Chapter 16 - Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
apnea
absence of breathing: respiratory arrest
bronchoconstriction
constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles causing narrowing of the air passageway
broncodilator
a drug that relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles
dyspnea
shortness of breath or perceived difficulty in breathing
hypercarbia
increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Also called hypercapnia
hypoxemia
a low oxygen content in arterial blood
metered dose inhaler (MDI)
device consisting of a plastic container and a canister of medication that is used to form an aerosolized medication that a patent can inhale
hypoxia
a reduced oxygen delivery to the tissues
pulsus paradoxus
a decrease in pulse strength during inhalation; a drop in blood pressure of more than 10mmHg during inhalation resulting from increased pressure within the chest that suppresses the filling of the ventricles of the heart with blood
respiratory arrest
complete stoppage of breathing. Also called apnea
respiratory distress
increased respiratory effort resulting from impaired respiratory function, while tidal volume and respiratory rate are still adequate.
respiratory failure
insufficient respiratory rate and/or tidal volume
small volume nebulizer (SVN)
a device that uses compressed air or oxygen to nebulize a liquid medication into a mist that a patient can inhale.
spacer
a chamber that is connected to the metered dose inhaler to collect the medication until it is inhaled.
tripod position
a position in which the patient sits upright, leans slightly forward, and supports the body with the arms in front and elbows locked. This is a position commonly round in respiratory distress.
normal breathing
an intact open airway
normal respiratory rate
normal rise and fall of the chest
normal respiratory rhythm
breath sounds that are present bilaterally
chest expansion and relaxation that occurs normally
minimal to absent use of accessory muscles to aid in breathing
normal mental status
normal muscle tone
normal pulse oximeter reading (_>_94%)
normal skin condition findings
abnormal breathing
increased width of the space between the alveoli and blood vessels
lack of perfusion of the pulmonary capillaries from the right ventricle of the heart
filling of the alveoli with fluid, blood, or pus
wheezing
high pitched, musical, whistling sound best heard on exhalation but also during inhalation in extreme cases
indication of swelling and constriction of the inner lining of the bronchioles
if bilateral it is a primary indication for the administration of a beta 2 agonist by MDI or SVN
usually heard in asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis
can also be heard in pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and other conditions that cause bronchoconstriction
with severe obstruction of the lower airways by bronchoconstriction and inflammation, wheezing may be significanly diminished or absent, because the velocity of air movement through the bronchioles is no longer sufficient to produce the wheezing sound.
rhonchi
snoring or rattling noises
indicates obstruction of larger conducting airways by thick secretions of mucus
often heard in chronic bronchitis, emphysema, aspirations, and pneumonia
quality can change when patient coughes or changes position
crackles
also known as rales
bubbly or crackling sounds heard during inhalation
sounds are associated with fluid that has surrounded or filled the alveoli or very small bronchioles
sound is commonly associated with the alveolie and terminal brochioles popping open with inhalation
bases of lungs posteriorly will reveal crackles first because of the natural tendency of fluid to be pulled downward by gravity
may indiate pulmonary edema or pneumonia
typically does not change with coughing or movement
