Medical Surgical (MS) Lecture Respiratory System: Alteration in Oxygenation
Medical Surgical (MS) Lecture Respiratory System: Alteration in Oxygenation
Medical Surgical (MS) Lecture Respiratory System: Alteration in Oxygenation
ORGANS AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
❖ NOSE
− Organ for smelling
− Supported by nasal bones and cartilages that is from our facial structure
− Anterior nares (2 nostrils); external opening which air can enter and leave the nasal cavity
− There are internal hairs that guard the nostrils this prevents entry of large particles carried by the air
INTERNAL PORTIONS
❖ NASAL CAVITY
− Hollow space behind the nose
− Separated by the Nasal Septum which is composed of bone and cartilage
− Which is divided intro (3) passageways by the Nasal Conchae
− Mucus secretions are moved by the action of Cilia
Note
− Nasal Septum is usually straight at birth but it can bend as the result of birth injury, the septum bend one side
or the other one if such deviated septum is severe, it may obstruct the nasal cavity which makes BREATHING
DIFFICULT
Notes:
Air coming from outside, going upward to the NOSE to the inside of our body through the NASOPHARYNX
going to the LUNGS
If there is a difficulty of breathing/ shortness of breath one particular intervention is to give artificial oxygen
(O2)
If it’s a dry air, then there’s a possibility that the mucus membrane of the nose might dry up and that will be
a PROBLEM. THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO HUMIDIFY IT with HUMIDIFIER.
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK FOR THE LEVEL OF FLUID/WATER ON THE HUMIDIFIER; IF ITS EMPTY
THEN YOU’RE GIVING THE CLIENT A DRY AIR
❖ PARANASAL SINUSES
− Four pairs of bony activities
− These paranasal sinuses are AIR FILLED spaces
o Frontal
o Ethmoidal
o Sphenoidal
o Maxillary
− Opens into the nasal cavity it is lined with nasal mucosa and ciliated pseudostratified
columnar epithelium
❖ PHARYNX (Throat)
− Space behind the oral cavity, nasal
cavity and larynx; tubelike structure
connecting the nasal and oral cavities to
the larynx
❖ LARYNX (Voice
box)
− Made of cartilaginous
epithelium lined
structure which
connects the
pharynx to the
trachea
− A valve flap of cartilage covering the opening of the larynx during swallowing
o Glottis
o Arythenoid Cartilage
Although the
major function of
the larynx is
vocalization, it
also protects the
lower airway
from foreign
substances and
facilitates
coughing, it is,
therefore
sometimes
referred to as
the
“WATCHDOG
OF THE
LUNGS”
Changing the
shapes of the pharynx and oral cavity and using the tongue and lips transform the sounds into words
B. Lower Respiratory Tract (LRT)
− Passages between the larynx and the bronchi; which primarily air
− Conducts air between the larynx and the bronchi
❖ LUNGS
− Paired elastic structure enclosed in the
thoracic cage
− Air movement
o Inspiration- Inhalation
o Expiration- Exhalation
− ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE- Provides
the force that moves air into the lungs
− The Visceral and Parietal Pleura are almost entirely in contact with each other; The potential space
between them is called the Pleural cavity it has a thin film of serous fluid that lubricates surfaces; It
won’t produce friction as they move against one another during breathing; this fluid helps hold the
pleural membranes together.
❖ PLEURA
− Lining of the lungs, layers of serous membrane
− Visceral Pleura
o Covers the lungs
− Parietal Pleura
o Lines the thorax
− Pleural Fluid
o Fluid between the pleura permitting smooth motion of
the lungs
❖ MEDIASTINUM
❖ LOBES
− Left lung
o Upper
o Lower lobes
− Right lung
o Upper
o Middle
o Lowe lobes
− Each lobe is subdivided into two or five segments separated fissures
o Shorter
o More vertical
Left Bronchus
o Narrower
o Longer
o More horizontal
Notes:
From the Trachea down to the Bronchial tree which branches from the two different airways; Left and Right
th
bronchi which is at the level of the 5 thoracic vertebra; Each bronchus enters in each perspective lung from
there you’ll see the Alveoli where the blood exchange, oxygenation, carbon dioxide is being done or
processed
❖ ALVEOLI
− Acinus (Acini)
o Respiratory unit
− Consist of:
o Respiratory bronchiole
o Alveolar duct
o Alveolar sac
− Functions for Gas exchange
− Oxygen breathing from the air passes from the alveoli into the blood and travels to the tissues
throughout the body
SUMMARY
PART DESCRIPTION FUCNTION
NOSE Part of face Nostrils provide entrance
centered above to nasal cavity; Internal
mouth, in and hairs begin to filter
below space incoming air
between eyes
NASAL Hollow space Conducts air to pharynx;
CAVITY behind nose mucous lining filter
warms, and moistens
incoming air
PARANASAL Hollow spaces in Reduce weight of skull;
SINUSES certain skull bones serve as resonant
chambers
PHARYNX Chamber behind Passageway for air
nasal cavity, oral moving from nasal cavity
cavity, and larynx to larynx and for food
moving from oral cavity
to esophagus
LARYNX Enlargement at top Passageway for air;
