Airway Flashcards
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.
aerobic metabolism
Occasional, gasping breaths that occur after the heart has stopped.
agonal gasps
The upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx, which includes the nose, mouth, and throat.
airway
The volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute minus the dead space; calculated by multiplying tidal volume (minus dead space) and respiratory rate.
alveolar minute volume
The volume of air that reaches the alveoli. It is determined by subtracting the amount of dead space air from the tidal volume.
alveolar ventilation
A safety system for large oxygen cylinders, designed to prevent the accidental attachment of a regulator to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas.
American Standard Safety System
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the principal product is lactic acid.
anaerobic metabolism
Absence of spontaneous breathing.
apnea
In the context of airway, the introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs.
aspiration
Irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern.
ataxic respirations
A ventilation device attached to a control box that allows the variables of ventilation to be set
automatic transport ventilator (ATV)
A device with a one-way valve and a face mask attached to a ventilation bag; when attached to a reservoir and connected to oxygen, it delivers more that 90% supplemental oxygen.
bag-valve mask (BVM)
A protective item, such as a pocket mask with a valve, that limits exposure to a patient’s body fluids.
barrier device
A body part or condition that appears on both sides of the midline.
bilateral
Subdivision of the smaller bronchi in the lungs; made of smooth muscle and dilate or constrict in response to various stimuli.
bronchioles
A noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patient’s ventilatory status, circulation, and metabolism. Effectively measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in expired air over time.
capnography
The use of a capnometer, a device that measures the amount of expired carbon dioxide.
capnometry
Point at which the trachea bifurcates (divides) into the left and right mainstem bronchi.
carina
Monitor the levels of O2, CO2, and the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid and then provide feedback to the respiratory centers to modify the rate and depth of breathing based on the body’s needs at any given time.
chemoreceptors
The ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation.
compliance
A method of ventilation used primarily in the treatment of critically ill patients with respiratory distress; can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation.
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
The portion of the tidal volume that does not reach the alveoli and thus does not participate in gas exchange.
dead space
A process in which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
diffusion
Shortness of breath.
dyspnea
The amount of carbon dioxide present at the end of an exhaled breath.
end-tidal co2
The passive part of the breathing process in which the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles relax, forcing air out of the lungs.
exhalation
The exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood cells in the pulmonary capillaries; also called pulmonary respiration.
external respiration
A normal reflex mechanism that causes retching; activated by touching the soft palate or the back of the throat.
gag reflex
A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation.
gastric distention
The space in between the vocal cords that is the narrowest portion of the adult’s airway; also called the glottic opening.
glottis
A term used to distinguish the degree of distress in a patient with a mild airway obstruction. With good air exchange, the patient is still conscious and able to cough forcefully, although wheezing may be heard.
good air exchange
A combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not used for trauma patients.
head tilt-chin lift maneuver