Chapter 16 - Respiratory Emergencies

Question 1

Alveolar collapse that prevents use of that portion of the lungs for ventilation and oxygenation.

Answer 1

atelectasis

Question 2

A pharmacologic agent that stimulates the beta-2 receptor sites found in smooth muscle; includes common bronchodilators such as albuterol and levalbuterol.

Answer 2

beta-2 agonist

Question 3

Poisoning characterized by severe muscle paralysis and usually caused by eating food containing botulinum toxin.

Answer 3

botulism

Question 4

Deep cyanosis of the face and neck that extends across the chest and back; associated with little or no blood flow; a particularly ominous sign.

Answer 4

cape cyanosis

Question 5

A ridgelike projection of tracheal cartilage located where the trachea bifurcates into the right and left mainstem bronchi.

Answer 5

carina

Question 6

A contorted position of the hand or foot in which the fingers or toes flex in a clawlike manner; may result from hyperventilation or hypocalcemia.

Answer 6

carpopedal spasm

Question 7

A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the bronchi that is characterized by excessive mucus production as a result of overgrowth of the mucous glands in the airways.

Answer 7

chronic bronchitis

Question 8

Heart disease that develops because of chronic lung disease and affects primarily the right side of the heart.

Answer 8

cor pulmonale

Question 9

The production of large amounts of urine by the kidney.

Answer 9

diuresis

Question 10

The infiltration of any tissue by air or gas; a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by distention of the alveoli and destructive changes in the lung parenchyma.

Answer 10

emphysema

Question 11

A mesh filter placed in the inferior vena cava to catch blood clots in patients who are at high risk of pulmonary embolus.

Answer 11

Greenfield filter

Question 12

A rare disease of unknown cause characterized by progressive paralysis moving from the feet to the head (ascending paralysis); if paralysis reaches the diaphragm, the patient may require respiratory support; can lead to paralysis within 2 weeks.

Answer 12

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Question 13

Engorgement of the jugular veins when the liver is gently pressed; this finding is specific to right-sided heart failure.

Answer 13

hepatojugular reflux

Question 14

Inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.

Answer 14

laryngotracheobronchitis

Question 15

Firming of the lungs as a result of fluid accumulation.

Answer 15

lung consolidation

Question 16

The sound of one note during wheezing, caused by the vibration of a single bronchus.

Answer 16

monophonic

Question 17

One of three sets of lymphatic organs that constitute the tonsils; located in the back of the throat, on each side of the posterior opening of the oral cavity; help protect the body from bacteria and other pathogens introduced into the mouth and nose.

Answer 17

palatine tonsils

Question 18

The functional portions of a gland or solid organ.

Answer 18

parenchyma

Question 19

Severe shortness of breath occurring at night after several hours of recumbency, during which fluid pools in the lungs; the person is forced to sit up to breathe; caused by left heart failure or decompensation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Answer 19

paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Question 20

Excessive accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.

Answer 20

pleural effusion

Question 21

Lung inflammation from an irritant, such as a chemical, dust, or radiation, or from aspiration, such as aspiration of gastric contents.

Answer 21

pneumonitis

Question 22

An overabundance or overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, making the blood thick; a characteristic of people with chronic lung disease and chronic hypoxia.

Answer 22

polycythemia

Question 23

The sound of multiple notes during wheezing; caused by the vibrations of multiple bronchi.

Answer 23

polyphonic

Question 24

A false membrane formed by a dead tissue layer; seen in the posterior pharynx of patients with diphtheria.

Answer 24

pseudomembrane

Question 25

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.

Answer 25

pulsus paradoxus

Question 26

Full of pus; having the character of pus.

Answer 26

purulent

Question 27

A term used to describe any condition that causes hyperreactive bronchioles and bronchospasm in response to certain triggers.

Answer 27

reactive airway disease

Question 28

A device that collects medication as it is released from the canister of a metered-dose inhaler, allowing more medication to be delivered to the lungs and less to be lost to the environment.

Answer 28

Spacer

Question 29

A severe, prolonged asthma attack that cannot be stopped with conventional treatment, such as the administration of epinephrine.

Answer 29

status asthmaticus

Question 30

Vibrations in the chest that can be felt with a hand on the chest as the patient breathes.

Answer 30

tactile fremitus

Question 31

A surgical opening into the trachea, created during a tracheotomy procedure.

Answer 31

tracheostomy