Chapter 15 - Respiratory Flashcards
A method used to predict difficult intubation. A mouth opening of less than three fingerbreadths, a mandible length of less than three fingerbreadths, and a distance from hyoid bone to thyroid notch of less than two fingerbreadths indicate a possibly difficult airway.
3-3-2 rule
Abnormal.
adventitious
The pressure gradient in the aorta against which the left ventricle of the heart must pump; an increase in this pressure can decrease cardiac output.
Afterload
The inability to speak.
aphonia
Prolonged gasping inspirations followed by extremely short, ineffective expirations; associated with brainstem insult.
apneustic respirations
The family of sedative-hypnotics that provide muscle relaxation and mild sedation; most commonly used to treat anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal; include drugs such as diazepam (Valium) and midazolam (Versed).
benzodiazepines
Irregular pattern, rate, and depth of respirations with intermittent periods of apnea; result from increased intracranial pressure.
Biot respirations
A gradually increasing rate and depth of respirations followed by a gradual decrease with intermittent periods of apnea; associated with brainstem insult.
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
A system used to predict intubation difficulty based on the airway structures observed during laryngoscopy.
Cormack-Lehane classification
Difficulty speaking.
dysphonia
A leaf-shaped cartilaginous structure that closes over the trachea during swallowing.
Epiglottis
Increased carbon dioxide levels in arterial blood. hypercapnia
hypercapnia
Decreased carbon dioxide content in arterial blood.
hypocapnia
An expression for comparing the length of inspiration with that of expiration, normally 1:2, meaning that expiration is twice as long as inspiration (not measured in seconds).
inspiratory/expiratory ratio
A system for predicting the relative difficulty of intubation based on the amount of oropharyngeal structures visible in an upright, seated patient who is fully able to open his or her mouth.
Mallampati classification
A compound formed by oxidation of the iron on hemoglobin.
methemoglobin
An opening on the side of an endotracheal tube at its distal tip that permits ventilation to occur even if the tip becomes occluded by blood, mucus, or the tracheal wall.
Murphy eye
Drawing of air into the lungs; airflow from a region of higher pressure (outside the body) to a region of lower pressure (the lungs); occurs during normal (unassisted) breathing.
negative pressure ventilation
Drugs that bind to acetylcholine receptor sites; they do not cause depolarization of the muscle fiber; examples are vecuronium (Norcuron) and pancuronium (Pavulon); also called paralytics.
nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers
Severe dyspnea experienced when lying down that is relieved by a change in position, such as sitting up or standing.
orthopnea
A nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent; used to maintain paralysis following succinylcholine-facilitated intubation.
pancuronium
The inward movement of the chest during inhalation and outward movement during exhalation; the opposite of normal chest wall movement during breathing.
paradoxical motion
An approximation of the extent of bronchoconstriction; used to determine whether therapy (such as with inhaled bronchodilators) is effective.
peak expiratory flow
Mechanical maintenance of pressure in the airway at the end of expiration to increase the volume of gas remaining in the lungs.
positive end-expiratory pressure
The precontraction pressure in the heart, which increases as the volume of blood builds up, stretching the cardiac muscle; the pressure of blood that is returned to the heart (venous return).
preload
A drop in the systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg more during inspiration; characteristic of conditions that cause profound pressure changes in the thorax; commonly seen in patients with cardiac tamponade or severe asthma.
pulsus paradoxus
A pathologic condition characterized by a blood pH of less than 7.35 and caused by an accumulation of acids in the body from a respiratory cause.
respiratory acidosis
A pathologic condition characterized by a blood pH of greater than 7.45 and resulting from the accumulation of bases in the body from a respiratory cause.
respiratory alkalosis
A technique in which a wire is placed through the trachea and into the mouth with a needle via the cricoid membrane; the endotracheal tube is then placed over the wire and guided into the trachea.
retrograde intubation
A nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent; used to maintain paralysis following succinylcholine-facilitated intubation.
rocuronium
A narrowing, such as of a blood vessel or stoma.
stenosis
The involuntary contraction of the mouth resulting in clenched teeth; occurs during seizures and head injuries.
trismus
A nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent; used to maintain paralysis following succinylcholine-facilitated intubation.
vecuronium
