What is the cough reflex? The cough reflex is used to clear sputum and irritants that are in the nasal passages and pharynx. b. Describe the process that Cari’s respiratory system is using to clear her lungs by coughing: The cilia in her trachea move mucus up from the lungs, copious amounts of mucus trigger the cough reflex. 3.
C) Which structures found in the terminal bronchioles and alveoli normally would protect Cari’s lungs from infectious pathogens and particulate matter? There are macrophages presents (wandering phagocytes) that remove dust particles and other debris from the alveolar space. D) How would the resistance of Cari’s airways be affected by excess mucus and fluid in her lung? The lung capacity is decreased because the air space is already filled with mucus and fluids therefore she can’t take in enough oxygen. The extra mucus and fluids put extra pressure on the lungs.
The invading organism causes symptoms, in part, by provoking a large immune response in the lungs. The capillaries become leaky, and protein-rich fluid seeps into the alveoli. This results in a less functional area for oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. The patient becomes relatively oxygen deprived, while at the same time retaining large amounts of carbon dioxide. During this process, mucus production is increased.
1) Coronary artery disease occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries wrap around the heart and supply it with blood and oxygen. When plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries and reduces the amount of blood that gets to your heart. This can lead to serious problems, including heart attack. 2) Coronary artery disease is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of the coronary arteries.
How was the diagnosis of ARDS made? How important is the medical history? Once again in order to understand why a diagnosis of ARDS was made we must first understand what ARDS is. ARDS is acute respiratory distress syndrome and it come about when fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs called alveoli in your lungs. More fluid in your lungs means less oxygen can reach your bloodstream.
Smokers’ cough turns into chronic bronchitis, caused by the deteriorated cilia. Mucus thickens and becomes greater in amount, thickening the lining of the bronchioles, resulting in difficulty breathing. The bronchioles steadily lose their elasticity which prevents them from absorbing the pressure on the alveoli, causing the alveoli to rupture; smoking-induced emphysema. This progression results in a worsening cough, wheezing, difficult breathing, and fatigue. As these structural changes are occurring, there are also cellular or molecular changes taking place in the lungs.
For non-allergic asthma, however, the main causes are physical effort/exertion, stress, intolerance towards some medications, including aspirin (which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), or any respiratory infections such as a ‘normal’ cold. Still the allergic asthma, so the reaction to allergens overweighs the non-allergic asthma considerably. Being asthmatic the response to all these triggers is unusually strong. These normally lead to coughing, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Furthermore an abnormal rapid heart rate is another sign for asthma attack.
The secondary cause is related to an existing infection or disease. Each of these are caused by different irritants that result in the same disruption of normal perfusion. The attacks on the lung lead to alveolar inflammation and edema that causes low ventilation and blood and fluid to be pushed into the capillaries. This leads to a stasis in the lung’s gas perfusion and creates a pressure that makes it harder for the individual to breath (Anatomical Chart Company, 2010, p. 100). The first signs and symptoms of any infection should immediately be put to the attention of the health care provider.
Also mentioned, is the increased risk of localized hypothermia and risk for infection as wet gauze to the wound can cause vasoconstriction and in theory, also decrease leukocyte mobility and efficiency of phagocytes. Gauze fibers may also be retained in the wound bed further increasing risk of infection. Lastly, the author suggests that the use of wet to dry dressings are not cost effective since they are labor intensive, require secondary dressings to contain exudate, and usually require nursing care within the community. The article closes by saying that further research is needed to fully understand the impact that dressing selection has in wound healing but suggests that practitioners should question the continued use of wet to dry dressings. Currently, Greenville Hospital System’s policy for healing of wounds by second intention is best met with the use of wet to dry dressings.
However, there are cases where the hematocrit will not be accurate. If red cells are being supplied, the hematocrit will be artificially high because the sample will contain a large amount of red cells. There are several diseases and disorders associated with high hematocrit levels, including dengue shock syndrome, polycythemia vera, capillary leak syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other conditions associated with hypoxia. Also, the use of anabolic androgenic steroid can increase the amount of RBCs in the blood and increase the hematocrit. Dehydration is also a cause for a high hematocrit.