Help
Options
Didn't know it?
click below
click below
Knew it?
click below
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
retry
shuffle
restart
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Pulmonary Exam/proc
Pulmonary Examinations and Procedures
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Medical assistants are routinely called upon to perform respiratory testing and provide appropriate treatments. Diagnostic procedures may include spirometry or pulmonary function testing (PFT), | obtaining sputum samples for bacterial cultures, and performing pulse oximetry testing (a measurement of the patient’s blood oxygen saturation level). |
| Respiratory Health Screening Questions | assessments focus on past lung diseases, current symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain, and smoking habit |
| Respiratory rate | is included during vital sign assessment and blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and pain assessment |
| Factors That May Increase the Patient's Risk for Respiratory Disease | Smoking, environmental factors, and infection can contribute to chronic respiratory disease. |
| Smoking | The effect on the lungs, either directly or through secondhand smoke, has been linked to many illnesses and diseases.doesn’t matter whether the smoking products are in the form of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or even marijuana. They all harm health. |
| Environmental Hazards | Respiratory disorders may occur when individuals are exposed to asbestos, radon, uranium, arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal, mustard gas, chloro-methyl ether, gasoline fuels, diesel exhaust, and lead. |
| Environmental Hazards | When conducting respiratory screenings, it is important to gain info regarding the pt’s home and work environments. Are there hazardous elements to which the patient has frequent exposure? Obtaining travel info upon initial screening might help |
| Contagious Infections | result from microorganisms that spread from one person to another through inhalation or ingestion. The common cold, influenza, coronavirus, pneumonia, and tuberculosis are just a few communicable diseases |
| The medical assistant must stress the importance of good infection control with patients, especially during cold and flu season. | Educating patients on how to reduce their infection risks will help keep patients from contracting respiratory illnesses that compromise their respiratory health. |
| Diagnostic Testing | A variety of testing measures may be instituted to diagnose respiratory disorders. The type of testing used will be dependent on the patient’s symptoms. |
| Radiological Exams | The typical exam to view the lung is the chest x-ray, seen in the right |
| x-ray may be performed for / also be used to explore possible illnesses and disorders, including | for a routine exam or during a pre-employment physical. explore possible illnesses and disorders, including pneumonia, tumors, and atelectasis, that is, a collapse of the alveoli (air sacs within the lungs), rendering them ineffective. |
| Chest CT | Computerized tomography (CT) provides images of the lungs in cross-sections as the computer rotates completely around the body |
| Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | a noninvasive diagnostic scan used to render images of an object's inside. It is most often used in medical imaging to detect disease or other physiological alterations of living tissue. The MRI gives a clearer picture than traditional x-rays. |
| Bronchoscopy | is a test used to examine the airway. A bronchoscope is a long flexible tube passed through the mouth, trachea, and into the bronchi to examine specific structures. |
| Common reasons for needing a bronchoscopy are | a persistent cough, infection, or something unusual seen on a chest X-ray or other test. Bronchoscopy can also be used to obtain samples of mucus or tissue, remove foreign bodies or other blockages from the airways or lungs, or provide treatment |
| Skill Walkthrough for Baseline Pulmonary Function Test | Performed by a medical assistant to assess lung function. Patient removes restrictive clothing, sits upright with feet flat. Using a nose clip, inhale deeply, seal lips, and blow out hard three times; results go to physician for MD ok |
| Beginning Steps for Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 1. Check the patient’s EHR & Perform hand hygiene. | Check the Patient’s EHR for the reason for the visit and any orders. • Perform hand hygiene |
| Beginning Steps for Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 2. Assemble equipment and supplies. | Assemble and disinfect equipment and supplies. Ensure the mouthpiece is not past expiration or been compromised. The spirometry machine with graph paper, nose clip and mouthpiece and tubing are critical supplies to perform the diagnostic procedure. |
| Beginning Steps for Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 3 Calibrate spirometer. | Calibrate according to manufacturer’s instructions, to prevent inaccurate results. |
| Beginning Steps for Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 4.Connect mouthpiece to tubing. | Dont fully unwrap the mouthpiece until given to the pt, as this prevents contamination. |
| Beginning Steps for Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 4.Connect mouthpiece to tubing. | Preparation of equipment through instrument calibration and connection of the tubing and mouthpiece prior to procedure reduces wait time and proactively allows the medical assistant to ensure proper functioning of machine and all supplies are available. |
