RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS – MEDICAL-SURGICAL /
ADULT HEALTH NURSING
Course: Adult Health Nursing (MedSurg Nursing) - Respiratory conditions
Primary Reference: Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Latest Edition
Study Program: Nursing / Medicine / Clinical Health Sciences
Document Type: Course Summary & Exam Revision Notes
Level: Undergraduate
OVERVIEW
Respiratory disorders affect the airways, lungs, and respiratory muscles, resulting in
impaired gas exchange and oxygen delivery. In Adult Health Nursing II, emphasis is
placed on recognition of respiratory compromise, prompt intervention, and priority
nursing care.
ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATORY FUNCTION
Definition
Respiratory assessment is the systematic evaluation of ventilation, oxygenation, and
gas exchange to identify impaired airway or breathing.
Pathophysiology Focus
Inadequate ventilation → CO₂ retention
Impaired diffusion → hypoxemia
V/Q mismatch → ↓ PaO₂ despite oxygen therapy
Clinical Assessment
Dyspnea, cough, sputum, chest pain
Accessory muscle use, nasal flaring
Abnormal chest shape (barrel chest in COPD)
Abnormal breath sounds (crackles, wheezes, diminished)
Key Diagnostics
ABGs: PaO₂, PaCO₂, pH, HCO₃⁻
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs):
Obstructive → ↓ FEV₁ (COPD, asthma)
Restrictive → ↓ lung expansion
Pulse oximetry
Chest X-ray, CT scan
Nursing Priorities
1. Airway and oxygenation (ABCs)
2. Recognize hypoxemia early
3. Interpret ABGs accurately
4. Patient education (smoking cessation, vaccines)
5. Educate pt what to do before, during and after PFTs
NCLEX Tip: Treat the patient first — labs support decisions.
, OXYGEN THERAPY & RESPIRATORY CARE
Principles
Use lowest effective FiO₂
Humidify oxygen
Monitor for oxygen toxicity
Nursing Priorities
Proper device selection
Skin integrity
Suction when indicated
Evaluate response to therapy
1. UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT DISORDERS
Definition
Upper respiratory tract disorders involve inflammation or infection of the nose,
sinuses, pharynx, or larynx.
Pathophysiology
Viral or bacterial invasion
Mucosal inflammation
Increased mucus production
Airway irritation
Clinical Features
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Headache
Fever
Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
Medications
Analgesics (acetaminophen)
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Antibiotics (bacterial only)
Nursing Priorities
Maintain airway patency
Hydration
Symptom relief
Identify red flags (airway compromise)
ATI Tip: Viral ≠ antibiotics.
2. ACUTE UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
ADULT HEALTH NURSING
Course: Adult Health Nursing (MedSurg Nursing) - Respiratory conditions
Primary Reference: Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Latest Edition
Study Program: Nursing / Medicine / Clinical Health Sciences
Document Type: Course Summary & Exam Revision Notes
Level: Undergraduate
OVERVIEW
Respiratory disorders affect the airways, lungs, and respiratory muscles, resulting in
impaired gas exchange and oxygen delivery. In Adult Health Nursing II, emphasis is
placed on recognition of respiratory compromise, prompt intervention, and priority
nursing care.
ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATORY FUNCTION
Definition
Respiratory assessment is the systematic evaluation of ventilation, oxygenation, and
gas exchange to identify impaired airway or breathing.
Pathophysiology Focus
Inadequate ventilation → CO₂ retention
Impaired diffusion → hypoxemia
V/Q mismatch → ↓ PaO₂ despite oxygen therapy
Clinical Assessment
Dyspnea, cough, sputum, chest pain
Accessory muscle use, nasal flaring
Abnormal chest shape (barrel chest in COPD)
Abnormal breath sounds (crackles, wheezes, diminished)
Key Diagnostics
ABGs: PaO₂, PaCO₂, pH, HCO₃⁻
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs):
Obstructive → ↓ FEV₁ (COPD, asthma)
Restrictive → ↓ lung expansion
Pulse oximetry
Chest X-ray, CT scan
Nursing Priorities
1. Airway and oxygenation (ABCs)
2. Recognize hypoxemia early
3. Interpret ABGs accurately
4. Patient education (smoking cessation, vaccines)
5. Educate pt what to do before, during and after PFTs
NCLEX Tip: Treat the patient first — labs support decisions.
, OXYGEN THERAPY & RESPIRATORY CARE
Principles
Use lowest effective FiO₂
Humidify oxygen
Monitor for oxygen toxicity
Nursing Priorities
Proper device selection
Skin integrity
Suction when indicated
Evaluate response to therapy
1. UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT DISORDERS
Definition
Upper respiratory tract disorders involve inflammation or infection of the nose,
sinuses, pharynx, or larynx.
Pathophysiology
Viral or bacterial invasion
Mucosal inflammation
Increased mucus production
Airway irritation
Clinical Features
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Headache
Fever
Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
Medications
Analgesics (acetaminophen)
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Antibiotics (bacterial only)
Nursing Priorities
Maintain airway patency
Hydration
Symptom relief
Identify red flags (airway compromise)
ATI Tip: Viral ≠ antibiotics.
2. ACUTE UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
