Respiratory Disorder Patient Care

Respiratory Disorder Patient Care

• The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange.
• External respiration is the exchange of gases between the lungs and the environment.
• Internal respiration is the exchange of gases between the blood and the cells.
• The respiratory system and cardiovascular system work together to deliver oxygen to the cells.
• Failure of either of these systems can lead to cell death.
• The upper respiratory tract includes the nose.
• Air is filtered, warmed, and moistened in the nose.
• Olfactory receptors are located in the nose.
• Sinuses in the head empty into the nose. These include frontal and maxillary sinuses.
• The pharynx (throat) is a passage for air and food.
• The pharynx is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
• The larynx (voice box) is made of cartilage.
• The epiglottis covers the larynx during swallowing.
• The glottis is the space between the vocal cords.
• The trachea extends from the larynx to the bronchi.
• The bronchi branch into bronchioles.
• The bronchioles lead to alveoli, which are the site of gas exchange.
• Surfactant in the alveoli decreases surface tension and keeps them open.
• The lungs have two lobes on the right side and one on the left.

Respiratory Assessment

• Patients may present with anxiety, confusion, disorientation, or decreased concentration.
• Restlessness may indicate respiratory distress.
• Skin color (cyanosis) may be dusky, grey, pale, or pale pallor.
• Respiratory rate, depth, body position, nasal flaring, and retractions are assessed.
• Collapsing of the chest wall during inspiration can be noted.
• Breathing difficulties may make talking and eating difficult.
• Wheezing, crackles, or plural friction rubs are abnormal breath sounds.
• Narrowing of airways can cause wheezing, heard during inspiration and expiration.
• Crackles are a crunching sound related to fluid buildup and are associated with pneumonia.
• Plural friction rubs are grating or creaking sounds associated with inflammation.
• Diminished or absent breath sounds indicate reduced airflow.

Respiratory Medications and Treatments

• Supplemental oxygen can be used to address hypoxia.
• Normal adult respiratory rates range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
• The patient's oxygen levels should be maintained above 92%.
• Oxygen therapy is used to treat or relieve low oxygen levels.
• Bronchodilators can be used to open the airways.
• Anticholinergics are often given to COPD patients.
• Corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation.
• Antihistamines can be used to treat inflammation-related symptoms.

Respiratory Monitoring

• Pulse oximetry is used to monitor oxygen saturation.
• Normal oxygen saturation is 92-100%.
• Lower values may indicate potential harm.
• Respiratory rate (number of breaths per minute)
• Respiratory depth and rhythm.
• Changes in breathing patterns may indicate impending issues.
• Ventilator settings (including tidal volume and pressure settings) are monitored.
• Chest X-rays or CT scans can be used to determine the underlying cause of problems.

Nursing Interventions

• Maintaining a patent airway and encouraging deep breathing and coughing are important.
• Communication with the patient (and family if appropriate) is necessary.
• Respiratory care should be delivered using a sterile technique