of trachea prevents foreign objects
from entering trachea;
houses vocal cords
TRACHEA Flexible tube that Passageway for air;
connects larynx mucous lining continues
with bronchial tree to filter particles from
incoming air
BRONCHIAL Branched tubes Conducts air from
TREE that lead from trachea to alveoli;
trachea to alveoli mucous lining continues
to filter incoming air
LUNGS Soft, cone-shaped Contain air passages,
organs that occupy alveoli, blood vessels,
a large portion of connective tissues,
the thoracic cavity lymphatic vessels, and
nerves
Physiology of Respiration:
− Air will pass through nasal cavity, air exchange will occur
(composition of oxygen, nitrogen, water, helium and carbon dioxide) muscles on our diaphragm helps the
ability of the respiration process; The muscles contract during inhalation lifting the ribs and pulling them
outward the diaphragm moves downward enlarging the chest cavity reduction air pressure cause air to enter
the lungs and expiration reverse these steps
NURSING ASSESSMENT
CLINICAL HISTORY
o Accumulation of mucus
o Sputum production
o Cough
o Fatigue
o Weakness
o SOB
Notes:
Monitor the signs of any condition that would suggest that your client has problems with breathing. Ask your
client, know the significance of observation, and history taking. The subjective (what the client states) and
objective (overt or observable) cues
❖ CYANOSIS
− Bluish discoloration of Fingernails
− Lack of Oxygen that circulate in RBCs; this occurs when you don’t have enough Oxygen in the blood making
the skin or membrane turn into purplish blue color
❖ CLUBBING
− Occurs when the soft tissues on the fingertip is
becoming swollen or spongy; this straightens the
natural curvature of the nail bed causing club
appearance
❖ HEMOPTYSIS
− Couching of (bright red or rust) that may be admixed
with sputum and frothy
❖ HEMATEMESIS
− Vomiting of blood; dark red or brown maybe mixed
with food particles
FAMILY HISTORY
SOCIAL HISTORY
ENVIRONMENTAL/LIFESTYLE PATTERNS
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
− Vital signs
o RR - 12-20 bpm
o HR - 60-100 bpm
o BP
o T
o Pain scale
INSPECTION
o Barrel chest
o Funnel chest
o Pigeon chest
o Lordotic
o Kyphosis
− Vital component of the respiratory system. position, changes disturbance, joint orientation around the chest
wall, and results in performance modification of the respiratory muscles and movement surrounding the
ribcage and abdomen
CHEST CONFIGURATIONS
a. BARREL CHEST
− Occurs as a result of overinflation of the lungs,
which increases the anteroposterior diameter of the
thorax. It occurs with aging and is a hallmark sign
of emphysema and Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
d. KYPHOSCOLIOSIS
− Characterized by elevation of the scapula
with corresponding S shaped spine.
This deformity limits lung expansion
within the thorax and occurs with
osteoporosis and other skeletal
disorders;
o Scoliosis is either the left or right side curvature of the spine, either c or s shaped.
PALPATION
− Tapping the body with the fingertips to evaluate the size, borders and consistency of some of the internal
organs
AUSCULTATION
(3) NORMAL BREATH SOUNDS:
a. Inspiratory stridor
− High pitched wheezing sound as air enter the trachea and the bronchi
− Usually appears in inspiration which is seen in patients with laryngomalacia, foreign bodies, tumors,
infections.
o This usually happens when there is blockage of air in the oral cavity that is why there is a
high pitched wheezing sound
b. Rales/Rhonchi/Crackles
− Also known as adventitious breath sounds, which most likely means there is an accumulation
of fluid in the lungs
− Discrete non continuous sound resulting from a delayed reopening of a deflated airway
− Indicates underlying inflammation or congestion -usually seen in pneumonia, bronchitis, heart
failure, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis
c. Wheezes
− Usually as a result of narrowing of the airway, producing a vibration in the larynx and transmitted
to the chest wall
❖ EUPNIA
− Normal, breathing at 14-20 breaths/min
❖ BRADYPNEA
− Slower than normal rate (<10 breaths/min) with normal depth and regular rhythm. associated with
increased intracranial pressure, brain injury, and drug overdose
❖ TACHYPNEA
− Rapid shallow breathing >24 breaths/min. associated with pneumonia, pulmonary edema, metabolic
acidosis, septicemia, severe pain, rib fracture
❖ HYPOVENTILATION
− Shallow irregular breathing
❖
HYPERPNEA
❖ APNEA
− Period of cessation of breathing, time duration varies, apnea may occur briefly during other breathing
disorders, such as with sleep apnea, life threatening if sustained.
❖ CHEYNE- STROKE
− Regular cycle where the rate and depth of breathing
increase, then decrease until apnea (usually about
20 seconds) occurs.
− Duration of apnea may vary and progressively lengthen, therefore it is timed and reported.
Associated with heart failure, and damage to the respiratory center (drug induced, tumor, trauma)
❖ BIOT’S RESPIRATION
Periods of normal breathing (3-4 breaths), followed by varying period of apnea (usually 10-60 seconds).
