Chapter 16 - Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
Alveolar collapse that prevents use of that portion of the lungs for ventilation and oxygenation.
atelectasis
A pharmacologic agent that stimulates the beta-2 receptor sites found in smooth muscle; includes common bronchodilators such as albuterol and levalbuterol.
beta-2 agonist
Poisoning characterized by severe muscle paralysis and usually caused by eating food containing botulinum toxin.
botulism
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.
cape cyanosis
A ridgelike projection of tracheal cartilage located where the trachea bifurcates into the right and left mainstem bronchi.
carina
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.
carpopedal spasm
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.
chronic bronchitis
Heart disease that develops because of chronic lung disease and affects primarily the right side of the heart.
cor pulmonale
The production of large amounts of urine by the kidney.
diuresis
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.
emphysema
A mesh filter placed in the inferior vena cava to catch blood clots in patients who are at high risk of pulmonary embolus.
Greenfield filter
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.
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Engorgement of the jugular veins when the liver is gently pressed; this finding is specific to right-sided heart failure.
hepatojugular reflux
Inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
laryngotracheobronchitis
Firming of the lungs as a result of fluid accumulation.
lung consolidation
The sound of one note during wheezing, caused by the vibration of a single bronchus.
monophonic
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.
palatine tonsils
The functional portions of a gland or solid organ.
parenchyma
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.
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Excessive accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.
pleural effusion
Lung inflammation from an irritant, such as a chemical, dust, or radiation, or from aspiration, such as aspiration of gastric contents.
pneumonitis
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.
polycythemia
The sound of multiple notes during wheezing; caused by the vibrations of multiple bronchi.
polyphonic
A false membrane formed by a dead tissue layer; seen in the posterior pharynx of patients with diphtheria.
pseudomembrane
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
Full of pus; having the character of pus.
purulent
A term used to describe any condition that causes hyperreactive bronchioles and bronchospasm in response to certain triggers.
reactive airway disease
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.
Spacer
A severe, prolonged asthma attack that cannot be stopped with conventional treatment, such as the administration of epinephrine.
status asthmaticus
Vibrations in the chest that can be felt with a hand on the chest as the patient breathes.
tactile fremitus
A surgical opening into the trachea, created during a tracheotomy procedure.
tracheostomy
