COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Labs
Overview COPD Labs to consider for disease process Lab purposes Special Considerations Nursing Points General Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Labs to consider for disease process Pulse Oximetry ABG CBG (Capillary Blood Glucose) Cultures Comprehensive/Basic metabolic panel CBC Lab purposes Arterial Blood Gas Monitor for CO2 CBG Bedside glucose monitoring Steroid use contributes to insulin […]
Pneumonia Labs
Overview Pneumonia Labs to consider for disease process Lab purposes Special Considerations Nursing Points General Pneumonia Labs to consider for disease process Comprehensive/Basic Metabolic Panel Complete Blood Count Cultures Therapeutic drug levels Lab purposes Comprehensive/Basic Metabolic Panel Organ function Electrolytes Complete Blood Count Checking for signs of infection/inflammation Cultures Sputum Identify pathogen Check for sensitivity […]
Respiratory Alkalosis
Overview Lab Values HIGH pH LOW PaCO2 Nursing Points General Causes Hyperventilation Anxiety Fear Fever Hypoxemia Alveolar hemorrhage Pulmonary Embolism Mechanical ventilation Rate too fast Volumes too large Assessment Symptoms Signs of the cause Lightheaded Numbness/Tingling Chest discomfort Dyspnea Confusion Therapeutic Management Address the cause Correct hypoxemia Treat PE Decrease anxiety, fear Reassurance Paper bag […]
Oxygen Delivery Module Intro
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to… Understand the FiO2 associated with various oxygen delivery devices and how to choose an appropriate oxygen delivery device based on your patient’s oxygenation needs Understand the different types of artificial airways and how to choose the most appropriate one for your patient. Discuss the appropriate […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Pneumonia
Overview Inflammatory condition of the lungs Primarily affecting the alveoli May fill with fluid or pus Infectious vs Noninfectious Infectious Bacterial v. Viral Non-infectious Aspiration Pathophysiology: Pneumonia is an inflammatory response. This can be caused by an infection or things like aspiration where fluid gets into the lungs, which causes the alveoli to fill with […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Tuberculosis (TB)
Pathophysiology: TB is a bacterium known as M. tuberculosis that is transmitted through airborne droplets and embeds itself in the lung periphery and multiplies. The bacilli can travel through the lymphatic system and cause an immune response. Neutrophils and macrophages attempt to defend the body and prevent the spread. Overview Lung infection → pneumonitis and […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Influenza (Flu)
So we’re going to talk about Influenza, or the Flu. I guarantee you you’ve either had the flu or know someone who’s had it, right? This is a very common seasonal virus that affects millions of Americans and is actually getting more and more severe every year. Since you’re probably very familiar with it, we […]
Respiratory Infections Module Intro
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to… Discuss the pathophysiology and prevention of infectious respiratory processes (influenza, tuberculosis, and pneumonia) Discuss the priorities for treatment of infectious respiratory processes (influenza, tuberculosis, and pneumonia) List priority nursing interventions for infectious respiratory processes (influenza, tuberculosis, and pneumonia) Identify proper isolation precautions for respiratory disorders […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Overview Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Causes – anything causing inflammatory response in lungs Bacteremia, Sepsis Trauma, fat embolus Burns + Fluid Resuscitation Massive transfusion Pneumonia, Aspiration Drug overdose Near drowning Pathophysiology: There are 4 phases within acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS occurs rapidly and usually within 90 minutes of the body’s inflammatory response and […]
Restrictive Lung Diseases (Pulmonary Fibrosis, Neuromuscular Disorders)
Overview Obstructive – limits movement of airflow in and/or out of alveoli Restrictive – limits expansion of lung and therefore total lung capacity Nursing Points General Examples Intrinsic = from within (scarring or damage to lung tissue itself) Pulmonary Fibrosis Sarcoidosis Toxic exposure Extrinsic = from without (limit physical expansion of lungs within the thoracic […]