Respiratory Disorders and Clinical Findings

Respiratory Disorders and Clinical Findings

• Pink frothy sputum indicates Pulmonary Edema, often rising into the throat.
• Foul-smelling sputum may signal lung abscess, bronchiectasis, or anaerobic infections.
• PET scans provide more accurate detection of malignancies than CT scans and have equivalent accuracy to invasive procedures like thoracoscopy.

Chronic Conditions

• COPD represents a group of chronic pulmonary diseases, often linked with asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, causing airflow obstruction.
• Cor-Pulmonale refers to right ventricular hypertrophy due to pulmonary hypertension, leading to right-sided heart failure.
• Emphysema results in alveolar destruction, leading to overinflation, loss of elasticity, reduced gas exchange, and a barrel-shaped chest.
• Bronchiectasis is characterized by bronchial dilation, excess mucus, and can lead to cor-pulmonale.

Respiratory Symptoms and Emergencies

• Respiratory acidosis and respiratory failure are complications associated with late-stage emphysema and manifest with hypoxemia and hypercapnia.
• Sleep Apnea causes airflow obstruction, leading to saturation drops.
• Status Asthmaticus indicates a prolonged asthma attack requiring immediate intervention.
• Pulmonary Embolus is a blockage in a pulmonary artery by substances such as blood clots or fats.

Fluid and Infection Related Conditions

• Hemothorax is the accumulation of blood in the pleural space, which may necessitate chest tube drainage.
• Pneumonia involves lung inflammation from pathogens and is typically presented with symptoms such as fever and cough.
• Pleural Effusion refers to excessive fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity caused by hydrostatic or colloid osmotic pressure imbalances.

Diagnostic Tests

• ABG tests assess gas exchange in the blood by measuring pH, PaCO2, HCO3, and PaO2.
• Chest X-ray helps visualize lung lesions and abnormalities, important for diagnosing conditions like pneumonia and pneumothorax.
• Thoracentesis is employed for sampling pleural fluid or relieving fluid accumulation and requires careful monitoring post-procedure.

Treatment Options and Interventions

• Corticosteroids (like Decadron, Medrol) control inflammation in respiratory disorders.
• Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonists (e.g., Albuterol) promote bronchodilation and are preferred in inhaled form to reduce systemic effects.
• Mucolytics (e.g., Mucomyst) decrease mucus viscosity for easier expectoration.

Surgical and Invasive Procedures

• Lung Biopsy and Thoracotomy are interventions for examining or accessing lung tissue, respectively.
• Pneumonectomy involves the removal of an entire lung, while lobectomy pertains to the resection of a lung lobe.

Side Effects and Precautions

• Corticosteroids may cause elevated blood pressure, increased glucose levels, and thrush, necessitating mouth rinsing after use.
• Leukotriene Antagonists like Singulair help prevent asthma but may elevate liver enzymes.

Monitoring and Management

• Continuous monitoring is vital for patients on mechanical ventilators to assess the effectiveness of ventilation settings and patient status.
• The patient’s position during and post procedures can influence outcomes, such as placing patients on the unaffected side post-lobectomy.