| Prepare the Patient for a Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 1.) Verify patient identity &Perform hand hygiene and apply disposable gloves. | Confirm patient identity using two identifiers. • Perform hand hygiene. • Apply disposable gloves to provide a protective barrier preventing both the patient and medical assistant from transmission of infectious agents, as well as portal of entry |
| Prepare the Patient for a Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 2.)Explain the procedure. | Explain the procedure/the reason behind it so the pt fully understands what to expect. Obtain consent to touch the pt to perform the procedure. Provide the patient with an opportunity to ask questions. Go into more detail as the test progresses. |
| Prepare the Patient for a Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 3. Ensure adherence with preprocedural instructions | Ensure patient followed all preprocedural instructions no restrictive clothing, no heavy meals or smoking in last 8 hr, no short-acting inhaler use or strenuous activity in last 4 hr. |
| Prepare the Patient for a Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 3. Ensure adherence with preprocedural instructions | Preparation facilitates accuracy and anything restricting or altering lung expansion should be avoided. • Failure to comply to the preprocedural instructions may result in inaccurate results |
| Prepare the Patient for a Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 4.) Instruct the patient to remove outer clothing | Remove outer or restrictive clothing, remove chewing gum, mints or loose dentures before testing to prevent aspiration possibilities |
| Prepare the Patient for a Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 5.) Measure the patient’s height and weight. | Measure height and weight for later entry into spirometry database. (May want to consider doing this at the beginning of the procedure.) • These measurements are important in comparing results to that of expected normal results. |
| Prepare the Patient for a Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 6. Position the patient. | Seat the pt so they are sitting erect against back of chair with feet flat on floor,and encourage them focus on sitting up straight. If a computer screen is used, the pt may be seated so they can see the screen Check policy of office/pt preference. |
| Prepare the Patient for a Baseline Pulmonary Function Test 7. Enter information into database. | Information in the database will be necessary to compare those to expected reference ranges by age/height, as well as providing doc that associates the test being performed to the appropriate pt for filing or transmitting the results to the EHR. |
| EKGs determine an individual’s | heart rate and rhythm and overall heart function to determine reasons for chest pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. |
| Pulmonary function tests identify and assess | lung function and are done to assess for asthma, emphysema, and other chronic lung issues |
| A peak flow meter measures | the amount of air exhaled and how air flows through the lungs. It is used as a screening tool in the office to diagnose acute and chronic respiratory conditions. |
| The patient experience is always the top priority, and the medical assistant should make sure | all questions have answered and follow-up instructions given |
| Perform Spirometry Testing - 1. Explain the procedure. • Describe steps to obtain a good reading | • Attach nose clips. • Relax. • Take in deep breath. • Place tube in mouth and seal lips around it. • Blow as hard as you can until air from lungs is completely out |
| Perform Spirometry Testing - 2. Tell patient they will be coached through the procedure. | Ask if there are any questions. • Too many steps can result in anxiety affecting the relaxation and breathing patterns, encouragement may be necessary throughout the procedure. |
| Perform Spirometry Testing - 3. Place nose clip. | Gently place the nose clip on patient’s nose, or allow patient to place it themselves, to avoid concerns of perceived offensive contact, or battery. |
| Perform Spirometry Testing- 3. Place nose clip. | The nose clip prevents air escaping through the nasal passages, causing inaccurate readings by decreasing the amount of air the pt can force through mouthpiece Pt will need to inhale/exhale through their mouth which may be uncomfortable/frightening. |
| Perform Spirometry Testing - 4. Press start button | Confirm patient is ready to begin. Press start button and coach the patient on what to do. Proactive coaching facilitates a more effective test and reduces anxiety. |
| Perform Spirometry Testing- 5. Review the recording. | Praise the pt following the test, observe pt for signs of struggling. Stop test if pt feels faint or out of breath allow pt to rest. Tell them to remove the nose clip and rest a few moments. Review the recording and make any necessary adjustments. |
| Perform Spirometry Testing - 6. Repeat the test two times. | Repeat two more times, trying to improve the results with each try. Allow for short rest periods between screenings. If recovery is not sufficient with rest, the provider will determine if the three tests are needed |
| Perform Spirometry Testing - . Remove the nose clip | Praise pt again on their efforts. This procedure can lead to coughing, dizziness, chest discomfort and anxiety due to either chronic or acute compromised breathing. Gently remove or have pt remove nose clips/mouthpiece from the holder and dispose |
