Respiratory Problems Q&A
*Review Structures of the Respiratory Sys &
Functions of the resp. tract
1 – Nursing process: Assessment of the Resp.
System:
a. What do you ask your pt first during
Assessment?
b. Physical Exam (4 parts)?
a. PMH –of smoking, family or self h/o lung
disease, occupational exposure, h/o URI
b. Inspect
Palpate
Percuss
Auscultation
2 – Common respiratory problems?
Dyspnea/SOB
Cough
Sputum –always ask what it looks like
Hemoptysis (bloody sputum)
Chest pain
Lung sounds
Clubbing –never an acute finding
Cyanosis
3 – Examples of occupational exposure
Bird keeper
Truck driver
Miners, painters, etc
~Accumulate effects
4 – Describe what is being Assessed in each part
of the physical examination in a pt with
respiratory problems:
a. Inspection
b. Palpation
c. Percussion
d. Auscultation
a. Inspect the Appearance, movement of
breathing, RR (12-20), accessory
muscles use, cough, clubbing
-Air hunger (nasal flare, eyes open, panic
look, “tripod”)
b. Palpate the chest for masses, pain,
Fremitus (99/Vibratory sensations
should be equal bilateral)
c. Percussing to evaluate underlying tissue
(dull v. resonant sound)
-dull: thigh liver
-resonant/musical: lungs*
-hollow: stomach
Not entry level nursing skill
d. Listen to lung sounds
Normal Breath Sounds
Vesicular*
I>E
Soft, low pitch : thorax
Bronchovesicular*
I=E
Small airway sites
Bronchial
I<E
Harsh : 2-4 Intercostals
Tracheal
I=E
Loud, high pitch
Refer to picture on the slide
5 – What should the thorax sound like when
auscultating on a normal pt?
a. What location of breath sound is this?
Soft, low pitch
a. Vesicular
6 – Where can the RN hear Bronchial breath
sounds?
a. What should they sound like?
2-4 intercostal spaces
a. Harsh sounding
7 – What are these breath sounds called:
crackles, wheezes, stridor, friction rub,
bronchophony & egophony?
Adventitious breath sounds
8 – What are the adventitious breath sounds &
what do they sound like?
Crackles
- Fine & coarse crackling (hair exercise)
Wheeze
- Whistley lung sound
Stridor*
- High sound of the upper airway
Friction rub
- Dry, creaky saddle sound
Bronchophony
- “99” bilateral
Egophony*
- “EA”
9 – Labs/Dx studies that a pt with respiratory
problems should have completed are?
CT scan (focused) v. CXR (everything)
Areas of consolidation
Spirometry (I), Pulm. Function Tests
Peak Flow (E)
Capnography- (E- CO2)
Sputum Culture –start before antibiotics
ABGs (arterial blood gas)
Pulse Ox.
Thoracentesis –pleural space fluid
Bronchoscopy –Reason: Dx or therapeautic
10 – Answer the following regarding lab tests:
a. This is an overall lung test
b. Measures exhaled CO2
c. Measures inspiration
d. Measures expiration
e. Should be done before antibiotic Tx
f. Measures blood gases in arteries
g. Removes fluid from pleural space
h. Looks down the bronchi
11 – Examples of respiratory Nursing
diagnoses?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
CXR
Capnography
Spirometry, PFT
Peak flow
Sputum culture
ABGs
Thoracentesis
Bronchoscopy
Ineffective breathing pattern…
Impaired gas exchange…
Anxiety…
Altered tissue perfusion…
Risk for infection…
(as related to _ as evidence by_.)
12 – This nursing process step needs to be
centered around the following
- Improve respiratory function,
- Breathing patterns,
- Gas exchange,
- Disease management
Nursing process: Planning
13 – How should you plan for a pt with
respiratory issues?
Plan to improve
- Resp function
- Breathing pattern
- Disease mgmt
- Gas exchange
14 – The following are for which step in the
Nursing Process?
-Assess lung sounds, RR, breathing effort,
cyanosis, cap refill, LOC; (aka resp status & tissue
perfusion)
-Encourage deep breathing exercises Q2H
-Encourage upright positioning as tolerated
when awake & 30 degree angle elevated when
asleep
-Incr fluid intake (if not contraindicated w/
cardiac or electrolyte status to help mobilize
secretions)
-Encourage gas exchange through consultation
with RT, use of spirometry & O2/inhaler as
ordered
-Encourage CDB exercises with split if needed
-Encourage alternating rest periods with active
-Educate regarding infection control &
transmission
-Provide emotion support and give concise
explanations
Nursing process: Implementation
15 – After appropriate assessment, nursing
diagnosis, & planning, what may be
implemented for a pt with respiratory issues?
