40 Questions
What do pulmonary function tests measure?
Lung volume and capacity
In a chest X-ray (CXR), what does an enlarged heart indicate?
Fluid around the heart
What is the purpose of a sputum culture?
Identifying respiratory infections
What is bronchoscopy primarily used for?
Visualizing airways
Which diagnostic test involves a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope?
Bronchoscopy
What is the primary advantage of using an MRI over a CT scan for imaging the body?
MRI provides better contrast between normal and abnormal tissue.
Which of the following is a key limitation of using MRI for medical imaging?
Patients with certain metal implants cannot undergo an MRI.
What is the primary function of a D-dimer blood test?
To measure the presence and amount of blood clots in the body.
What is the main purpose of performing a thoracentesis procedure?
To both remove excess fluid and ease breathing in the patient.
Which of the following is a key difference between a CT scan and a standard X-ray?
CT scans can create 3D images of organs and structures within the body.
Which of the following procedures directly visualizes the airways and lungs?
Bronchoscopy
Which imaging test uses X-rays to produce images of the lungs and surrounding structures?
Chest X-ray (CXR)
Which of the following tests uses ionizing radiation to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the lungs and surrounding structures?
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Which imaging test uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the lungs and surrounding structures, without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Which of the following tests evaluates the heart's response to physical stress and can help detect potential issues with oxygenation and circulation?
Stress test
How do bronchodilators promote oxygenation in the lungs?
By reducing bronchospasm and opening congested airways
What is the primary function of expectorants in promoting oxygenation?
Breaking up mucus to make it easier to expectorate
Why is inhalation the preferred route for administering bronchodilators?
To reduce systemic side effects
How does pursed-lip breathing differ from incentive spirometry in aiding oxygenation?
Pursed-lip breathing helps in exhalation, while spirometry assists in inhalation
How do anti-inflammatories contribute to promoting oxygenation?
By reducing inflammation and edema in the airways
Why is it important to exhale normally before using the spirometer?
To facilitate the elevation of balls or cylinders
How does a volume-oriented device differ from a flow-oriented device in spirometry?
Volume-oriented devices must be kept upright to function correctly
Why does a slow inspiration provide greater lung expansion than a brisk, shallow breath during spirometry?
Slow inspiration maintains alveolar ventilation
In spirometry, why should low-volume and brisk breaths be avoided when using a flow-oriented device?
They hinder lung expansion
How does sustained elevation of balls or cylinders in a spirometer ensure adequate ventilation of the alveoli?
By maintaining open air sacs for gas exchange
What is the maximum flow rate administered via a nasal cannula?
2 to 6 L/min
Which of the following is NOT considered a low-flow oxygen administration device?
Mechanical ventilator
What is the purpose of a chest X-ray (CXR) when assessing a patient receiving supplemental oxygen?
To assess for hyperinflation or lung consolidation
Which diagnostic test is most commonly used to assess the patency and anatomy of the airways when a patient is experiencing respiratory distress?
Bronchoscopy
What do pulmonary function tests typically measure?
The flow and volume of air during breathing
Which of the following is NOT one of the four components of respiration?
Diffusion of nitrogen and carbon monoxide between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries
Which diagnostic test is primarily used to visualize the airways and detect abnormalities such as tumors, inflammation, or bleeding?
Bronchoscopy
What does an enlarged heart typically indicate on a chest X-ray (CXR)?
Congestive heart failure
Which pulmonary function test measures the amount of air a person can forcibly exhale in one second?
Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)
Which imaging modality is most effective for detecting and evaluating lung nodules or masses?
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Which pulmonary function test measures the total volume of air a person can inhale after a maximum exhalation?
Total lung capacity (TLC)
What is the primary purpose of a sputum culture?
To identify the presence and type of infectious microorganisms in the respiratory tract
Which imaging modality is most effective for evaluating the structure and function of the heart and great vessels?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
What is the primary purpose of a pulmonary function test?
To measure the size and capacity of the lungs and assess respiratory function
Which diagnostic test involves the insertion of a thin, flexible viewing instrument called a bronchoscope into the airways?
Bronchoscopy
Study Notes
Impaired Oxygenation
- Caused by lower than normal number of red blood cells, reduced hemoglobin, or abnormal hemoglobin function
- Hypoventilation can occur due to slow or shallow breathing, diseases of respiratory muscles, drugs, or anesthesia
- Hyperventilation involves increasing breaths through a ventilator or manual resuscitation bag
Diagnostic Studies for Respiratory Function
- Sputum and throat culture specimens
- Blood tests: arterial blood gases
- Pulmonary function tests
- Visualization procedures: x-rays, lung scans, laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy
- Pulmonary function tests measure lung volume and capacity
- Chest X-Ray (CXR) reveals an enlarged heart
- Bronchoscopy allows a physician to visualize airways through a bronchoscope
- Computerized Tomography (CT) scan produces a three-dimensional image of the organ or structure
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic scanning technique that distinguishes minor differences in tissue density
- Ventilation/Perfusion Scan
- D-Dimer Test measures D-dimer protein fragment in the blood
- Thoracentesis removes excess fluid or air from the pleural cavity to ease breathing
Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)
- Evaluate a client's acid-base balance and oxygenation
- Arterial blood is used because it provides a more accurate reflection of gas exchange in the pulmonary system than venous blood
- Blood gases may be drawn by laboratory technicians, respiratory therapy personnel, or nurses with specialized skills
- Apply pressure to the puncture site for at least 5 minutes after the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Provides a graphic recording of the heart's electrical activity
- Electrodes placed on the skin transmit electrical impulses to an oscilloscope or graphic recorder
Echocardiogram
- Non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to visualize heart structures and evaluate left ventricular function
- Images produced as ultrasound waves are reflected back to a transducer after striking cardiac structures
Stress Test
- Assesses cardiovascular function during physical activity
Assessment Signs and Symptoms of Impaired Oxygenation
- Adventitious Breath Sounds:
- Crackles: air passing through fluid or mucus in any air passage
- Gurgles: air passing through narrowed air passages as a result of secretions, swelling, tumors
- Friction rub: rubbing together of inflamed pleural surfaces
- Wheeze: air passing through a constricted bronchus as a result of secretions, swelling, tumors
Interventions to Promote Oxygenation
- Medications:
- Bronchodilators: reduce bronchospasm, opening tight or congested airways and facilitating ventilation
- Anti-inflammatories: decrease edema and inflammation in airways, allowing better air exchange
- Expectorants: help "break up" mucus, making it more liquid and easier to expectorate
Techniques to Promote Oxygenation
- Pursed-lip breathing: breathe in normally through the nose and exhale through pursed lips as if about to whistle, tightening abdominal muscles to assist with exhalation
- Incentive spirometry: teaches clients to take slow, deep breaths, holding breath for 2-6 seconds to elevate balls or cylinder, maintaining lung expansion and preventing atelectasis
Test your knowledge on thoracentesis procedure and arterial blood gases (ABGs) evaluation. Learn about the importance of these medical procedures in assessing a client's health status and treatment options.
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