Alveolar Ventilation Treatment

Question 1

Positioning

Answer 1

Better FEV (forced expiratory volume). Gravity helps airflow down the lungs, more favourable pleural pressure gradient from the top to the bottom of the lungs. Chest naturally opens to allow space in lungs, giving room for diaphragm to function properly

Question 1

Deep Breathing Exercises

Answer 1

Increased inhaled volume and promote expansion of alveoli by interdependence and collateral ventilation. Increases tidal volume

Collateral ventilation: if one alveoli collapses, other side inflates, can use pores of Kohn to do backward step to help the collapsed alveoli. Helps to re ventilate

Interdependence: alveoli are attached to each other and supported. Attached by surfactant as good ones inflate they pull open in middle (less ventilated)

Time Constant: amount of time it takes for alveoli to distend. When we take a deep breath in, we get more in, having more time for air to get to slow alveolus

Question 2

What are some contraindications to deep breathing exercises?

Answer 2

• Hyperinflation
• Undrained pneumothorax
• Respiratory distress

Question 3

Incentive Spirometry

Answer 3

Mechanical device to promote inspiration and increase in lung volume. Good for patients with rib fractures to know amount of pain they feel when breathing effectively. Designed to mimic natural sighing whilst providing visual feedback

Question 4

Mobilisation

Answer 4

Aim of increasing pulmonary ventilation. Increases demand for oxygen - increases minute ventilation to meet demand = better V/Q matching due to increased cardiac output

Question 5

Acapella/Flutter

Answer 5

Flutter: mechanical device that applies a variable resistance to expiratory airflow. Oscillation angle is dependent, must be sitting