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Cont’ to assess resp status & tissue perfusion
Encourage deep breathing q2h, upright
positioning as tolerated/30 degree angle
when asleep
Incr fluid intake if not contraindicated
Encourage gas exchange through
consultation with RT, use of spirometry, O2
or inhaler as ordered
Encourage CBD exercises with splint if
needed, alternating rest and activity
Education infection control & transmission
Emotional support & concise explanation
Terms to know
Atelecstasis
Dyspnea
Orthopnea
Alveoli collapse
SOB, labored breathing
Inability breathing while laying flat
Pleural effusion
Hypoxia
Tachypnea, Bradypnea
Apnea
Eupnea
Cyanosis
Clubbing
Many use pillows or sleep on sofa chairs*
Fluid in pleura space
Decr O2 in blood
Fast, Slow breathing
Absence of breathing
Normal breathing
Blue
Loss of that 160 angle in the fingers
Crepitus
Kussmauls
Cheyne-Stokes
Never an acute finding
“Subcutaneous emphysema”
Leakage allowing O2 to creep out to subcutaneous
tissue; (Crinkley bubble wrap sound)
Deep, fast, labored breathing (causes- Metabolic
acidosis, ketosis)
Crescendo  Decresendo  Apnea, cycle
(abnormal beyond eldery & children <2 y/o)
Acute
Bronchitis
Defined
Bronchi
inflammation,
lower resp tract
Respiratory Problems
Causes
Manifestations
Virus or Bacteria
Persistent cough
Dx tests / Tx
Tx: self limiting,
antibiotics, cough meds
Influenza
Aerosol particles
attach onto lower
resp tract
epithelial cells
Virus
Muscle aches*
Fever, chill, headache
Non-productive cough
Sore throat
Nasal congestion
Tx: Rest, fluids, Tylenol
Pneumonia
Bronchioles,
alveoli
Inflammation:
exudates fill
alveolar space 
lung consolidation
 Hypoxia
Inhalation
Aspiration
Hematogenous
Opportunistic
Dull percussion
Egophony
Sudden high fever
Shaking chills (bact.)
Chest pain with cough
Flush cheeks
Cyanosis
Purulent sputum
Dx: H&P, CXR, Sputum
Culture, Puls Ox, ABGs,
CBC, Blood Culture
TB
Lungs + kidney,
larynx, bones,
adrenal glands,
lymph nodes &
meninges
by:
-Smoking
-ETOH
-Immobile
-Immunosupp.
-Unable to move
secretions
-Abnormal
swallow or cough
Mycobacterium
tuberculosis
Kills more than
any infectious
disease*
Tx: Rest, fluids,
antibiotics, O2 therapy,
coughing/ deep breathe,
antipyretics &
analygesics
Promote infection
control*
Prevent aspiration
pneu by elevating head
30*
Chest pain
Productive & prolonged
cough >3 weeks
Dyspnea
Sleep disturb
Hemoptysis (later)
Systemic:
-Fever, chill, pallor,
weight loss & night
sweats
Dx: PPD skin test, CXR,
Bacteriologic tests- AFB
(3 on 3 diff days), QFT
(rapid test)
Tx: Drug therapy (at
least 4: rifampin,
isoniazid), DOT, follow
up 12 months
Health promotion,
respiratory isolation, pt
teaching & 4 drug
therapies is a MUST*
COPD
Group of disorders
w/ persistent or
recurrent
obstruction of air
flow
Chronic
bronchitis or
Emphysema (or
both)
Chronic Hypoxia
/hypoxic drive
Body no longer resonds
to lowered levels of O2*
Chronic
Bronchitis
Hypertropy &
hypersecretion in
bronchial mucous
glands+globet cell
Smoking
Air pollute
Occupation
Allergy
-Productive cough >3
mo for 2 consecutive yr
****
-Persistent cough
Dx: PFTs, CXR, ABGs,
Sputum Culture
Tx: Admin meds, Keep
sputum,
congestion
narrowing of
bronchioles
Autoimmune
Infec
Genes
Aging
during winter
-Sputum
-Recurrent URI
Smokers cough*
Emphysema
Asthma
Alveoli lose
elasticity form
hyperinflation –
destruction of
alveolar walls 
narrowing 
resistance to air
flow
Same ^
