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ADULT HEALTH NURSING
BSc Nursing - 3rd Semester Notes
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO ADULT HEALTH NURSING
Definition (ANA):
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), Adult Health Nursing (AHN) is a specialized area of nursing that focuses on the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and prevention of illness in adult patients.
UNIT 2: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Definition (WHO):
According to WHO, the Respiratory System is an organ system responsible for breathing and gas exchange. It supplies oxygen to the body, removes CO₂, maintains normal body function, and maintains homeostasis.
UNIT 3: CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
Definition
COPD is a common, preventable and treatable lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory airflow limitation, caused by abnormality of the airway or alveoli.
A. BRONCHITIS
Definition:
Bronchitis is the inflammation of bronchi - the major air passages that connect the trachea to the lungs. It is characterized by swelling of the bronchial mucosa, excess mucus secretion, cough, and difficulty in breathing.
Types of Bronchitis:
| Type | Description |
|---|
| Acute Bronchitis | Acute inflammation of the bronchi lasting less than 3 weeks |
| Chronic Bronchitis | Chronic inflammation of the bronchi lasting at least 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years, after excluding other causes. It is one of the major causes of COPD. |
Causes of Acute Bronchitis (Viral):
- Rhinovirus
- Adenovirus
- COVID-19
Causes of Acute Bronchitis (Bacterial):
Risk Factors / Causes of Chronic Bronchitis:
- Smoking (most common)
- Air pollution
- Dust exposure
- Occupational hazard
- Chronic lung disease
- Weather change
- Poor nutrition
Characteristics of Chronic Bronchitis:
- Excessive mucus production
- Narrowing of airway
- Progressive airflow limitation
- Persistent cough
Pathophysiology:
- Due to causative factors (smoking, pollution, infection)
- Inflammation of bronchial mucosa begins
- Vasodilation and edema → airway narrowing (contraction)
- Excess mucus secretion
- Reduced ciliary function
- Airflow obstruction
Signs and Symptoms:
- Persistent cough
- Productive sputum (thick, green-yellow-white colored mucus)
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing)
- Chest tightness
- Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
- Crackles on auscultation
B. EMPHYSEMA
Definition:
Emphysema is a chronic lung disease and a major form of COPD. In emphysema, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs become damaged and lose their elasticity. This makes it harder to breathe and trapping of air occurs, reducing the movement of oxygen into the blood stream.
Characteristics:
- Enlarged enzyme (protease-antiprotease imbalance)
- Morbid air trapping
- Progressive breathlessness
- Hyperinflated (barrel) chest
- Reduced exercise tolerance
Common Symptoms:
- Dyspnea
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain/tightness
- Progressive worsening dyspnea
- Persistent cough with mucus
- Wheezing sound
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Nursing/Medical Management of Emphysema:
- Cessation of smoking (strongly advised)
- Exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation
- Medication support
- Oxygen intake (supplemental O₂)
- Airway management
UNIT 4: DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
History Collection:
- Take complete patient history
Blood Investigations (CBC):
- Hemoglobin (Hb)
- WBC (White Blood Cells)
- RBC (Red Blood Cells)
- Urea
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Creatinine
Sputum Examination:
- For culture and sensitivity
Pulmonary Function Tests:
- PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)
- Pulse Oximetry (SpO₂)
- ABG (Arterial Blood Gas)
- CT Scan
UNIT 5: MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF COPD/BRONCHITIS
Pharmacological Management:
| Drug Class | Purpose |
|---|
| Bronchodilators | Dilate airways; relieve bronchospasm |
| Corticosteroids | Reduce airway inflammation |
| Antibiotics | Treat bacterial infection |
| Antitussives | Suppress cough |
| Expectorants & Mucolytics | Loosen and thin mucus secretions |
| Bone protectors | Protect from steroid-induced bone loss |
UNIT 6: CAUSE OF COPD (ADDITIONAL FACTORS)
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD)
- A real inherited condition (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency)
- It is an inherited genetic disorder in which the body produces reduced amounts of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT)
- AAT is a protein that protects the lungs and is produced mainly in the liver
- Deficiency of AAT leads to progressive lung damage
Diagnostic Tests for AATD:
- History collection
- Blood investigation
- PFT
Medical Treatment:
- Bronchodilators
- Antibiotics
UNIT 7: BARREL CHEST
Definition:
It is a chest that appears round and enlarged, giving it the shape of a barrel. The posture forms from front to back (anteroposterior diameter increases), giving the barrel shape.
