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HESI®-RN Comprehensive Review
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Respiratory System

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HESI®-RN Comprehensive Review | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

Respiratory System
61 Picmonics to Learn | 1 hr 50 mins
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
Characteristics
No Cell Wall and No Gram Stain
Cholesterol Membrane
Eaton's Agar
Mulberry Colonies
Disease
Atypical pneumonia
Military Recruits
Cold IgM Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Erythema Multiforme
Treatment
Tetracycline
Erythromycin
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2 mins
Streptococcus Pneumoniae Characteristics
Characteristics
Gram-Positive
Diplococci
Lancet-Shaped
Catalase-Negative
Optochin-Sensitive
Bile Soluble
Alpha-Hemolytic
Polysaccharide Capsule
Positive Quellung Reaction
IgA Protease
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1 min
Pneumonia Assessment
Risk Factors
Older Adult
Immunocompromised
Long Term Care
Assessment
Shortness of Breath (SOB)
Hypoxemia
Cough and Sputum Production
Wheezing or Crackles
Fever
Pleuritic Pain
Diagnosis
Chest X-ray
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2 mins
Pneumonia Intervention
Interventions
Humidified Oxygen
Deep Breathing Exercises
Position of Comfort
Increase Fluid Intake
Manage Fever
Medications
Antibiotics
Mucolytics
Expectorants
Considerations
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Sepsis
Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF)
Prevention Education
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2 mins
Common Causes of Pneumonia: Neonates (< 4 Weeks Old)
Group B Streptococci
E. coli
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44 secs
Common Causes of Pneumonia: Children (4 Weeks - 18 Years)
Runts May Cough Chunky Sputum
RSV (Viruses)
Mycoplasma
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Chlamydia trachomatis
Streptococcus pneumoniae
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1 min
Common Causes of Pneumonia: Adults (18 - 40 Years Old)
Mycoplasma
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Chlamydia pneumoniae
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41 secs
Common Causes of Pneumonia: Middle-Aged Adults (40 - 65 Years Old)
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Mycoplasma
Haemophilus influenzae
Anaerobes
Viruses
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1 min
Common Causes of Pneumonia: Elderly (65+ Years Old)
Influenza Virus
Haemophilus influenzae
Anaerobes
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Gram-Negative Rods
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59 secs
Airway and Lungs Assessment
Inspection
Examine Back of Chest
Determine Respiratory Rate for 1 Minute
Assess for Abnormalities with Uneven Movement or Use of Accessory Muscles
Inspect Skin, Nails and Mucous Membrane
Palpation
Palpate for Crepitus, Tenderness, Alignment, Masses or Retraction
Palpate for Tactile Fremitus
Check Chest-Wall Symmetry and Expansion
Note Resonance, Hyperresonance, Dullness and Tympany
AUSCULTATION
Use Diaphragm of Stethoscope to Listen to Full Inspiration and Full Expiration
Ask Patient to Breathe Through Mouth
Normal Breath Sounds
Abnormal Breath Sounds
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5 mins
Lung Sounds - Crackles
Location
Lower Lobes
Description
Fine/Coarse
Sounds Like
Fine: Twisting Hair through Fingers
Coarse: Velcro
Cause
Collapsed Small Airways and Alveoli "Popping Open"
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1 min
Lung Sounds - Rhonchi
Location
Trachea and Bronchi
Description
Low Pitched Rumbling
Sounds Like
Gurgling
Cause
Narrowed Airway
Secretions or Bronchospasm
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49 secs
Lung Sounds - Wheezes
Location
Throughout Lung
Description
High Pitched
Sounds Like
Musical
Cause
Air Moving through Narrowed Airways
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38 secs
Lung Sounds - Pleural Friction Rub
Location
Anterior Lateral Lung
Description
Dry, Rubbing, or Squeaking
Sounds Like
Rubbing a Balloon with Finger
Cause
Inflamed Pleura
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50 secs
Chronic Bronchitis Assessment
Clinical Findings
Chronic Productive Cough
> 3 Months for 2 Years
Increased Mucus Production
Dyspnea
Cyanosis
Wheezes
Complications
Right Side Heart Failure
Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)
Peripheral Edema
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2 mins
Chronic Bronchitis Interventions