Chronic inflamm of
airways w/
recurrent episodes
of wheezing, SOB,
tight chest, cough
Triggers:
Allergens
Exercise (eia)
Air pollute
Occupation
Resp infection
Nose/sinus prob
Drug/food
GERD
Psyc factors
-5 Classifications
PE
Obstruction of one
or more pulm
arteries by
thrombi
DVTs
Most common
pulm complication
of hospitalized pts
Barrel chest
Anorexia & wt loss
Accessory m. use
Slow onset
Clubbing
Cyanosis, dusky color
DOE or at rest
Progressive cough
Profound weakness
h/o Chronic Bronchitis
Feel suffocated
“Tripod” position
Anxious
Hypoexmia
Lessen/absent breath
sounds
Nursing managementMonitor systems
Admin meds/O2
Decr sense of panic
Provide quit, calm rest
Promote home teaching
Chest pain
Impending doom
Tachycardia
Dyspnea
Anxiety, restless
Decreased breath sound
Circulatory collapse
Ms changes
airways clear (percuss &
postural drain/suction),
Improve breathing
patterns (pursed lipped
breathing)
Dx: PFTs, CXR, ABGs,
CBC (rbc’s are whack)
Tx: Same^ plus: STOP
smoking, PT or DOT,
nutrition
Dx: H&P, PFTs, Peak
flow, CXR, ABGs, Puls Ox,
Allergy skin test, Blood
eosinophils & IgE
Tx: ID/avoid trigger,
desensitization therapy,
pt/family teaching, drug
therapy, action plan
Drug therapy: (long
term v. quick relief)
-Adrenergics Agonists
-Anti-inflam
-Anticholinergics
-Methlxanthine
-Mucolytics
-Leukotrines modifiers
Dx: ABGs
Tx: O2 therapy, est IV,
cont’ Heparin drip, bed
rest initially, narcotics
for pain, IVC filter
Nursing managementCall code
Stay with pt
Admin O2
Est IV route
16 – This is inflammation of the bronchi in the
LOWER respiratory tract usu due to infection
(viral or bacterial). [Even though located in
Upper Respiratory]
a. Most common symptom?
Acute Bronchitis
a. Persistent cough following an acute
URI
Usually self-limiting/ treatment is supportive
(cough medicine, antibiotics for bact.)
17 – A pt is having a persistent cough from
inflammation of the bronchi in their lower
respiratory tract due to a bacterial infection.
a. What does the pt have?
b. What may follow this disease?
c. How should the pt be treated?
a. Acute bronchitis
b. Acute UPPER resp infection
c. May be given antibiotics or cough meds,
but usually self-limiting
18 – This disease is contagious by small particle
aerosols, the virus is deposited in the LOWER
respiratory tract and attaches to epithelial cells
- S&S: fever, chills, headache, nonproductive cough, sore throat, myalgia,
nasal congestion; *muscle aches
- Tx: rest, fluid, tylenol
Influenza
19 – A pt with symptoms- muscles aches, fever,
chills, non-productive cough, sore throat,
myalgia and nasal congestion has what disease?
a. How can the pt be treated?
Influenza
a. Rest, fluid, Tylenol
20 – A pt with Influenza has what S&S?
Muscle aches, headaches, myalgia, nasal
congestion, fever, chills, non-productive cough,
sore throat
21 – These are both LOWER Respiratory disease
Acute bronchitis & Influenza
22 – This is an inflammatory process involving
the respiratory bronchioles and alveoli,
caused by irritants through one of three
methods
Pneumonia
-
Inhalation
Aspiration –impaired swallow reflex
Hematogenous –from blood
Opportunistic -PCP
Inflammatory exudates fill alveolar spaces 
lung consolidation  impaired gas exchange 
hypoxia
23 – How did the following pt’s contract
Pneumonia?
a. Breathed in from air
b. Bacteria from GI reflux impaired pt’s
swallow reflex
c. Blood-borne infection
d. Elderly pt w/ depressed immune system
a.
b.
c.
d.
