Respiratory System Concepts

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Questions and Answers

Which symptoms indicate uncontrolled asthma?

Rescue drug needed less than twice weekly

Symptoms limiting activity once a week

Waking from night sleep with symptoms occurring three to four times a week (correct)

Daytime symptoms occurring only once a week

What is the primary goal of asthma management?

Achieve complete avoidance of allergens

Improve airflow and gas exchange (correct)

Reduce the frequency of rescue medication use

Eliminate all symptoms completely

Which type of asthma medication is classified as a rescue drug?

Long acting beta agonists (LABAs)

Corticosteroids

Leukotriene modifiers

Short acting beta adrenergic agonists (SABAs) (correct)

What test can help identify specific allergens related to asthma?

IgE skin testing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common characteristic of moderate persistent asthma?

Waking at night more than once per week Signup and view all the answers

What is a vital component of asthma management related to education?

Following an asthma action plan Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is an anticholinergic used for asthma treatment?

Ipratropium bromide Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of eosinophils in blood tests can indicate allergic conditions associated with asthma?

1-5% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of alveoli in the respiratory system?

To facilitate gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is associated with the pediatric respiratory system?

Obligatory nose breathing in infants Signup and view all the answers

Asthma in children is most prevalent in which age group?

10-17 years Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to bronchospasm in asthma conditions?

Contraction of bronchial smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the risk of asthma in children?

Genetic predisposition Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

To prevent alveolar collapse during exhalation Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by inflammation and increased sensitivity of airway tissues?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

What is one common physiological feature of infants regarding respiration?

Use of abdominal muscles for breathing Signup and view all the answers

What substance is primarily released by mast cells during an immediate allergic reaction?

Histamines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a non-allergenic stimulus that can cause bronchoconstriction?

Dust mites Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the late reaction in asthma?

Attraction of eosinophils and neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding is NOT typically associated with an acute asthma attack?

Decreased respiratory rate Signup and view all the answers

What type of assessment could indicate a decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) in asthmatic patients?

Pulmonary function tests Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a risk factor for asthma?

Previous lower respiratory infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a common environmental trigger for asthma that can lead to an exacerbation?

Seasonal pollen Signup and view all the answers

In what position might individuals with severe asthma exacerbations be found to alleviate breathing difficulty?

Tripod position Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is classified as a long-acting beta 2 adrenergic agent?

Formoterol Signup and view all the answers

What combination medication includes both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta 2 adrenergic agent?

Advair Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign indicating the need for emergency treatment due to asthma exacerbation?

Difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is an anti-IgE antibody used for allergic asthma?

Omalizumab Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of leukotriene inhibitors in asthma management?

Decrease the action of leukotrienes Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best describes status asthmaticus?

A severe, life-threatening asthma episode that does not respond to common therapy Signup and view all the answers

What environmental modification can help reduce asthma triggers related to dust?

Replacing carpets with wood or tile Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored to prevent toxicity in patients taking theophylline?

Theophylline levels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts

Gas Exchange is the central focus.
Interrelated concepts: Perfusion, Inflammation, Cellular Regulation.

Respiratory System Overview

Upper Airway: Comprises nares, pharynx, and larynx (housing vocal cords).
Lower Airway: Includes trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli (site of gas exchange).

Pediatric vs. Adult Respiratory System

Infants have less surfactant and smaller, undeveloped airways.
Infants are obligatory nose breathers and exhibit poorly developed intercostal muscles.
Newborns often experience brief apnea.
Faster respiratory rate and metabolic needs in pediatrics.
Eustachian tubes are relatively horizontal, increasing risk for ear infections.
Enlarged tonsillar tissue and a more flexible larynx, prone to spasms.
Children tend to be abdominal breathers.

Asthma: Incidence and Prevalence

Asthma can develop at any age, peaking between 10-17 years.
It's a leading cause of acute/chronic illness in children, prevalent in 8.3% of U.S. children.
Higher incidence in African American and urban populations.

Asthma Pathophysiology

Characterized as a chronic, intermittent disease with genetic and environmental influences.
Leads to airway inflammation and hypersensitivity.
Immediate Reaction: Allergen activation of IgE receptors causes bronchoconstriction through histamines and leukotrienes.
Late Reaction: Involves eosinophils and neutrophils which contribute to prolonged bronchoconstriction and hyperresponsive airways.

Asthma Assessment: History

Consider risk factors: family history, previous wheezing episodes, and respiratory infections.
Note symptoms like coughing (especially at night or post-exercise), shortness of breath (SOB), and allergies.

Asthma Triggers

Cold air, smoke, allergens (pollen, mold), respiratory infections, stress, exercise, environmental pollutants, specific foods, and medications can provoke symptoms.

Asthma Signs and Symptoms

Monitor vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate), check for wheezing, stridor, and chest tightness.
Observe for use of accessory muscles during respiratory distress and symptoms of anxiety or restlessness.
Symptoms may worsen at night and lead to difficulty with talking or eating.

Asthma Diagnostics

Laboratory assessments include pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2 monitoring, and arterial blood gases (ABGs).
Use of a peak flow meter for daily monitoring is recommended.
Diagnostic pulmonary function tests show decreased FVC and FEV1.

Classification of Asthma

Intermittent, Mild Persistent, Moderate Persistent, and Severe Persistent classifications exist for management strategies.

Therapeutic Management of Asthma

Aim to improve airflow and gas exchange through swift recognition of symptoms, adherence to action plans, trigger avoidance, medication administration, and education.

Asthma Medications

Rescue Drugs: SABA (short-acting beta-agonists), bronchodilators like Albuterol, Ipratropium bromide.
Control Therapy: Long-term anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., Budesonide), LABAs (e.g., Salmeterol), leukotriene inhibitors (Montelukast), and anti-IgE treatments (Omalizumab).

Emergency Indicators for Asthma

Symptoms necessitating emergency treatment include worsening cough/wheeze, lack of response to bronchodilators, difficulty breathing, or listlessness.
Signs of insufficient aeration or cyanosis indicate a critical state needing immediate intervention.

Status Asthmaticus

A severe, potentially life-threatening asthma episode that may not respond to standard treatment.
Requires urgent IV fluids, systemic bronchodilators, steroids, epinephrine, and oxygen.

Asthma Action Plan

Recommendations and resources for managing asthma episodes effectively.

Environmental Modifications

Implement changes to reduce exposure to Pollen and Dust, such as regular washing of bedding, avoiding certain materials, using air filters, and maintaining household humidity levels.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts of the respiratory system, including gas exchange, perfusion, inflammation, and cellular regulation. Test your understanding of both the upper and lower airway structures and their functions. Dive into the intricate details of respiratory physiology.