ADN 578: Assessment & Pathophysiology Learning Unit 5: Handout

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Exam Study Guide and Worksheet – Respiratory System

Review the respiratory defense mechanisms. Complete the following table to help you in this review.

Respiratory

System Defense

Mechanism

Primary Protective

Mechanism

Factors which impair

these defenses

Potential

Respiratory

Complication/

Condition

Air Filtration

Mucociliary

Clearance

Cough Reflex

Reflex

Bronchoconstriction

Alveolar

Macrophages

Review the concepts and pathophysiology of the following respiratory conditions.

Flail Chest Pneumothorax Tension

Pneumothorax

Pulmonary

Embolism

Etiology (causes)

Risk Factors

Signs/Symptoms

Medical

Treatment

Priority

Nursing Diagnoses

Medication Used

ADN 578: Assessment & Pathophysiology Learning Unit 5: Handout

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Review the table in your textbook; differentiate between the various types of breath sounds (crackles,

wheezes, pleural friction rub, stridor) and breathing patterns.

Identify the following assessment techniques and terminology; discuss their purpose and/or their

meaning if abnormalities are found; tactile fremitus, fremitus, egophony, bronchophony, percussion.

Identify the two primary drugs used in treatment for pulmonary embolism; which drug is used initially,

therapeutic levels and antidotes.

Identify patient teaching measures to prevent the recurrence of pneumonia.

Identify treatment measures for epistaxis.

Identify treatment measures to prevent a tension pneumothorax.

Discuss chest physiotherapy. Identify when it would be performed, procedures involved, and the steps

that complete.

Review the following diagnostic labs and tests. Complete the table to assist in your review. Identify the

purpose of the test; primary conditions used to diagnose; nursing indications for patient preparation;

and post-procedure monitoring.

Lab/Diagnostic Test Treatment

Significance in Disease Purpose

Pre-op or pre-proc. Care Nursing Considerations

Post-proc. Care Nursing Considerations

Spiral CT Scan

Bronchoscopy

Thoracentesis

Arterial Blood Gas

Allen’s Test

Chest X-Ray

ADN 578: Assessment & Pathophysiology Learning Unit 5: Handout

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Look up the following drugs/therapies and identify the purpose and basic action, advantages, and

disadvantages in their use; primary and common side effects; nursing implications and patient teaching.

Pharmacology Purpose and Action

Advantages Disadvantages; Primary Side Effects

Nursing Implications; Patient Teaching

Albuterol

(Proventil) MDI

Advair Diskus

(fluticasone &

salmeterol)

Ipratroprium

(Atrovent) MDI

Review differences in assessment findings with various respiratory disease processes.

Disease Process

Inspection Palpation Percussion Auscultation

COPD

Asthma

Pneumonia

Atelectasis

Pulmonary Edema

Pleural Effusion

Tension Pneumo-thorax

ADN 578: Assessment & Pathophysiology Learning Unit 5: Handout

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Identify common nursing diagnoses for respiratory conditions, assessment findings supporting them,

goals, and interventions.

Nursing Diagnosis Assessment Findings Goals Nursing Interventions

Ineffective Airway

Clearance

Impaired Gas Exchange

Hyperthermia

Activity Intolerance

Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than body requirements

Anxiety

Acute Pain

Ineffective breathing pattern

© Jana Ogden and Indian Hills Community College