Inhalation
Aspiration
Hematogenous
Opportunistic
24 – Identify which type of Pneumonia is
hardest to treat & may be followed by lung
transplant:
a. CAP
b. HAP, VAP, Health-care associated
c. Fungal pneumonia
d. Aspiration pneumonia
e. Opportunistic pneumonia
C
25 – Causes/Contributing factors to Pneumonia
Inability to move secretions
Abnormal swallow or cough mechanism (from
smoking, fatigue/weak, muscular disorder)
Immunosuppressed
Immobility
Smoking
ETOH (alcohol abuse)
26 – A pt who’s been smoking for many years,
drinks 5 or more beers a day,
immunosuppressed and lacks the ability to
swallow or cough may have what?
a. What parts are inflamed?
Pneumonia
a. Bronchioles & alveoli
27 – The following symptoms indicate what
inflammatory disease?
- Dullness on percussion
- Egophony
- Sudden high fever
- Shaking chills with bacterial infec.
- Chest pain with hacking cough
- Flush cheeks
- Cyanosis
- Purulent sputum
Pneumonia
28 – What manifestations may the nurse
observe in a pt with Pneumonia?
Dullness on percussion
Egophony
Sudden onset of high fever
Shaking chills with bacterial pneumonia
Chest pain with hacking cough
Dyspnea & nasal flaring
Flushed cheeks
Cyanosis
Purulent sputum (pus)
29 – A physician ordered the following dx tests
to be done for a pt: H&P, CXR, sputum culture,
puls ox, ABGs, CBC, and blood cultures; What
respiratory disease does the doc think the pt
has?
Pneumonia
30 – What supportive Therapies may be advised
for a pt with Pneumonia?
Antibiotics
Fluids
Rest
Antipyretics & Analgesics
Coughing & Deep breathing exercises
O2 therapy
31 – A Pneumonia pt with a sudden onset of
fever, chills, chest pain when coughing,
experiencing dyspnea and nasal flaring, having
purulent sputum and egophany, may be benefit
from what therapies?
Antipyretics, Analgesics
Coughing, Deep breathing exercises
O2 therapy
Fluid, Rest
Antibiotics
32 – The RN may want to: administer prescribed
meds, promote infection control and prevent
aspiration type, for this respiratory disease
Pneumonia
33 – What should the nurse promote/nursing
management when caring for a pt with Pneu.
Administer prescribed meds (teach about them)
Promote infection control measures
Prevent aspiration pneumonia (elevate head 30
degrees*)
34 – This infectious disease usually involves the
LUNGS & may also include larynx, kidneys,
bones, adrenal glands, lymph nodes & meninges.
a. What is the cause?
Tuberculosis
a. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Kills more people worldwide than any infectious
disease*  
35 – A pt having non-specific manifestations
such as- chest pain, productive/prolong
cough >3 weeks, dyspnea, sleep disturbance,
hemoptysis (later sign) and systemic signsfever, chills, pallor, fatigue, weight loss and
night sweats –indicated that the pt may have
what infectious disease?
a. What stage
b. Asymptomatic pt’s may feel what?
Tuberculosis
a. Generally, symptoms seen only when
disease is well ADVANCED
36 – What can the nurse anticipate in a pt with
advanced stage of TB?
Productive cough or prolonged >3 weeks
95% are asymptomatic*
b. Low grade fever, lethargy, fatigue, cough,
mucoid production occasionally
streaked with blood/white froth, SOB,
pain with cough, chest pain, dull
percussion & wheezing
Chest pain
Dyspnea
Sleep disturbance
Hemoptysis –late sign
Systemic signs: Fever, chill, pallor, fatigue,
weight loss & night sweats
a. Describe systemic signs to TB?
37 – The following can diagnose what? PPD >5
mm, CXR, Bacteriologic testing (stained sputum
AFB 3 on 3 different days & QFT)
38 – A patient is having S&S of Hemoptysis,
chest pain, prolonged productive cough for >3
weeks, dyspnea, difficulty sleeping due to night
sweats, fever, fatigue, chills and pallor.
a. What might this pt have?
b. What Dx tests should be done?
39 – A pt receives results from their PPD
turberculin skin test –what outcome would
make this TB test positive?
a. Fever
Chill
Pallor
Fatigue
Weight loss
night Sweat
TB
a. (advanced) TB
b. PPD (tuberculin skin testing)
CXR
AFB 3/3 or QFT (rapid diagnostic test)
>5 mm
40 – Disease management such as- Drug therapy
(at least 4 drugs: Rifampin, Isoniazid), DOT
(direct O2 therapy) & a follow-up for 12 months
may be required for what infectious disease?
a. Effects of Rifampin & Isoniazid?