− Also known as Ataxic breathing, associated with complete irregularity. associated with respiratory
depression resulting from drug overdose and brain injury, normally at the level of the medulla
❖ OBSTRUCTIVE
− Prolonged expiratory phase or respiration. associated with airway narrowing and seen in asthma,
COPD, and bronchitis
LUNG CAPACITIES
TERM SYMB DESCRIPT NORMAL SIGNIFICANCE
OL ION VALUE
VITAL VC The A decrease
CAPACITY maximum in vital
volume of capacity
air exhaled may be
from the found in
point of neuromuscu
maximum lar disease,
inspiration: generalized
VC= TV fatigue,
+IRV + atelectasis,
ERV pulmonary
4600ml edema,
COPD, and
obesity
INSPIRATO IC The 3500ml A decrease
RY maximum in
CAPACITY volume of inspiratory
air inhaled capacity
after may
normal indicate
expiration: restrictive
IC- TV + disease. It
IRV may also be
deceased in
obesity
FUNCTIONA FRC The 2300ml Functional
L RESIDUAL volume of residual
CAPACITY air capacity
remaining may be
in the lungs increased
after a with COPD
normal and
expiration: decreased
FRC= ERV in ARDS
+ RV and Obesity
TOTAL TLC The 5800ml Total lung
LUNG volume of capacity
CAPACITY air in the may be
lungs after decreased
a maximum with
inspiration restrictive
TLC- TV + disease
IRV +ERV such as
+ RV atelectasis
and
pneumonia
and
increased in
COPD
Notes:
Different efforts in breathing move different volumes of air in and out of the lungs.
− ABG
Arterial Blood Gas
○ Allen's Test- standard test to assess arterial blood supply of hand; radial artery harvesting
How to perform:
→ ask client to clench palm
→ occlude ulnar and radial artery (wait for 3-5 minutes)
→ Put finger on radial and ulnar artery
→ observe for flushes (after 5-15 secs, hands turns red = indication of good blood flow = positive test; if hand
is still pale = not good blood flow, not good site collection = negative test = check other hand for site)
Post test
Cultures
● Chest X ray
● CT scan
● MRI
● Fluoroscopic Studies
● Pulmonary Angiography
● Lung Scans
Nursing Intervention
Pulmonary Angiography
Endoscopic studies
Bronchoscopy
● Rigid Bronchoscope
○ Hollow metal tube with light at its end
used for removal of foreign body,
see the source of massive hemoptysis
and perform Endobronchial surgery
○ Performed at the OR
Complications
○ Allergy to anesthesia
○ Infection due to instrumentation
○ Aspiration
○ Bronchospasm
○ Hypoxemia
○ Pneumothorax
○ Bleeding
○ Perforation
Nursing Interventions
Pre-Test/Intra-test
Nursing Interventions
• Follow up the patients at a health care facility or at home
• Minor activity restrictions
• Monitor for any shortness of breath
• Monitor chest drainage if with CTT
Thoracentesis
• Pleural Biopsy
- Need to remove a sample of the pleura
- The biopsy is done to check the pleura for any disease or infection
• Lung Biopsy
• Lymph node Biopsy
Pulse Oximeter
- Involves placing a hollow plastic tube between the ribs and into the chest to drain fluid or air around the
lungs.
- Directly inserted into the pleural space to drain the fluid or air
- Observe the fluid every 15 minutes
- Observe the color, consistency, and the amount of drainage
- Proper documentation should include amount, color, and the presence of any clots in the drainage
Thoracotomy
-
A surgical procedure in which a cut is made between the ribs to see and reach the lungs or other
organs in the chest or thorax.
Inhalational therapy
Nebulization
- This can only provide 4-6 liters per minute of supplemental oxygen.
- A type of low-flow oxygen device
- Nasal prongs may be a good alternative for toddlers
- Allows oxygen in variable concentration of oxygen to be delivered directly to the nasal cavity.
- Provides about 24-45% of oxygen with the appropriate oxygen flow rate of about 1-2 liters per minute (most
safest).
Partial Rebreather Mask
- This delivers about moderate to high concentration of oxygen. It has a reservoir bag which is required to
ensure that it remains inflated; if it is deflated exhaled air collects in it, which results that the patient will
rebreathe exhaled carbon dioxide
- The delivered oxygen can be as high as 60% but percentage varies depends on the rate and depth of the
patients breathing.
Face tent
- This device fits under the patient’s chin and encircles the faces. It is used primarily for humidification and for
oxygen only if the patient will not tolerate a tight-fitting mask.
- Check for the auto saturation (if it is effective)
Venturi mask
- pressured canister
- handheld device
- use of propellants to deliver dose on the lungs of the patient.
- Usually used for those patients who has asthma.
