Respiratory Disorders and Care

What this unit covers

This unit sits in the Medical-Surgical Nursing strand of Nursing. It brings together resources on common respiratory conditions and the care that goes with them. The mind maps cover Asthma, Pneumothorax, Pleural Effusion, Respiratory Failure and Pneumonia, along with several on COPD. Others look at croup, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis and cystic fibrosis nursing considerations.

Where to start

Begin with a mind map on a condition you find hard. The Pleural Effusion map, for example, explains that symptoms depend on the cause and size of the effusion. The Pneumothorax map describes air in the pleural space and sets out nursing care and management. Then move to the Common Respiratory Interventions map, which covers positioning, artificial airways and oxygen therapy, including semi-Fowler's and tripod positions.

Using quizzes and maps together

1. Read one map and note what you can explain without looking.
2. Take a quiz on the same topic. NURS 460 Respiratory Disorders opens with a thoracentesis question, so it suits pleural conditions.
3. Check the Oxygen Therapy Quiz for oxygen basics.
4. Go back to the map for any answer you missed.

The quiz called 1st Exam Con't tests how to read arterial and mixed venous blood gases, which is a good test of your understanding once the basics are secure.

Flashcards, notes and equipment

Flashcard decks help with recall. Adult Health: Pulmonary touches on obstructive sleep apnea and lung cancer. Other decks cover inhaler techniques, chest tubes, medical suctioning and oxygen delivery devices. For critical care, the notes cover endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, troubleshooting ventilators and weaning from ventilation. Some of the material mentions NCLEX, so candidates can use it for practice alongside their course.

Make it your own

Pick one condition today, work through its map and quiz, then build your own flashcards on the points that slipped. Teachers can browse the same pages for ready-made material to share with a class.