Respiratory System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a pulmonary embolism and what are its key signs and symptoms?

A pulmonary embolism is an obstruction of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus. Its key symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, tachypnea, and tachycardia.

Describe pleural effusion and at least two symptoms associated with it.

Pleural effusion is the collection of fluid in the pleural space around the lungs. Two associated symptoms are shortness of breath and decreased breath sounds.

What is the primary purpose of thoracentesis?

The primary purpose of thoracentesis is to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space.

List two signs of acute pulmonary edema and explain what it entails.

Two signs of acute pulmonary edema are cough and crackles in the lungs. It involves excess fluid in the lungs that can hinder breathing. Signup and view all the answers

What are some nursing care responsibilities for UWSD (Under Water Seal Drainage)?

Nursing care includes inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection, ensuring the dressing is intact, and documenting drainage volume. Additionally, it involves checking for bubbling in the water seal chamber. Signup and view all the answers

Define haemothorax and list its primary symptoms.

Haemothorax is the accumulation of blood in the pleural space. Its primary symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, hypoxemia, and hypotension. Signup and view all the answers

What types of artificial airways are commonly used in emergencies?

Common artificial airways include oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways, as well as endotracheal tubes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a colostomy and why is it performed?

A colostomy involves bringing a part of the large intestine through the abdominal wall to create a stoma. It is performed to allow waste to exit the body when normal bowel function is compromised. Signup and view all the answers

What are three key assessments to perform on a stoma to ensure it is functioning properly?

Check the stoma for amount, colour, and smell. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the purpose of verifying the position of a nasogastric tube (NGT).

To ensure the tube is correctly placed in the stomach for effective feeding or medication administration. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two indications for the use of a nasogastric tube.

Gastric obstruction and enteral feeding for patients unable to eat by mouth. Signup and view all the answers

What are the common signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction?

Chest pain, shortness of breath (SOB), and fatigue. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of a coronary angiogram in cardiac care.

It visualizes the inside of coronary arteries to assess blockages or abnormalities. Signup and view all the answers

What position should a patient be placed in after an appendectomy, and why?

Semi-fowler's position to reduce abdominal tension. Signup and view all the answers

What nursing care should be provided for a patient experiencing ventricular fibrillation?

Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

Chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath (SOB). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory System

Pulmonary Embolism: Caused by obstruction of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus from the right side of the heart.
- Signs & Symptoms: Shortness of breath (SOB), chest pain, cough, tachypnea (increased breathing rate), tachycardia (increased heart rate).
Pleural Effusion: Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs.
- Signs & Symptoms: SOB, chest pain, dry cough, decreased breath sounds, hypoxia (low blood oxygen).
Acute Pulmonary Oedema: Excess fluid accumulation in the lungs.
- Signs & Symptoms: SOB, cough, tachypnea, crackles in breath sounds, frothy sputum.
Pneumothorax: Air accumulation in the pleural space.
- Signs & Symptoms: SOB, chest pain, hypoxemia (low oxygen saturation in blood), tachypnea.
Haemothorax: Blood accumulation in the pleural space.
- Signs & Symptoms: SOB, chest pain, hypoxemia, hypotension (low blood pressure).
Hemopneumothorax: Presence of both air and blood in the pleural space.
- Signs & Symptoms: SOB, chest pain, hypoxemia, hypotension, tachycardia.
Thoracentesis: An invasive procedure used to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural cavity.
UWSD (Under Water Seal Drainage) Nursing Care:
- Inspect the insertion site for subcutaneous emphysema, infection, or swelling.
- Verify suction presence and measure suction amount in cm H2O (105-160).
- Check for air leaks, presence of bubbling in the water seal chamber, and swinging in the water column.
- Document drainage output on a fluid balance chart, ideally twice a day or hourly for significant volumes.
- Ensure a chest X-ray is performed to confirm intercostal catheter placement; daily X-rays required while in situ.

Emergency Airway Management Equipment

Artificial Airways:
- Oropharyngeal airway (Guedel)
- Nasopharyngeal airway
- Endotracheal tube
Suctioning Devices:
- Yankauer suction tip
- Suction catheters for oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and endotracheal use.

Gastrointestinal (GI) System

Colostomy: Bringing a portion of the large intestine through the abdominal wall to create a stoma.
- Stoma Nursing Care:
  - Assess stoma for functioning (amount, color, smell).
  - Monitor for flatulence and consistency of fecal matter.
  - Ensure stoma bag fits properly and is secure.
  - Check for signs of infection, ensuring the stoma is pink and healthy.
  - Document care and dietary needs, and place referrals for specialized nursing care as needed.
Nasogastric Tube (NGT) Indications:
- Gastric obstruction.
- Enteral feeding for patients unable to eat orally.
- Administration of medication for those unable to swallow due to GI disorders.
- Removal of gastric contents in case of poisoning or overdose.
- Aspiration prevention pre-operation.
NGT Nursing Care:
- Confirm tube position using X-ray or aspiration pH testing.
- Regularly flush the tube to maintain patency.
- Provide oral care and secure the tube adequately.
Appendectomy Nursing Care:
- Position the patient in semi-Fowler's to ease abdominal tension.
- Monitor vital signs and assess pain, administering medications as needed.
- Conduct wound assessments for signs of infection.
- Provide discharge education related to care.

Cardiac System

Myocardial Infarction: Prolonged blockage of blood flow to heart muscle causing damage.
- Signs & Symptoms: Chest pain, SOB, fatigue, lightheadedness, sweating.
Cardiac Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythm due to improper electrical impulses.
- Signs & Symptoms: Chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, lightheadedness.
Atrial Fibrillation: Rapid irregular heartbeats originating from the atria; typically no P-wave present.
- Signs & Symptoms: Chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, SOB.
Atrial Flutter: Regular rapid heartbeats from the atria with normal QRS complexes.
- Signs & Symptoms: Palpitations, SOB, fatigue.
Ventricular Tachycardia: Rapid heartbeat from the ventricles; characterized by absence of P-waves and wide QRS complexes.
- Signs & Symptoms: Syncope, palpitations, SOB, fatigue.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Disorganized rapid ventricular contraction; lacks P-waves and QRS complexes.
- Signs & Symptoms: Syncope, absence of pulse, seizures.
Coronary Angiogram: A procedure used to visualize coronary arteries to detect blockages.
Coronary Angioplasty: Procedure to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to improve blood flow, performed alongside angiograms.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Surgery to create new pathways around blocked coronary arteries in cases of severe coronary artery disease (CAD).
Cardioversion: Technique to restore normal heart rhythm in patients with certain types of arrhythmias.
Chest Pain Management:
- Monitor vital signs and blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients.
- Conduct pain assessments using the PQRST method and provide appropriate pharmacological interventions.
- Perform ECG to check heart activity and conduct neurological assessments.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the respiratory system, including conditions such as pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, acute pulmonary edema, and pneumothorax. This quiz covers definitions, signs, and symptoms of these critical ailments affecting lung function.