Mechanical Ventilation
- Group of physical techniques that improve lung function and will help clients to breath better
• Principles
• o Chest Percussion
• o Chest Vibration
• When done manually, the person’s performing the vibration places his or her hands
against the patient chest and creates vibrations by quickly contracting and relaxing arm
and shoulder muscles while the patient exhales.
o Postural Drainage
▪ Helps to expand the lungs and strengthens the breathing muscles and loosens and
improves drainage of thick lung secretions
▪ Perform as the patient breathes deeply
• Goal of CPT o Remove bronchial secretions o Improve ventilation o Increase the
efficiency of the respiratory muscle
Postural Drainage
• Use of specific positions that allow the force of gravity to assist in the removal of bronchial secretions
• Nursing Intervention o Know the medical diagnosis, lung or lobes involve o Advice patient to perform
drainage 2-4x daily o Done before meals and at bed time o Evaluate skin color and pulse prior to
procedure
Chest percussion and vibration
Pharmacology
Commonly used agents in Respiratory
• Antihistamines
• Steroids
• Bronchodilators
• Adrenergic Drugs
• Expectorant/Mucolytics
• Antimicrobials
• Antitussives
• Mast cell stabilizers
• Leukotriene modifiers
Antihistamines
• H 1 Blockers or H 1 antagonists
• Competes with histamine receptor sites preventing histamine release
• Decreases mucus secretions by blocking H 1 receptors
• Absorb well after oral or parenteral administration, some can also be given rectally, with the exception of
loratadine.
• Distributed widely throughout the body and your central nervous system
• Primarily used to treat signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction such as allergic rhinitis, vasomotor
rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria such as,
hives, and angioedema or submucosal swelling in the hands, face, and feet.
H 1 – receptor antagonists produce their effects by:
• The most common adverse reaction to antihistamine (with the exception of fexofenadine, loratadine, and
desloratadine) is CNS depression.
Other CNS reactions include:
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Disturbed coordination
• Muscle weakness
Steroids
• Acts as an inflammatory agent in cases of severe anaphylaxis, allergic reaction where there is
bronchoconstriction
• Typically used to treat hematologic diseases such rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, inflammation of
the blood vessels.
• Specific corticosteroids include cortisone and prednisone.
• Used as an adjuvant therapy in cases of premature birth
o Given 24 hours to the expected delivery of a preterm infant
o Can be given up to 34 weeks AOG o Antenatal betamethasone is
- primarily used to speed up lung development in preterm fetuses. It stimulates the synthesis and
release of surfactant. o Given to preterm mothers o Hydrocortisone and
- dexamethasone are given to premature newborns after birth to help with maintaining a normal blood
pressure.
Bronchodilators
• Used for the treatment of symptoms associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Agents in this class can be divided into two categories:
o Short acting
o Long acting
• Relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways which allow increased airflow to the lungs
Short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist include:
• Adverse reactions to short-acting beta2 adrenergic agonists include paradoxical bronchospasm, tachycardia,
palpitation, tremors, and dry mouth.
• Adverse reactions to long-acting beta2 adrenergic agonists include bronchospasm, tachycardia, palpitations,
hypertension, and tremors.
Expectorants/Mucolytics
Antimicrobials
• Antitussive drug suppresses or inhibit coughing. They're typically used to treat dry, non-productive coughs.
The major antitussive include:
o Benzonatate – acts by anesthetizing stretch receptors throughout the bronchi, alveoli, and pleura.
Primary anesthetic agent
▪ Pag oral type, you need to swallow it as a whole – bawal ichew and icrush
o Codeine
o Hydrocodone bitartrate
▪ Suppresses the cough reflex by direct action on the cough center in the medulla of the brain,
thus lowering the cough threshold
Mast cell stabilizers
• The mechanism of action of mast cell stabilizers is poorly understood, but these agents seem to inhibit the
release of inflammatory mediators by stabilizing the mast cell membrane, possibly through the inhibition of
chloride channels
• Exercised induced asthma
Adverse reactions to inhaled mast cell stabilizers may include:
o Cough
o Wheezing
o Broncho spasm
o Headache
• Medications
o Nedocromil, cromolyn sodium
asthma.
• Adverse reactions to leukotriene modifiers include:
o Headache
o Dizziness
o Nausea and vomiting
o Myalgia
o Cough
• Zileuton is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease.
Decongestants
o inflammation and mucus formation within the nasal passages or the eye.
o Nausea
o Difficulty urinating
Systemic decongestants
• Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to reduce swelling of the respiratory tract vascular network
• Phenylephrine, ephedrine
Topical decongestants
• These are also powerful vasoconstrictors when applied directly to swollen mucus membranes of the nose,
they will provide immediate relief from nasal congestion.
Alternative Therapies
Echinacea
• Genus Asteraceae
• Common name: Purple cornflowers
• Immunostimulatory symptoms warding off infections
• Can reduce symptoms of infections and other illnesses, including the common cold
• Essential trace element
• Usually taken from food supplements and fruits
• Used for treatment and prevention of zinc deficiency
o Boost immune system
MS LEC
COMMON DISORDERS OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT
o Hypoxia, low blood oxygen level lead to decrease level of consciousness, risk for temporary or
permanent cognitive impairment
Alternative position:
ORTHOPNEIC/TRIAD
• O2 usually via nasal cannula PRN (As needed usually 1-2 L/m also depend on doctors order)
• Provide comfort and distractions
• Check for vs and inspect
Cough and sputum production
• Cough is a protective reflex, normal defense response to foreign bodies.
• Sputum production has many stimuli: occurs when respiratory tract secretions are beyond the ability of the
mucous ciliary mechanism of our body.