Tripod Position
Humidified Oxygen
Pursed Lip Breathing
Increase Fluid Intake
ABGs
Early Detection of Exacerbation
Considerations
Lowest O2 Therapy
Assisted Ventilation
Increased Infection Risk
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2 mins
COPD Overview (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overview)
Causes
Inhaled Toxins
Smoking
AAT Deficiency
Assessment
Emphysema
Chronic Bronchitis
Asthma
Considerations
Spirometry
Slow Progression
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2 mins
Emphysema
Mechanism
Hyperinflation and Loss of Elasticity
Assessment
Pursed Lip Breathing
Barrel Chest
Dyspnea on Exertion
Clubbing
Depression and Anxiety
Thin Appearance
Nursing Considerations
CO2 Retention
Low Concentration of O2
High Fowler's Position
High Calorie, High Protein Diet
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2 mins
Asthma Assessment
Assessment
Triggers (Cold air, Dander, Dust, Infection, Mold, Pollen, Smoke)
Shortness of Breath (SOB)
Tachypnea and Tachycardia
Wheezing
Diaphoresis
Accessory Muscles
Decreased Pulmonary Function Tests
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2 mins
Stages of Asthma Treatments
Mild Intermittent
Short-acting Inhaled Beta-Agonist
Mild Persistent
Low-Dose Inhaled Corticosteroid
Montelukast (Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist)
Moderate Persistent
Low to Medium-dose Inhaled Corticosteroid
Zileuton
Severe Persistent
High-Dose Inhaled Corticosteroid
Systemic Corticosteroids
Omalizumab (Allergies)
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2 mins
Asthma Implementation and Education
Medication
Oxygen
Corticosteroids
Ipratropium (Anticholinergic)
Albuterol
Implementation
Inhaler/nebulizer
Pulse Oximetry
Pursed Lip Breathing
Education
Carry Inhaler
Rinse Mouth after Inhaler
Identify Trigger (Cold Air, Dander, Dust, Infection, Mold, Pollen, Smoke)
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2 mins
Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Diseases
Restrictive Lung Disease
Decreased Lung Volume
FEV1/FVC Ratio Normal to Increased
Obstructive Lung Disease
Increased Lung Volume
Decreased FEV1/FVC Ratio
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2 mins
Penicillin
Mechanism of Action
Weakens Cell Wall
Indications
Gram-Positive Infections
Prophylaxis
Side Effects
Pain at IM Injection Site
Allergic Reaction
Considerations
Skin Tests
Allergy ID
Medication Education
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2 mins
Ampicillin and Amoxicillin
Mechanism
Aminopenicillin
Broad Spectrum Penicillin
Indications
Gram-Positive and Some Gram-Negative Infections
Side Effects
Rash
Diarrhea
Considerations
No Effect Against Staph Aureus
Often combined with Beta Lactamase Inhibitor
Allergic Reaction
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2 mins
Tetracyclines Overview
End in "-cycline"
Mechanism of Action
Bacteriostatic
Indications
Infectious Diseases
Acne
Periodontal Disease
Nursing Considerations
Avoid Milk, Antacids, Iron
Sunlight Protection
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1 min
Tetracycline Toxicities
Inhibition of Bone Growth in Children
Teratogen
Discoloration of Teeth
Photosensitivity
GI Distress
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2 mins
Tetracyclines Side Effects
Side Effects
Superinfection
Clostridioides difficile
Discoloration of Teeth
Bone Deformities
Photosensitivity
Contraindications
Children Under 8
Pregnancy
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1 min
Aminoglycoside Overview
End in "-mycin"
GNATS
Gentamicin
Neomycin
Amikacin
Tobramycin
Streptomycin
Mechanism of Action
Bactericidal
Indications
Severe Gram Negative Infections
Bowel Surgery Prep
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1 min
Vancomycin
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis
Indications
Serious Gram-Positive Infections
Side Effects
Nephrotoxicity
Ototoxicity
Red Man Syndrome
Thrombophlebitis
Nursing Considerations
Culture Samples First
Infuse IV Over 60 Minutes
Take Around the Clock
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2 mins
Vancomycin Side Effects & Toxicity
Side Effects
Thrombophlebitis
Nephrotoxicity
Ototoxicity
Diffuse Flushing Called Red Man Syndrome
Prevent with Antihistamine
Prevent with Slow Infusion
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2 mins
Metronidazole
Mechanism of Action
Bactericidal
Forms Free Radical Toxic Metabolites
Damages DNA
Indications
Giardia lamblia
Entamoeba Histolytica
Trichomonas
Gardnerella
Anaerobes
Side Effects
Metallic taste
Disulfiram like Reaction with Alcohol
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2 mins
Cephalosporins
Starts with "Cef-"
Mechanism of Action
Bactericidal
Indications
Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Infections
Side Effects
Allergic Reactions
Thrombophlebitis
Bleeding
Contraindications
Renal Impairment
Considerations
Avoid IV Calcium with Ceftriaxone
No Alcohol
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2 mins
Imipenem and Meropenem (Carbapenems)
Mechanism
Carbapenems
Broad-spectrum Antibiotic
Bactericidal
Indications
Gram Positive and Gram Negative Infections
Side Effects
GI Distress
Suprainfections
Seizures
Considerations
Penicillin Allergy
IV or IM Route
Imipenem Combined with Cilastatin
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3 mins
Aztreonam (Azactam)
Mechanism
Monobactam Antibiotic
Bactericidal
Indications
Gram-Negative Infections
No Activity on Gram-Positives or Anaerobes
Side Effects
Blood Dyscrasias
Pain at Injection Site
Considerations
Safe for Penicillin Allergy
Synergistic with Aminoglycosides
Nebulizer Form Available
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2 mins
Macrolides
End in "-thromycin"
Mechanism of Action
Bacteriostatic
Indications
Alternative for Penicillin Allergy
Respiratory Infections
Pneumonia
Side Effects
QT Prolongation and Sudden Death
C.Diff Overgrowth
GI Distress
Considerations
Slow IV Infusion
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2 mins
Macrolides Side Effects
Side Effects
Diarrhea
Prolonged QT Interval
P450 Inhibitor
Cholestatic Hepatitis
Skin Rash
Eosinophilia
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3 mins
Fluoroquinolones
End in "-floxacin"
Mechanism of Action
Bactericidal
Indications
Variety of Infections
Side Effects
GI Distress
Photosensitivity
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Contraindications
Pregnancy
Children
Myasthenia Gravis
Considerations
Avoid Milk Products or Antacids
Slow IV Infusion
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2 mins
Fluoroquinolones Toxicities
Diarrhea
Skin Rash
Headache
Tendon Rupture in Adults
Myalgias in Kids
Damage to Cartilage
Teratogen
QT Prolongation
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1 min
Clindamycin
Mechanism
Bacteriostatic
Binds 50S Ribosomal Subunit
Indications
Gram-Positive Infections
Anaerobic Infections
Side Effects
Rash
Pseudomembranous Colitis
C. Difficile (Associated Diarrhea)
Arrhythmias
Blood Dyscrasias
Considerations
Monitor for Diarrhea
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3 mins
Linezolid (Zyvox)
Mechanism Of Action
Oxazolidinone Antibiotic
Binds 23S rRNA of 50S Subunit
Inhibits Protein Synthesis
Indication
Gram-Positive Organisms
MRSA
VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci)
Side Effects
Bone Marrow Suppression
Decreased Platelet Count
Peripheral Neuropathy
Lactic Acidosis
Serotonin Syndrome
Considerations & Patient Education
Avoid Tyramine Containing Foods
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4 mins
Alveolar Gas Exchange
Characteristics
Pulmonary Artery Blood is O2-Poor, CO2-Rich
Two-Cell Thick Air-Blood Barrier
CO2 Diffuses Into Air
O2 Diffuses Into Blood
Gases Equilibrate
Pulmonary Vein is O2-Rich, CO2-Poor
Thermoregulation
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2 mins
Hypoxia (Early Symptoms)
Diaphoresis
Restlessness
Tachypnea
Dyspnea on Exertion
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Arrhythmias
Decreased Urine Output
Unexplained Fatigue
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1 min
Hypoxia (Late Symptoms)
Cyanosis
Cool, Clammy Skin
Use of Accessory Muscles
Retractions
Hypotension
Arrhythmias
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2 mins
Diet Progression
Types of Diets
Clear Liquid
Full Liquid
Pureed
Mechanical Soft
Low Residue (Fiber)
High Fiber
Regular
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1 min
Patient Position Overview
Position Techniques
Trochanter Roll
Trapeze Bar
Ankle-Foot Orthotic (AFO) Devices
Positions
Fowlers Position
Supine Position
Trendelenburg
Side-Lying Position
Prone Position
Sims' Position
Nursing Considerations
Reposition q2 Hours/Prevent Skin Breakdown
Confirm Body Alignment
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2 mins
Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC's)
Airway Assessment
Changed Sound of Voice
"See-saw" Respirations
Stridor
Breathing Assessment
Normal Respiratory Rate: 12–20 Breaths/Min
Use of Accessory Muscles in Respiration
Cyanosis
Circulation Assessment
Color of Hands and Digits
Normal Capillary Refill Time (CRT): 2 Seconds
Decreased LOC
Considerations
Initial ‘Look, Listen and Feel” Assessment
Emergency Treatment
Prioritization in Exam Questions
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5 mins
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Adults
Steps Before CPR
Scan Scene
Activate Emergency Response System
Check For Breathing (Max 10 Seconds)
Open Airway
Compressions, Airway, Breathing (CAB)
Compressions: 2 Inches Deep (100-120 Compressions/Min)
Airway: Ensure Airway is Still Open
Breathing: Administer 2 Rescue Breaths
Considerations
Repeat C-A-B Sequence (30:2) Until Help Arrives
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3 mins
Oxygen Delivery Methods
Nasal Cannula
Simple Face Mask
Non-Rebreather Mask
Venturi-Mask
Safety Precautions
Oxygen In Use Sign
No Electrical Sparks
Six Feet Away from Open Flames
Nursing Considerations
Dry Nasal and Upper Airway Mucosa
Skin Irritation
Home Education
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1 min
Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
Mechanism
Alpha and Beta Agonist
Indications
Anaphylaxis
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
Bleeding
Cardiac Arrest
Side Effects
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Tremors
Insomnia
Considerations
Multiple Strengths
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2 mins
Albuterol (Proventil)
Mechanism
Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist
Indications
Bronchospasm
Asthma
Side Effects
Angina
Tachycardia
Tremor
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1 min
Terbutaline (Brethine)
Mechanism of Action
Beta-2 Agonists
Indications
Asthma
Tocolytic
Side Effects
Hypotension
Tremor
Tachycardia
Pulmonary Edema
Hyperglycemia
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2 mins
Theophylline (Theo-24)
Mechanism
Bronchial Smooth Muscle Relaxation
Indications
Asthma
Side Effects
Insomnia
Restlessness
Arrhythmias
Seizures
Considerations
Narrow Therapeutic Range
Monitor Plasma Levels
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1 min
Prednisone (Glucocorticoids)
Mechanism
Glucocorticoid
Indications
Inflammatory Conditions
Organ Transplant Rejection
Side Effects
Cataracts and Glaucoma
Cushing's Syndrome
Osteoporosis
Immunosuppression
Hyperglycemia
Ulcers
Considerations
Adrenal Insufficiency
Taper Gradually
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2 mins
Second Generation Antihistamines
Indications
Allergies
Mechanism of Action
Lipophobic
Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonist
Drugs
Azelastine + Fluticasone (Dymista)
Intranasal Spray
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Considerations
Fewer Anticholinergic Effects
Fewer CNS Effects
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2 mins
Anticholinergics
B.O.AT.S Acronym
Benztropine
Parkinson's Disease
Oxybutynin
Decrease bladder spasms
Atropine
Mydriasis and Cycloplegia
Scopolamine
Motion Sickness
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1 min
Anticholinergics Continued
Drugs
Glycopyrrolate
Reduces Airway Secretions
Ulcer Treatment
Ipratropium
Asthma and C.O.P.D
Dicyclomine
Hyoscyamine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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1 min
Tuberculosis Skin Mantoux Test (PPD)
Delayed Hypersensitivity (Cell Mediated Response)
Intradermal Injection
Read 48-72 hours
Positive Results
≥ 5 mm Induration
Immunosuppressed
≥ 10 mm Induration
High Risk Patients
≥ 15 mm Induration
Considerations
Chest X-Ray
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3 mins
Isoniazid (INH)
Mechanism
Interferes with DNA Metabolism
Indications
Tuberculosis (TB)
Side Effects
Optic Neuritis
Nausea and Vomiting
Hepatotoxicity
Peripheral Neuropathy
Considerations
Vitamin B6 Prophylaxis
Monitor AST/ALT
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2 mins
Rifampin
Tuberculosis (TB)
Blocks RNA Polymerization
Haemophilus influenzae Type B
Leprosy
Meningitis
P450 inducer
Red-orange urine
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55 secs
Ethambutol (Myambutol)
Mechanisms
Inhibits RNA Synthesis
Bacteriostatic
Indications
Tuberculosis (TB)
Side Effects
Optic Neuritis
Red/Green Color Blindness
Gouty Arthritis
Consideration
Monitor Vision Acuity
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2 mins
Chest Tubes: Management and Care
Confirm suction order
Assessment
Crepitus
Kinking
Shortness of Breath (SOB)
Infection
Excessive bubbling
Quick Interventions
If tube dislodges from patient, use petroleum gauze taped 3 ways
If drainage system is damaged, place disconnected drainage tube in sterile water
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1 min

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