TB
a. Alters cell wall synthesis & DNA protein
synthesis
Hospitalization usually NOT necessary
41 – A pt was diagnosed with TB with a PPD,
CXR & QFT, how should their TB be managed?
1. Drug therapies –at least 4
- Rifampin & Isoniazid
2. DOT
3. Follow up after 12 months
42 – Health promotion, respiratory isolation, 4
drug therapies, and patient teaching –are
essential to which infectious disease that likes
growing in the dark?
a. Describe patient teaching
TB
a. Cover nose & mouth when coughing,
sneezing, producing sputum
Tissues should be trashed
Hand washing
43 – As a nurse taking care of a TB patient, what
should be promoted?
Health promotion
- TB masks, Open windows for fresh air,
negative pressure room
Respiratory isolation
Pt teaching
4 Drug therapies
44 – Any disease that decreases lung volume is
called what?
a. Examples
Restrictive Lung Disease
a. Sarcoidosis –impair expansion
Kyphoscoliosis –anter. curved spine
Neuromuscular disorders –cant deep
breath
Morbid Obesity –push up diaphragm/
pregnant
45 – This is a group of disorders associated with COPD
persistent or recurrent obstruction of air flow
a. What does this group include?
a. Emphysema & Chronic Bronchitis
46 – What does COPD disrupt?
Airway dynamics airflow obstruction (in &
out of lungs)
47 – People with COPD have gradual incr/decr
of what levels?
a. Explain how the body responds to this
Incr CO2 / Decr O2
a. Body doesn’t respond to the lowered
oxygenation levels anymore/increased
CO2 baseline  Chronic Hypoxia
(hypoxic drive)
High concentrations of O2 can cause respiratory
arrest- shuts down centers
48 –If a pt has chronic hypoxia, as seen by their
hypoxic drive due to their impaired response to
lowered O2 levels, what umbrella disorder does
this pt have?
COPD
49 – This particularly COPD is hypertrophy &
hypersecretion in bronchial mucous glands &
globlet cells, which leads to increased sputum
and bronchial congestion which narrows the
bronchioles
COPD: Chronic Bronchitis
50 – Major causes of chronic bronchitis?
Smoking
Air pollution
Occupational exposure
Allergy
Autoimmunity
Infection
Genetic
Aging
51 – A pt with bronchial congestion/ narrowing
of the lumen and incr sputum due to
hypertrophy and hypersecretions of bronchial
mucous glands has what S&S of Chronic
Bronchitis?
Productive cough 3+ months for 2
consecutive years
Persistent cough during winter
Sputum
Recurrent URI
Aka Smokers cough
52 – A pt has been having a productive cough
since December (it is now March), which the
same thing happened last year- Which
respiratory disease does the pt have?
Chronic Bronchitis
53 – Dx test such as PFTs, CXR, ABG and sputum
cultures may need to be ordered for a patient
with what?
COPD: Chronic Bronchitis
54 – What Dx exams should be ordered if a pt is
PFTs (volume & capacity)
experience a productive cough for >3 months for ABG
2 consecutive years?
CXR
Sputum culture
55 – Regarding nursing management, what
should be done to properly take care of a pt with
Chronic Bronchitis?
Administer meds as prescribed
- Steroids, bronchodilator, expectorant,
mucolytic, antitussant, analgesia
- Incr fluid intake (if no comorbidities)
Keep airways clear with percussion &
postural drainage and suction
Improve breathing patterns
- Encourage pursed lipped breathing
56 – The nurse caring for a pt encourages
pursed lipped breathing as well as percussion
the pt with cupped hands while checking
postural drainage and suction. What resp
disease does the pt have?
Chronic Bronchitis
57 – This chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
deals with loss of elasticity in the alveoli from
hyperinflation.
- Destruction of alveolar walls, airway
narrowing causing resistance to air flow
due to loss of supporting structure
Emphysema
58 – T/F Emphysema & Chronic Bronchitis have
the same contributing factors, thus they are
closely related & pt’s often have Both diseases.
True
59 – A pt with the following symptoms- slow
onset of signs, dyspnea on exertion (DOE) or at
rest, progressive coughing, accessory muscle
use, anorexia and weight loss, profound
weakness, dusky color cyanosis, clubbing, and
barrel chest or h/o of chronic bronchitis may
have what type of COPD?