• Sputum production are produced when lung is deceased or damaged
• Sputum are much more thick, also called phlegm.
• Infection in the lung produces excess sputum production.
Bacterial pneumonia
• Thick, yellow, green or rust-colored(pneumonia)
Pulmonary edema
• Profuse, Pink, frothy
Lung tumor
• Scant, pink-tinged, mucoid
General nursing Intervention:
• Provide adequate hydration
o to liquify secretions (check for fluid overload)
• Administer aerosolized solutions
o normal saline solution (water with salt loosen viscous mucous)
• advice smoking cessation
• oral hygiene
o to remain it clean and free of microorganism/bacteria
Cyanosis
• Bluish discoloration of the skin
• A LATE indicator of hypoxia
• Appears when the unoxygenated hemoglobin is more than 5 grams/dL
• Rbc provide oxygen to body tissue, carry full supply of oxygen,
• RBC bright red=pinkish/red in skin, blood that losses oxygen=dark bluish red - For dark skin cyanosis is
observed in mucous membrane(lips, eyes, gums, nails)
Central cyanosis
• observe color on the undersurface of tongue and lips
Peripheral cyanosis
• observe the nail beds, earlobes
Interventions:
• Check for airway patency (blocking of airway)
• Oxygen therapy
• Positioning (semi-fowler’s/orthopneic)
• Suctioning (for viscous secretions)
o check for oxygen level since nasasama ang oxygen sa pag suction, give oxygen
first/hyperoxygenate the px first
• Chest physiotherapy
• Check for gas poisoning
• Measures to increased hemoglobin
o Diet: iron-riched food
o Supplemental vitamins C, iron supplements
o Increase folic intake
Hemoptysis
• Expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract
• Common causes
o Pulmo infection
o Lung CA
o Bronchiectasis
o Pulmo embolism
• Bleeding from stomach acidic pH, coffee ground material
• Classified as Non-massive and massive depending on the volume of blood loss.
o Non-massive if blood loss is less than 200ml per day
o Massive if blood loss is more than 200ml
Interventions:
• Keep patent airway (nagkakaroon ng blocking and baka ma aspirate niya yung nilalabas na blood)
• Determine the cause
• Suction and oxygen therapy
• Administer Fibrin stabilizers like aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid
3 FOLDS:
• Bleed cessation (fibrin stabilizers)
• Aspiration precaution (suction)
• Treat underlying cause
o Always check for the ABC: airway, breathing, circulation
Epistaxis
• Bleeding from the nose caused by rupture of tiny, distended vessels in the mucus membrane. (nose bleeding)
• Most common site - anterior septum
Causes:
• Trauma (facial trauma, foreighn bodies)
• Infection (nasal and sinus infection)
• Hypertension
• blood dyscrasias, nasal tumor, cardio diseases
Nursing Interventions:
• Position patient
o Upright, leaning forward, tilted prevents swallowing and aspiration
• Apply direct pressure.
o Pinch nose against the middle septum x 5-10 minutes
• If unrelieved, administer topical vasoconstrictors, silver nitrate, gel foams
• Assist in electrocautery and nasal packing for posterior bleeding. (if may need na tanggalin Electrocautery
gagawin it uses heat to destroy abnormal tissue)
Rhinitis
Assessment findings
• inflammation of the nose produces mucus normally thin/clear and prevents dust, pollens, bacteria and viruses.
o Rhinorrhea
o Nasal congestion
o Nasal itchiness
o Sneezing
o Headache
ig nagkaroon ng viral rhinitis/hay fever it becomes inflamed and swollen causing nasal ingestion, itchiness and non-
stop sneezing may also lead to headache.
Sinusitis
Assessment findings
• inflammation of the lining inside the sinus,
o fluid in sinuses = blockage, usually caused by colds, allergies and infection
• Facial pain
• Tenderness over the paranasal sinuses
• Purulent nasal discharges
• Ear pain, headache, dental pain
• Decreased sense of smell
Pharyngitis
Assessment findings
• inflammation of the pharynx
o could also associate tonsillitis (pharyngotonsillitis)
• Fiery-red pharyngeal membrane
• White-purple flecked exudates
o Contagious
• Enlarged and tender cervical lymph nodes - namamaga
• Fever malaise, sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Cough may be absent
Tonsillitis
• Infection and inflammation of the tonsils
• Most common organism - Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABS)
• Acute, chronic, recurrent tonsillitis
• If left untreated complication can occur peritonsillar abscess
ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
• Sore throat and mouth breathing
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Enlarged, reddish tonsils
• Foul-smelling breath(bacteria)
• If the symptoms last around or less than 10 days - acute
• Last more than 10 days - chronic
• Comes back multiple times - recurrent (not common, tonsillectomy is advised removal of tonsils)
Laboratory test
1. CBC
2. throat culture
MEDICAL management
• Antibiotics
o penicillin
• Tonsillectomy for chronic cases and abscess formation (complication of hemorrhage)
NURSING INTERVENTION:
• Pre-operative care
o Consent
o Routine pre-op surgical care
• POST-operative care
o Position: Most comfortable is PRONE, with head turned to side
o Maintain oral airway, until gag reflex returns
o Tonsillectomy can cause hemorrhage
▪ Check for bleeding in mouth or nose and frequent swallowing = sign of bleeding and vomiting
of bright red/dark brown blood.
o Apply ICE collar to the neck to reduce edema
Microorganisms:
• Streptococcus pneumonia
• Mycoplasma pneumonia
• Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia
• Legionella pneumophila
• Chlamydial pneumonia
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
• Aspergillus fumigatus
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Acquired Pneumonia
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
• occurs in a community setting or within 48hours of hospitalization
• Most common type of pneumonia
• Usually caused by pneumococci infection.
