NURS 317L Airway Development Quiz 2 Study Guide

Airway Development • Peds pt. has larger tongue which can cause obstruction w/in airway • @ higher risk for infection, aspiration & obstruction from inflammation or from foreign body • Trachea is a lot higher than normal adult  places pt. @ risk for aspiration Defenses of Respiratory Tract • Most of them in presence of infection can cause respiratory compromise • If epiglottis (flap over trachea) swollen & inflamed will obstruct airway (trachea) • Coughing is important to expectorate Acid Base Imbalance • Acidosis =  pH &  CO2 • Respiratory acidosis? o Obstruction & CO2 can’t come out, not breathing effectively o Hypoventilation leads to hypoxia & leads to respiratory acidosis o Pt. disoriented, drowsy & dizzy • Alkalosis =  pH &  CO2 • Respiratory Alkalosis? o Hyperventilated pt.  anxious o Breath into bag to retain CO2 o Lightheadedness, disorientation & confusion Assessment of Respiratory System • In peds focus on  retractions (clavicular, suprasternal {neck}, subcoastal {ribs}) • Clubbing of fingers = chronic pulmonary disorder • If getting worse pt. will look lethargic, have mouth open, tired, pale Common Tx Methods • Inhaler (MDI or DPI) used more for home • Nebulized Aerosol Therapy used for asthma attack because gets med more quickly Pulse Ox • Won’t work w/ nail polish, cold extremity, water • Use WHOLE heel if toe too tiny • Goal = > 95% • Acceptable = 91-100% • < 90% = PROBLEM • Assess pt. always before machine