Adult Health Nursing - Respiratory System Notes

1. Adult Health Nursing (AHN) - Definition

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), AHN is a specialized area of nursing that focuses on:

Promotional health
Maintenance health
Restoration health
Prevention of illness

2. Respiratory System - Definition

According to WHO, the respiratory system is an organ system responsible for:

Breathing and gas exchange
Supplying oxygen to the body
Removing CO₂
Maintaining normal body function and homeostasis

3. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Definition: COPD is a common, preventable and treatable lung disease characterised by persistent respiratory airflow limitation, caused by abnormality of the airway - usually resulting from significant exposure to harmful particles or gases.

4. Bronchitis

Definition: Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tube (bronchi), resulting in swelling of bronchial mucosa, leading to cough and difficulty in breathing.

Bronchi = major air passages connected to the trachea.

Types of Bronchitis

Type	Description
Acute	Inflammation of bronchi lasting up to 3 weeks
Chronic	Inflammation of bronchi lasting at least 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years, after excluding other causes. One of the major causes of COPD.

Acute Bronchitis

Causative Organisms:

Viral: Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Covid-19
Bacterial: Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Characteristics:

Sudden onset
Difficulty (self-limiting)
Usually affects upper airways

Chronic Bronchitis - Characteristics

Excessive mucus production
Narrowing of airways
Progressive decrease in airflow
Persistent cough

Risk Factors (for Bronchitis)

Smoking
Air pollution
Dust exposure
Occupational hazards
Chronic lung disease
Weather change
Poor nutrition

5. Pathophysiology of Bronchitis

Due to causative agents:

Start inflammation of bronchial mucosa
Vasodilation and edema → Contraction
Excess mucus secretion
Reduced ciliary function
Airflow obstruction

6. Signs & Symptoms

Persistent cough
Productive sputum
Fever
Fatigue
Weakness
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Chest tightness
Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
Crackles (on auscultation)
Thick, green/yellow/white mucus

7. Diagnostic Tests

History & Blood Tests:

CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Hb (Hemoglobin)
WBC (White Blood Cells)
RBC (Red Blood Cells)
Urea
Sodium
Potassium
Creatinine

Other Investigations:

Sputum examination
PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)
Pulse Oximetry
ABG (Arterial Blood Gas)
CT Scan

8. Treatment

Medical Management (given by doctor):

Bronchodilators
Corticosteroids
Antibiotics
Antifungals
Expectorants & Mucolytics

Summary: Bronchitis (acute and chronic) is an inflammatory condition of the bronchial tubes. Chronic bronchitis is a major component of COPD. Management is largely symptomatic and involves relieving airflow obstruction, controlling infection, and clearing mucus secretions.

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