Clinical Note: Barrel chest is commonly seen in patients with long-standing emphysema due to chronic air trapping and lung hyperinflation.
UNIT 8: PLEURAL EFFUSION
Definition
A collection of excess fluid in the pleural space. Normally, the pleural space contains only 10-20 mL of fluid. Any accumulation more than 20 mL is considered pleural effusion.
Pleural effusion is secondary to many other diseases.
Classification
1. Transudative Pleural Effusion
- Also known as hydrothorosis/nephrotic effusion
- Occurs in:
- Non-inflammatory condition
- Congestive heart failure
- Nephrotic syndrome
- It is an accumulation of low-protein, no-cell-count flow
- Results from imbalance in hydrostatic and oncotic pressures
2. Exudative Pleural Effusion
- Occurs in areas of inflammation
- Inflammation is an accumulation of increased protein content
- Results from increased capillary permeability
- Seen in: Pneumonia, TB, Pulmonary embolism
Etiology:
- Pneumonia
- Pleural pulmonary infections
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Heart failure
- Cirrhosis
- Peritoneal dialysis
Pathophysiology of Pleural Effusion
- Hydrostatic pressure increases
- Oncotic pressure decreases
- Unable to maintain fluid in intravascular space
- Transfer to intrastial (interstitial) space and infusion into pleural cavity
Key Terms:
- Oncotic pressure (Colloidal osmotic pressure): Pressure exerted by protein in blood that keeps fluid in blood vessels
- Intrastial pressure: The pressure of fluid present outside blood vessels
UNIT 9: LUNG ABSCESS
Definition
A lung abscess is a localized collection of pus within the lung tissue, caused by:
- Destruction and necrosis of lung tissue
- Infection due to bacteria
- It commonly produces a cavity containing pus that communicates with the bronchus
Causes / Risk Factors
- Anaerobic bacterial infection
- Aspiration of oropharyngeal contents
- Pneumonia (complications)
Additional Causes:
- Septic (septicemia)
- Poor dental hygiene
- Immunosuppression
- Staphylococcal pneumonia
- Gram-negative organisms
Pathophysiology (Flow Chart):
Aspiration (due to causes above)
↓
Bacterial Infection begins
↓
Inflammation of lung tissue
↓
Tissue destruction and necrosis
↓
Pus formation
↓
Cavity develops in lung tissue
↓
Cavity may rupture into bronchus
↓
Productive cough with foul-smelling sputum
Signs and Symptoms:
Acute Lung Abscess:
- Sudden onset
- Difficulty in self-care
- Usually present with fever, cough
Chronic Lung Abscess:
- Productive cough with foul-smelling sputum
- Prolonged course
QUICK REVISION TABLE
| Condition | Key Feature | Major Cause |
|---|
| Acute Bronchitis | < 3 weeks | Viral (Rhinovirus, COVID) |
| Chronic Bronchitis | ≥ 3 months × 2 years | Smoking |
| Emphysema | Alveolar destruction | Smoking, AATD |
| Pleural Effusion | Fluid in pleural space | Pneumonia, Heart failure |
| Lung Abscess | Pus in lung tissue | Aspiration, Anaerobes |
| Barrel Chest | Increased AP diameter | Emphysema |
Exam Tips for BSc Nursing 3rd Sem:
- Always define first, then classify, then give pathophysiology as a flow chart
- Know the difference between Transudate vs Exudate (protein content is the key differentiator)
- PFT, ABG, Pulse Oximetry are the most important investigations to remember
- Chronic bronchitis = 3 months × 2 years - memorize this definition
- Emphysema = alveolar wall destruction + air trapping = barrel chest