• Streptococcus Pneumonia
Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)
Nosocomial Pneumonia
• onset of pneumonia symptoms starts at least 48 hours upon admission to the hospital, or within three
months of a hospital stay
• Often connected w/ staphylococci infections
• Leading cause of death at least 22% in all hospitals acquired infection. (HAI)
4 TYPES HAI:
• HAP
• Clabsi infection (bloodstream)
• CAUTI infection
o catheter associated urinary tract infection
• VAP
o Ventilator associated pneumonia
o most acquired infection in ICU setup and most fatal. Mortality rate of 45% (caused by pathogens in
ET Tube
o Use of contaminated equipment, poor nursing care)
Bacterial Pneumonia
• Walking Pneumonia
o less severe form of bacterial pneumonia, symptoms are mild (atypical pneumonia)
• Caused by bacteria
• Occur in any parts of the lungs
• Trigger alveolar inflammation and edema
• Cause low ventilation with normal perfusion
• Atelectasis
• In severe bacterial pneumonia the lungs look heavy and liver like (ARDS)
Viral Pneumonia
• 2nd most common cause of Pneumonia
• Viruses that bring on colds and flu
• Coronavirus, COVID-19
• First attack bronchioles epithelial cells causing inflammation and desquamate.
• Resembles ARDS
Fungal Pneumonia
• Less common cause (opurtunistic fungi)
• Higher chance of catching if your immune system is weakened such as
o An organ transplant
o Chemotherapy for cancer
o Drugs to treat autoimmune diseases.
o HIV (Pneumocytis Carinii Pneumonia)
• 3 most common fungal pneumonia:
o Streptococcus
o Pneumocystis
o Aspergillus
Aspiration Pneumonia
• It is a complication of pulmonary aspiration.
• caused by inhaling toxic and/or irritant substances, usually gastric contents, into the lungs
• Gastric contents obstruct the airway and damage alveoli
• More likely to occur on elderly, debilitated px, those receiving NGT feeding, impaired gag reflex, poor oral
hygiene, and decreased level of consciousness.
Risk Factors:
• depressed immune system
• Smoking
o Almost 3000 deaths per year
• prolonged immobility
o (hindi mailalabas ang secretions may lead to atelectasis = hypostatic pneumonia)
• shallow breathing patterns
• conditions with copious mucus production
• depressed cough reflex
• Instrumentations
• alcohol intoxication
• advance age - degenerate immune system
Clinical Manifestations:
● increased sputum production
● Wheezing
● Dyspnea
● Rales
● chest pain and retraction
● pleural effusion
● Dullness
● Orthopnea
● Bacterial - fever
Diagnostics:
• Chest X-ray
• Sputum Examination (gram staining)
• Sputum Culture & Sensitivity Test
• WBC count is important
o Leukocytosis = bacterial pneumonia, pag viral pneumonia normal-low
• Pulse oximetry/O2 saturation below normal
• ABG, bronchoscopy
General Management:
• Antimicrobial therapy depending on the microorganism px have
• Rest
• Oxygen therapy
• Increased fluid intake (within cardiac tolerance)
• Bronchial hygiene
• Postural drainage
• Splint chest when coughing
• Monitor: sputum, chest x ray, temperature
• Proper antibiotics (bronchodilators, antitussives)
• High caloric diet
Nursing Management
• Maintain patent airway and adequate oxygenation
• Teach patient how to cough and do deep breathing exercises
• Maintain adequate nutrition
• Proper disposal of sputum
• Control temperature by cooling measures
• Monitor vital signs closely,
o watch for danger signs like:
▪ Marked dyspnea Irregular
▪ thready pulse
▪ Delirium with extreme restlessness
▪ Cold, moist skin
▪ Cyanosis and exhaustion
Prevention and Control
• Vaccination - Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV)
• Immunization against anti-haemophilus influenzae (Hib), pneumococcus, measles and whooping cough
(pertussis) is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia.