| Concluding Steps for Baseline Pulmonary Function Test | Disinfect the spirometer. Perform hand hygiene. Document in the patient’s EHR and include date and time, ordering provider, test performed, number of tests completed, patient tolerance, instructions delivered, and position of patient |
| Skill Walkthrough For Peak Flow Meter | Pt may are unsteady,sit with both feet flat on floor with all restrictive clothing removed& loose-fitting dentures. PT will take in a deep breath place their mouth around the tube and exhale as hard and fast as possible.do this X3 trying improve |
| Beginning Steps for Peak Flow Meter | Check the patient’s EHR. determine the reason for the visit and any orders. Perform hand hygiene. Gather/disinfect equipment/supplies. Assemble Disinfect meter if not disposable. |
| The peak flow meter is typically used in | home environment but can be used as a screening tool in the office. |
| What is the primary purpose of peak flow monitoring in asthma management ? | monitoring how bad symptoms or asthma can be |
| Interpreting peak flow reading involves understanding zones. What does it generally mean if a pt's peak flow reading falls into "red zone" | The pt may be experiencing serve asthma sysmpoths and require immediate medical attention |
| The pt should be in a sitting or standing position when performing a peak flow measurements ? T OR F | true |
| What does peak flow measure ? | the fastest speed of exhaled air from the lung |
| Sleep apnea | s a sleep disorder characterized by recurring episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. |
| When a person lies down to sleep | natural relaxation of muscles throughout the body includes the muscles in the throat and the tongue. |
| The relaxation of throat muscles and the tongue can contribute to the partial __________ or ____________of the airway. This narrowing of the airway leads to repeated episodes of ________ ____- | Blockage ; Narrowing : sleep apnea |
| CPAP is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea ? T OR F | T |
| You may need a sleep study before receiving a CPAP machine ? tor f | T |
| You only need to use the CPAP machine every now and then ? TOR F | F |
| patient stops breathing during sleep, it reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, which, over time, can lead to serious complications such as | high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. |
| 3 Main types of Sleep Apnea: | Obstructive Sleep Apnea --- Central Sleep Apnea --- Mixed Sleep Apnea |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) | occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to a partial or complete blockage of the airway. |
| Symptoms of OSA often include | loud snoring, choking during sleep, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. |
| Diagnosis of OSA involves a sleep study called ___________ which monitors various physiological parameters during sleep to assess the severity of breathing disturbances. | polysomnography, |
| Sleep apnea is normally diagnosed through a ____ ______, which takes place at a sleep center. | sleep study |
| Electrodes, placed on the patient’s scalp and other body locations, are hooked up to equipment that records the patient’s | breathing, heart rate, and eye movements while sleeping. |
| Treatment options for sleep apnea depend on the type and severity of the condition but may include lifestyle changes, such as | weight loss and positional therapy. |
| medical interventions such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and in some cases, surgical procedures to correct anatomical abnormalities. Is the tx plan for? | Sleep Apnea |
| There are two forms of therapy in which medications are delivered to the lungs: | nebulizers and inhalers |
| Nebulizers are used for the treatment of asthma and other lung conditions. They are ? | are units that change liquid medication into an aerosol mist inhaled through a mouthpiece or face mask. |
| Common medications delivered through a nebulizer include: | Anticholinergics --- Bronchodilators --- Corticosteroids |
| Nebulizers consist of four major components: | Compressor: Converts the liquid into a mist and powers the nebulizer Nebulizer tubing: Connects the mouthpiece to the compressor. Medication cup: Houses the medication Mouthpiece or face mask: Delivers the meds into the patient’s respiratory system. |
| Nebulizers can be used both in the office and at home. Breathing treatments typically last ____ to ____ mins | 15 to 30 |
| Inhalers are handheld portable devices that deliver medication directly to the lungs. There are 2 basic types of Inhalers: | Metered-Dose Inhalers ---- Dry Powder Inhalers |
| Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are medical devices used to deliver medication directly to the lungs as a | spray or mist, to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders. |
| Components of Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs): | Canister , Metering Valve , Mouthpiece or mask |
| Canister | contains the medication in a liquid form, along with propellants and other ingredients to facilitate dispersion. The medication is dispensed in measured doses with each actuation of the inhaler. |
| Metering Valve: | controls the release of medication from the canister. When the inhaler is activated, the metering valve delivers a precise dose of medication into the inhalation chamber. |
| Mouthpiece or Mask: | the interface through which the medication is inhaled into the lungs. It is essential to ensure a proper seal between the inhaler and the patient's mouth or face to maximize drug delivery. |
