patient care report hemoptysis

Hemoptysis is defined as the expectoration of blood, alone or mixed with mucus, from the lower respiratory tract (1, 2). It occurs in around 10% of patients with chronic lung disease (2) and is found in ca. 0.1% of all outpatients (3) and almost 0.2% of all inpatients (4) each year.

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How are patients with hemoptysis managed?

Patients with hemoptysis should be managed based on the rate and severity of bleeding (massive or nonmassive) and the clinical condition of the patient. In case of massive bleeding in unstable patients, resuscitation is mandatory before any other diagnostic investigation. Massive hemoptysis

How is the diagnosis of hemoptysis made?

The patient's history should help determine the amount of blood and differentiate between hemoptysis, pseudohemoptysis, and hematemesis. A focused physical examination can lead to the diagnosis in most cases.

What is hemoptysis in nursing?

In clinical practice hemoptysis is a common symptom, which may require further investigation. It is defined as the expectoration of blood that originates from the lower respiratory tract (1). Bleeding from the upper airways is excluded from this definition.

What are the signs and symptoms of hemoptysis?

When in doubt consult ENT for nasolaryngoscopy – this test can be done rapidly and safely at the bedside. Occasional patients may be having severe posterior epistaxis masquerading as hemoptysis; this is essential to recognize rapidly. Coffee-ground appearance. History of vomiting or regurgitation. Triage: who needs ICU?

How do you assess for hemoptysis?

The diagnostic investigation of hemoptysis includes history taking, clinical chemistry, chest radiography, contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography with CT angiography, and bronchoscopy.

How do you take history of hemoptysis?

To determine the likely etiology of hemoptysis, consider the amount of blood expectorated, duration of symptoms, and the patient's age, smoking history, and past medical history. Differentiate between true hemoptysis versus bleeding from the upper airway or gastrointestinal tract.

What are the signs and symptoms of haemoptysis?

Seek immediate attention if you are coughing up more than a few teaspoons of blood or your cough is accompanied by the following:Chest pain.Blood in your urine or stools.Dizziness or light-headedness.Shortness of breath.Fever.Rapid or severe weight loss.

What is the treatment for hemoptysis?

The most common presentation is acute, mild hemoptysis caused by bronchitis. Low-risk patients with normal chest radiographs can be treated on an outpatient basis with close monitoring and appropriate oral antibiotics, if clinically indicated.

What questions should you ask when you take a history from a patient with a respiratory problem?

The following questions may be useful in taking a respiratory history:Please describe the problem that caused you to come in today?How has this condition impacted your activities?How often does this occur?How long has this been occuring?Do you have any chest pain with breathing? ... Do you have a cough?More items...

How do you focus on history?

In documenting a focused history and performing a focused physical examination, you need to explore the chief complaint, the history of the present illness, the past medical history, medications and allergies, the family history and social history, the occupational history, and the sexual history that are relevant to ...

What does Haemoptysis look like?

Characteristically, haemoptysis tends to be indicated by bright red, frothy sputum that is alkaline. Blood from extrapulmonary sources tends to be darker, may have admixed food particles, and is acidic.

What is the most common cause of massive hemoptysis?

The most common causes of massive hemoptysis were bronchiectasis (33.7%), active pulmonary tuberculosis (20.8%) and malignancy (10.9%).

What is the difference between hematemesis and hemoptysis?

The blood in hemoptysis is generally bright red or rust and may be admixed with sputum and frothy. The blood in hematemesis is dark red or brown and may be mixed with food particles. The bleeding in hematemesis is commonly preceded by vomiting or retching.

Which of the following is associated with hemoptysis?

Massive hemoptysis is most commonly associated with lung cancer, bleeding diathesis (e.g., leukemia during chemotherapy, anticoagulation), cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis.

Is hemoptysis an emergency?

Hemoptysis: Introduction Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from the lower respiratory tract. Massive hemoptysis, defined somewhat arbitrarily as a bleeding rate exceeding 600 mL per 24 hours, constitutes an emergency and requires prompt intervention to prevent asphyxiation from impaired gas exchange.