• Adequate nutrition
• Environmental sanitation
PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Risk factors:
• Poor living condition
• Close contact with infected person
o coughing , sneezing
• Overcrowding
• Poor nutritional intake
• Inadequate treatment of primary infection (primary complex - non communicable)
Elements of DOTS:
• Sustained political commitment
o increase financial and human resources
• Access to quality-assured TB sputum microscopy
o Case detection of persons presenting symptoms of TB
o Screening of individuals
o Health education about quality-assured sputum microscopy
• Standard short-course chemotherapy to all cases of TB
o Direct observe of treatment
• Uninterrupted supply of quality-assured drugs
o Sustained supply of anti-TB drugs
o Establish a reliable system of regular distribution of anti-TB drugs
o Anti-TB drugs should be available FREE to all TB patients
o Reduce non-adherence to treatment and prevent the development of MDR-multi drug resistance,
resistant to the first 2 medication
• Recording and reporting system
o Monitors treatment and progress outcome of individual patient
o Evaluate overall program performance
Vitamin Supplements:
• Vitamin A - promotes good eyesight
• Vitamin B 1-6-12- prevents hepatic anomalies
• Vitamin C - boost/ increases immune system
• Vitamin D - promotes strong bones
• Vitamin E - promotes a healthy heart
• Antipyretic
• Analgesic
MANAGEMENT:
• Diet
o increase CHON-carbohydrates, increase Calorie
• O₂ Support
• Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)
o to mobilize secretions
• Hydration
o IVF
• Surgical Management
o Bronchoscopy
o Thoracentesis
o Pneumonectomy
o Lobectomy
o Chest Tube, Thoracotomy (CTT)
o
Nursing Management:
• Maintain respiratory isolation and PPE's
• Administer medications as ordered
• Administer O₂ as needed
• Always check sputum for purulent or bloody expectorations
• Maintain semi-fowler's position
o to facilitate easy breathing
• Frequent positioning (every 30 mins)
o to mobilize secretions
• Adequate hydration
• Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises and proper expectoration
• Proper nutrition
• Comfort measure
• Teach patient everything about TB
o to be more compliant with the treatment regimen
• Prevent complications
Prevention and Control
• Massive BCG immunization
• Avoid overcrowding
• Good personal hygiene and environmental sanitation
• Improved nutritional status
• Three of the most common types of COPD are emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.
• Diseases that causes airflow blockage, breathing related problems
• Cigarette smoking is the most significant risk factor for COPD. impairs ciliary action, macrophage function,
inflammation of airway, increased mucus production, alveolar destruction, peribronchiolar fibrosis.
• There is no cure for COPD, but disease management can slow disease progression, relieve symptoms and
keep you out of hospital.
• Treatment aims to prevent further damage, reduce the risk of complications and ease some of the symptoms.
• Treatment options include pulmonary rehabilitation, medicines and oxygen therapy.
Asthma
• Chronic inflammatory airway disorder
• Common in children, ages 10-30
• Episodic airway obstruction
• Hyper responsiveness
• Bronchospasm
• Reversible
• Can occur at any age but this is the most common chronic disease of childhood
• Allergy is the most common predisposing factor
Pathophysiology
• Immunologic/allergic reaction results in histamine release, which produces three main airway responses
o Edema of mucous membranes
▪ causes narrowing of airway passage
o Spasm of the smooth muscle of bronchi and bronchioles
o Accumulation of tenacious secretions
Triggers/Precipitating Factors
• Inhaled allergens
o Dust mites
o Pollens
o Food allergens
• Non allergenic
o Viral respiratory infection
o Weather changes
o Fumes, strong odors
o Smoking
o Exercise
o Drugs- aspirin, NSAIDS
Manifestations:
• Mild persistent asthma
o adequate air exchange
o asymptomatic between attacks
• Mild intermittent
o Cough
o Wheezing
o chest tightness
o DOB less than twice per week
o night time symptoms occurs less than twice per month
• Mild persistent
o Cough
o Wheezing
o chest tightness
o DOB occurs about 3 to 6 times per week
Diagnostic Examination:
• Pulmonary Function Test
o lung volume capacity
• Serum Immunoglobulin E
o increased during allergic reaction
• CBC
o eosinophil is increased due to allergic reaction
• CXR
o monitor asthma progress, show hyperinflation of atelectasis
• ABG
o detect hypoxemia, guide treatment type for client
• ST and Bronchial Challenge Testing
o identify allergen
o read 1-2 days detect early reaction
o 4-5 days for late allergic reaction.
o Bronchial challenge testing evaluates the clinical significance of your allergens identify by skin
testing.
General Management
• ABC
• Long Acting medications/Long Term asthma control medications
o to achieve and maintain control of persistent asthma
• Bronchodilators
• Quick relief medications (rescue medications)
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• MDI Spacer device
• Caused by Smoking
o Bronchitis
▪ inflammation of bronchi
o Emphysema
▪ destruction of the structure of bronchi.
Pink puffer Emphysema dominant:
• Thin body
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Pursed-lip breathing
• Pinkish colored skin
o face turns red/pink because of gasping of air
Blue bloater Bronchitis dominant:
• Overweight
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Bluish colored skin
• Take deeper breaths but they can’t take in the right amount of oxygen
Bronchitis
• acute inflammation of the mucus membranes of the trachea and the bronchial tree
• a clinical history of productive cough for 3 months of the year for 2 consecutive years.