Emphysema
Same causes as Chronic Bronchitis*
Except- Alpha Antitrypsin genetically causes
emphysema
60 – A pt that appears to have a barrel chest,
clubbing, dusky colored/cyanotic, lost a good
amount of weight, has DOE with a progressive
cough has what?
Emphysema
61 – How is emphysema manifested in pt’s?
Barrel chest –incr anterior & posterior
diameter
Clubbing
Cyanosis, dusky color
Anorexia and weight loss
DOE or at rest
Progressive cough
Accessory muscle use
Profound weakness
Slow onset
h/o chronic bronchitis
62 – A pt with emphysema would need Dx tests:
PFTs, CXR, ABGs, CBC
a. What would you see in their CBC?
b. PFTs?
a. Incr RBCs (polycythemia) to compensate
hypoxia  which means incr viscosity &
risk for clotting
63 – Management of emphysema is similar to
chronic bronchitis, such as: pursed lip breathing
& medications
a. Other medical managements to consider
-done with COPD--64 – This is a chronic inflammatory disorder of
the airways, causing a varying degree of
obstruction
a. Smoking CESSATION
PT or DOT
Promote nutrition
65 – Pt’s with recurrent episodes of wheezing,
breathlessness, chest tightness & coughing
(particularly at night & early morning) usually
have what disorder?
b. Decr volume
Asthma
Bronchospasm (outside)
Inflammation (middle)
Mucous (inside)
Asthma
Asthma Severity Classification
1 Mild Intermittent
< 2x / wk
2 Mild Persistent
3 Moderate
Persistent
4 Severe Persistent
5 Status Asthmaticus
>2x / wk by <1x / day
Daily
Continual
Refractory
66 – A pt with daily symptoms of Asthma is
classified as what?
67 – This pt if feeling suffocated, constantly
sitting upright or bending forward (tripodding),
is anxious, exhibits hypoxemia and absent
breath sounds
a. What does this pt have?
b. Possible triggers (name 5)
c. What should the nurse not do?
Step 3 Moderate persistent
a. Asthma
b. GERD, allergens, occupational exposure,
food additives, exercise
c. The RN should not put an O2 mask on
the pt –will amplify feeling of suffocation
 instead may put near the face
Absence of wheezing is ominous
68 – An asthma pt having more severe and
prolonged symptoms may have what?
a. Risk for what?
b. What is their Peak expiratory flow rate
(PEFR)?
Status Asthmaticus
a. Resp failure
b. <100-150 L/min
69 – A pt with persistent asthma required which
type of stepwise approach drug therapy (Long
term v Quick relief)?
Long term control meds
70 – B2 –Adrenergic Agonists, Antiinflammatory agents, anticholinergics,
methylxanthine derivatives, mucolytics and
leukotrine modifiers are drug therapies used for
what?
Asthma
71 – Asthma drug therapy includes what drugs?
B2 Adrenergic agonists –bronchodilator
Mechanical ventilation is needed, severe and lifethreatening*
Anti-inflammatory
Anticholinergics
Methylxanthine Derivatives –relax smooth m.
Mucolytics –mobilize secretions
Leukotriene modifiers –anti-inflam &
bronchodilator
72 – How should a nurse care for an asthma
patient?
Monitor systems (resp, cv)
Administer meds & O2
Decr their sense of panic
Provide rest & quiet environment
Promote pt teaching (for home care)
73 – This is an obstruction of one or more
pulmonary arteries by a thrombi
Pulmonary Emboli
74 – Pts who have blood stasis, hypercoagulable
and have intima vessel damage are at most risk
for developoing what?
PE
75 – A pt with MS changes, feelings of impending
doom, chest pain, tachycardia, dyspnea, anxiety,
restless, decreased breathing sounds and has
circulatory collapse has what?
PE
76 – What do pt’s manifests when they have a
pulmonary emboli?
Chest pain
Thrombus, fat, air emboli or tumor tissue*
Impending doom
Tachycardia
Dyspnea
Anxiety
Restless
Decr breath sounds
Circulatory collapse
Ms changes*
77 – A pt just collapsed from a PE, what should
the nurse do?
Call code
Stay with pt
Admin O2
Est IV route
78 – How would the nurse care for a pt with PE?
a. What Dx tests should be done?
Provide O2 therapy
Est IV
Cont’ heparin drip –short term & long term
Coumadin therapy
- monitor coagulation through PT/PTT or INR
Bed rest (initially)
Narcotics for pain
Inferior vena cava filter
a. ABGs