NR 302-Edapt Week 6
Respiratory System
Introduction to Respiratory System
The lungs are the most vulnerable internal organ. They have constant exposure to particles, chemicals, and
infectious agents (Forum of International Respiratory Societies, 2021). The five most common causes of severe
illness and death are respiratory diseases. Education, training, and increased awareness can reduce the burden
respiratory diseases have across the world.
Abnormal Breath Sounds
Sibilant Rhonchi, a high-pitched, squeaky wheeze produced by narrowed airways. Fine crackles, course crackles,
and sonorous rhonchi are caused by fluid in the airways.
Fremitus is a vibration felt through the chest wall. An ulceration is an open wound, and a cyst is a fluid-filled pocket
under the skin.
Crepitus the feel of crackling, little pockets of air.
Breath Sounds
Bronchovesicular breath sounds are heard in the sternal area anteriorly and the mid–scapula area posteriorly.
Vesicular sounds are heard over the peripheral lung fields, including the left lower lobe, and bronchial sounds are
heard over the trachea.
Lung Lobes
The examiner places the stethoscope along the anterior axillary line at the 5th intercostal space to hear the
crackles.
Lifestyle
Occupation
Respiratory illnesses and diseases account for a large portion of all occupational disease related deaths.
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, These include “allergies, asthma, influenza, pneumoconioses, tuberculosis, obliterative bronchiolitis, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), silicosis, and mesothelioma” (NIOSH, 2017).
Hobbies
There are hobbies that expose people to paints, glues, dust, and chemical agents through inhalation.
Exposures to these materials can irritate the lungs.
Pets
Pet dander, microscopic pieces of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers, can cause reactions in people who are
allergic to these triggers.
Bird Fancier’s Lung, a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, can be caused by breathing in particles from birds or
bird droppings.
Smoking or Illicit Drug Use
Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer and contributes to 80-90% of lung cancer deaths (American Lung
Association, 2020).
If exposed to second-hand smoke, non-smokers have a 20-30% greater chance of developing lung cancer
(American Lung Association, 2020).
Damage to the lungs can be caused by inhaling various illicit drugs or by aspiration during unconsciousness.
Vaping can also cause significant lung damage.
Exercise
Regular exercise can increase the strength and function of the lungs.
Lifestyle Choices and Respiratory Health
Occupation, Smoking, And Exercise; these are lifestyle choices that impact respiratory health.
Preparing to Assess the Respiratory System
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