| Common Medications Delivered by MDIs: Bronchodilators | meds such as albuterol, levalbuterol, and ipratropium are commonly delivered via MDIs to relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow in conditions like asthma and COPD. |
| Common Medications Delivered by MDIs: Corticosteroids | Inhaled corticosteroids, such as fluticasone and budesonide, are used to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma exacerbations when delivered via MDIs. |
| Common Medications Delivered by MDIs: Combinations therapies | Some MDIs contain a combination of bronchodilators and corticosteroids to provide both immediate relief and long-term control of respiratory symptoms |
| Medical assistants play a crucial role in educating patients on the proper use of MDIs, including | correct inhalation technique and the importance of adherence to prescribed medication regimens. instruct patients on how to maintain and clean their inhalers to prevent contamination and ensure optimal drug delivery. |
| Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) are devices used to | deliver medication directly to the lungs for the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). |
| DPIs deliver medication in powdered form, which is then inhaled into the | lungs |
| How Dry Powder Inhalers Work | DPIs work by converting powdered medication into an inhalable aerosol when the patient inhales through the device. |
| Advantages of Dry Powder Inhalers : Portability and Convenience: | DPIs are compact and easy to carry, making them convenient for patients to use both at home and while on the go. Their simple design also makes them easy to use for patients of all ages. |
| Advantages of Dry Powder Inhalers : No Propellants | Unlike MDIs, which require propellants to deliver medication, DPIs do not contain propellants. This makes them environmentally friendly and eliminates the risk of patients being exposed to harmful aerosol propellants. |
| Advantages of Dry Powder Inhalers : Breath-Actuated: | Many DPIs are breath-actuated, meaning they only release medication when the patient inhales. This helps ensure that the medication is delivered effectively to the lungs and reduces the risk of medication wastage. |
| Advantages of Dry Powder Inhalers : Stability of Medication: | Dry powder formulations tend to be more stable than liquid formulations, which can degrade over time. This stability allows for longer shelf life and reduces the need for preservatives in the medication. |
| Normal oxygen saturation levels for healthy individuals typically range from ___% to _____% | 95 to 100 |
| Levels above 95% indicate ____________ oxygenation of tissues and organs. Factors like altitude, age, activity, and health conditions can affect these levels | optimal |
| Levels below 95% may signal ____________, inadequate blood oxygenation. | hypoxemia |
| Oxygen therapy | is indicated when a patient's oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels fall below certain thresholds, indicating hypoxemia or inadequate oxygenation of the blood. |
| SpO2 below 90%: | Oxygen therapy is often initiated when oxygen saturation levels drop below 90%. This threshold is commonly used to define hypoxemia and is associated with increased risks of tissue hypoxia and organ damage. |
| SpO2 between 90% and 94%: | In some cases, providers may initiate oxygen therapy when oxygen saturation levels fall within the range of 90% to 94%, particularly if the patient has underlying respiratory conditions or risk factors for complications. |
| Clinical Assessment: In addition to oxygen saturation levels, healthcare providers also consider clinical signs and symptoms of hypoxemia, such as | shortness of breath, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes), altered mental status, or signs of respiratory distress, when determining the need for oxygen therapy. |
| Role of Medical Assistants in O2 Therapy | Equipment Preparation: They gather and ensure oxygen therapy equipment is ready. Setup: They assemble and adjust oxygen delivery systems. Oxygen Delivery: may be tasked with delivering oxygen directly to patients in some healthcare practice |
| Role of Medical Assistants in O2 Therapy | Patient Education: They explain therapy purpose and usage to patients. Monitoring: They observe patients during therapy, noting any issues. Documentation: They record vital signs and therapy details accurately. |
| Role of Medical Assistants in O2 Therapy | Assisting Providers: They aid healthcare providers during procedures. Safety Compliance: They maintain safety protocols and equipment standards. |
| Volume (Liters) – Y Axis | The vertical axis represents the volume of air exhaled from the lungs. Spirometry measures how much air the lungs can move during forced breathing. |
| Time (Seconds) – X Axis | The horizontal axis represents time during the spirometry test. It shows how quickly the patient is able to exhale air from the lungs. |
| Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV₁) | measures the amount of air a patient can forcefully exhale in the first second of the test. This value helps assess how well air moves through the airways and is commonly used to evaluate conditions such as asthma and COPD. |
| Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) | is the total amount of air a patient can forcefully exhale after taking the deepest breath possible. It reflects the overall capacity of the lungs during the spirometry maneuver. |
| Normal Breathing Pattern | This section represents normal breathing after the forced spirometry maneuver. It shows the typical airflow pattern during relaxed inhalation and exhalation. |
Created by:
CATCCMA