• Presence of dyspnea and airway obstruction
• Leads to mucosal thickening obstructing airways
Microorganisms
• Commonly isolated agents:
o Streptococcus pneumoniae,
o Staphylococcus aureus
o H Influenza
o Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Manifestations
Cough with sputum production
• Wheezing
• Inspiratory and expiratory rhonchi
• Tachycardia
o exacerbation of bronchitis
• Pulmonary hypertension
Diagnostics
• Imaging - Chest X-Ray
• Pulmonary Function Tests
• Arterial Blood Gas
• Polycythemia
Pulmonary vascular disorders
Pulmonary embolism
- Refers to obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by a blood clot (thrombus) that originates
somewhere in the venous system or in the right side of the heart
- Most commonly,b pulmonary embolism is due to a clot or thrombus from the deep veins of the lower legs.
Causes:
- The thrombus travels from any part of the venous system obstructs either completely or partially. The lungs will
have an inadequate blood supply, with a resultant increase in dead space in the lungs
- The regional pulmonary vasculature will constrict causing increased resistance, increased pulmonary arterial
pressure, and then increase the workload of the right side of the heart.
Manifestations
● Tachycardia
● Air hunger
● Feeling od impending doom
● Productive cough (sputum may be blood-tinge)
● Low-grade fever
● pleural effusion
Less common signs include
● Massive hemoptysis
● Splinting of the chest
● Leg edema
● Cyanosis, syncope, and distended neck veins(with large embolism)
Diagnostic exam
● Ventilation-perfusion scan
● Pulmonary arteriography
● CXR
● ECG
● ABG
Treatment of pulmonary embolism is designed to:
- Maintain adequate cardiovascular and pulmonary function during resolution of the obstruction
treatment: Non-pharmacological
-Compression stockings
-Fibrinolytic therapy (streptokinase)
General management
● O2 therapy
● Early ambulation postop
● Monitor obese patient
● Don’t massage legs
● Relieve pain using analgesics
● Head of bed should be elevated
● Heparin (2weeks)
● Coumadin (3-6 months)
Note blood studies, bleeding time, clotting time upon giving anticoagulant
Nursing interventions
A complication of the chest trauma occurring when 3 or more adjacent ribs are fractured at two or more sites,
resulting in free-floating rib segments
Note: Due to severe blunt trauma, accidents, serious fall causes fractured on ribs = ribs to float
Result to free-floating rib segment, and the chest wall loses its stability
Pathophysiology
During inspiration as the chest expands the detached part of the rib segment flail segment moves in a
paradoxical manner
The chest is pulled inward during inspiration, reducing the amount of air that can be drawn into the lungs.
The chest bulges outward during expiration because the intrathoracic pressure exceeds atmospheric
pressure. The patient has impaired exhalation.
● Maintain open airway: suction secretions, blood from the nose, throat, mouth, via endotracheal tubes;
Note changes in the amount, color, and characteristics
Pneumothorax
- Partial or complete collapsed of the lungs due to an accumulation of air or fluid in pleural space
- Occurs when the parietal or visceral pleura is breached and the pleural space is exposed to a positive
atmospheric pressure
Note: Amount of air increased increased also tension tension in plural cavity = lung collapse
Types:
Traumatic
Primary- idiopathic
Secondary- Related to a specific disease
Simple/spontaneous pneumothorax
The most common type of closed pneumothorax; air accumulates within the pleural space without an obvious
cause.
Rapture of a small bleb on the visceral pleura most frequently produces this type of pneumothorax.
- Air enetrs the pleural space through an opening in the chest wall; usually caused by stubbing or gunshot wound
- May occur with taruma or procedures
- Often accompanied by hemothorax
- AKA sucking wounds
Tension pneumothorax
- Air enters the pleural space with each inspiration but cannot escape; causes increased intrathoracic pressure
and shifting of the mediastinal content to the unaffected side (mediastinal shift)
- Occurs when air si drawn into the pleural space from a lacerated lung.
Manifestations
Diagnostic exams
- Traumatic pneumothorax requires thoracostomy tube insertion and chest drainage and may also require surgica
repair.
Tension
- Medical emergency. If the tension in the pleural space isn’t relieved, the patient will die ffrom inadequate cardiac
or hypoxemia. A large bore needle is inserted into the pleural space through the second intercostal. If large
amounts of air escape through the needle after insertion, the needle is left in place until a thoracostomy tube
is inserted.
Nursing interventions
- ET tubes: suction secretions, vomitus, blood from nose, mouth, throat, or via ET tube; monitor mechanical
ventilator.
Complication:
Cardiac tamponade
- Sudden and life threatening deterioration of the gas exchange function of the lungs
- Occurs when the lungs no longer meet the body’s metabolic needs
Defined clinically as:
● Restlessness
● Dyspnea
● Cyanosis
● Altered respiration
● Altered mentation
● Tachycardia
● Cardiac arrhythmias
● Respiratory arrest
Diagnostic exams
Therapy for acute respiratory failure ARF focuses on correcting hypoxemia and preventing resapiratory
acidosis.
Oxygenation
- Deep breathing with pursed lips, if the patient isn’t intubated and mechanically ventilated, to help keep airway
patent.
- Incentive spirometry increases lung volume oxygen therapy to promote oxygenation and raise partial pressure
of arterial oxygen
- Mechanical ventilation with an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube, if needed to provide adequate oxygenation
and reverse acidosis\
- High-Frequency ventilation, if the patient doesn’t respond to treatment, to force the airways open, promoting
oxygenation and preventing alveoli collapse
Drugs