Bronchitis
PATIENT NAME ______________________________________ SOC ____________
INITIAL
Anatomy and physiology of the lung.
______ ______ A. The lungs are two saclike organs located in the chest cavity.
______ ______ B. The main windpipe (trachea) breaks into right and left bronchi, which enter
each lung.
______ ______ C. The bronchi are then further divided into smaller branches called
bronchioles.
Define bronchitis.
______ ______ A. It is the inflammation of the bronchi caused by viral, bacterial, or
mycoplasmal infections.
______ ______ B. Irritation and inflammation stimulate production of mucus.
______ ______ C. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.
______ ______ D. Bronchitis is considered chronic if a recurrent cough persists at least three
months of the year for at least two successive years.
Factors that increase risk of bronchitis.
______ ______ A. Positive family history.
______ ______ B. Respiratory infections.
______ ______ C. Respiratory irritants (dust, smoking, cold, damp air, etc.).
______ ______ D. Poor immune system.
Signs and symptoms of bronchitis.
______ ______ A. Cough.
______ ______ B. Mucoid or purulent sputum production.
______ ______ C. Fever.
______ ______ D. Shortness of breath.
______ ______ E. Wheezing.
Measures to prevent or manage bronchitis.
______ ______ A. Obtain adequate rest.
______ ______ B. Eat a well-balanced diet.
______ ______ C. Avoid smoking because it destroys ciliary action and increases secretions.
______ ______ D. Avoid all respiratory irritants such as smoke, dust, air-pollution, etc.
______ ______ E. Report changes in sputum characteristics or cough pattern.
______ ______ F. Treat all respiratory infections promptly.
______ ______ G. Perform measures to thin or remove secretions:
______ ______ 1. Large fluid intake of at least three quarts per day and adequate humidity will
thin secretions.
______ ______ 2. Perform effective coughing techniques. (Give “Effective Coughing” teaching
guide
______ ______ 3. Perform percussion and postural drainage as ordered.
1
Bronchitis
PATIENT NAME ______________________________________ SOC ____________
______ ______ H. Take medications as ordered.
______ ______ I. Keep follow-up appointments with physician.
Possible complications.
______ ______ A. Right-sided heart failure.
______ ______ B. Peptic ulcer.
______ ______ C. Pneumonia.
______ ______ D. Acute respiratory failure.
2