and activity tolerance through breathing exercises.
Breathing Techniques:
- Pursed-lip Breathing: Helps prevent alveolar collapse.
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: Increases tidal volume, beneficial for patients with pulmonary conditions.

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

Fluid Balance: Regulates electrolytes like sodium and potassium, impacting cellular function.
Surgical Risk Factors: Includes smoking, age-related risk, obesity, and potential complications like aspiration and VTE.
Anesthesia Risks: Important to evaluate individual patient conditions to minimize the risk during surgery.

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Description

This quiz explores alterations in respiratory and cardiac functioning, including hypoventilation, hyperventilation, hypoxia, and dysrhythmias. Understand the symptoms, causes, and implications of these conditions to better grasp human physiology. Ideal for students in healthcare fields.