Ch. 11 Airway Flashcards
Signs of adequate airway
Can feel, hear, see air move in and out
Patient speaking in full sentences
Sound of voice is normal
Present and clear lung sounds
Signs of inadequate airway
Unusual airway sounds (stridor, snoring)
Inability to speak
Hoarse voice
Apnea
Edema
The collection fluid inside tissues in large amounts, leading to localized swelling
Aspiration
Inhalation of vomitus and foreign particles into the lungs
Glottis/ glottic opening
Space between the vocal cords found at the top of the larynx
Mediasteinum
Space within the right thorax between the left and right lungs
Patent
Open and clear of obstruction
Phrenic nerve
Nerve that enervates the diaphragm, required for adequate breathing
Pulse oximetry
Assessment tool that allows measurement of the oxygen saturation of the hemoglobin in the capillary beds
Capnography
Assessment tool that allows measurement of the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air over time
Retractions
Sign of labored breathing in which the skin pulls in around the ribs during inspiration
Oxygen toxicity
A condition of excessive oxygen consumption resulting in cellular and tissue damage
Respiration
The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide
External respiration
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries
Internal respiration
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the systemic circulatory system and the cells of the body
Cellular respiration
The biochemical process that results in the production of energy from nutrients inside the cells
Eupnea
Normal, unlabored breathing
Stridor
A high-pitched noise usually heard on inspiration caused by swelling in the upper airway
Wheezing
A musical, whistling sound heard in the chest caused by bronchoconstrction
Rales/ crackles
Rattling breath sounds caused by fluid accumulating in the smallest airway passages of the lower airways (alveoli and bronchioles)
Rhonchi
Course, low-pitched breath sounds often caused by a build-up of mucous in the bronchi
Kussmaul’s respiration
Deep, rapid respiration’s caused by a build-up of acidic products in the blood. Seen in hyperglycemic diabetic patients
Cheyne-Stokes respiration’s
Irregular respiration’s followed by a period of apnea
Biot’s respiration’s
Quick, shallow inspirations followed by regular or irregular periods of apnea
Ataxic respiration’s
Irregular, ineffective respiration’s that may or may not have a pattern
Agonal respiration’s
Occasional gasping breaths often seen in patients following cardiac arrest
