Pathophysiology Course
Critical Complications
CO2
out
O2
in
KEY SIGNS
1. Pleural Effusion
1. D - During inhalation = Chest pain
Fluid that fills the pleural space (space between the 2. D - Dyspnea
lung itself & the chest wall). This prevents full expansion 3. D - Diminished breath sounds
of the lung, resulting in decreased gas exchange.
4. D - Dull resonance on percussion
Priority Intervention
- Thoracentesis: big needle in the lung space
L L
to drain the fluid!
- 2 BIG complications: DULL RESONANCE FLUID FILLED LUNGS
Pneumothorax (popped lung)
Hemothorax (blood in the lung space)
- PRIORITY to report:
Asymmetrical chest expansion &
Decreased breath sounds
2. ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) KEY SIGNS ?
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ARDS, think HARDS - hard stiff lungs Refractory Hypoxemia = Low PaO2
MEMORY TRICK
REsistant to Oxygen
REfractory Hypoxemia
#1 Sign of Low O2 = Altered Mental status
1. Confusion
2. Agitation
3. Restlessness
3. Septic Shock
If the infection gets severe, the body releases chemicals
into the bloodstream to fight the infection resulting in Key signs
severe low blood pressure & total body inflammation Hypotension NCLEX TIP < 90 Systolic
which can damage multiple organs causing them to fail, Systolic < 90 mm Hg 88
known as MODS - multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. MAP < 65 mm Hg
MEMORY TRICK Cap refill over 3 - 4 seconds
S - Shock Tachycardia
S - Severely Low BP & perfusion Early - Fever (Over 100.4)
Late - Hypothermia (Under 96.8ᴼF)
MEMORY TRICK
Elevated WBC (norm: 10,000 or less)
S S Decreased Urine Output
SHOCK SEVERELY LOW BP
& PERFUSION 30 ml/hr or Less = Kidney Distress
MODS - Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome