Common Diseases of the Respiratory System Module 12

As discussed in Module 11, the respiratory system is a big topic and two modules only offer an introduction. If you have the opportunity to take more classes or attend CEU offerings, I would highly recommend the extra classes and learning opportunities.


This module discusses nursing assessment, planning and interventions such as auscultation of the lungs, chest percussions and the classes of medication used in lung disorders. The Respiratory diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) which are becoming more prevalent these days, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD), Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Pneumothorax, and occupational disease are discussed. The visual description of Atelectasis is well done. In Atelectasis the alveoli collapse and become airless. If normal alveoli look like a bunch of grapes then Atelectasis alveoli would look like raisins. We try to prevent Atelectasis by encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises in the postoperative patient.

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a diffuse inflammatory process involving both lungs and leads to progressive respiratory failure. The alveolar capillary membrane is damaged and the alveoli become filled with fluid. This is a life threatening condition and may be associated with other multi-system failure. A patient with ARDS will be in the intensive care unit and is usually on the mechanical ventilator.

Other obstructive inflammatory respiratory diseases include Asthma and Pulmonary Edema. These topics are also discussed in the module.

A nice feature in the manual is a medication chart at the end of module 12. The medications, dosage and side effects are laid out in easy to reference chart. The medication chart is a brief outline of the pertinent key points and is great for a quick respiratory therapy medication review.



Module 12 concludes Book II. The next blog will start with topics in Book III.