Chapter 19: Thorax and Lungs Flashcards
What structures make up the thoracic cage?
Sternum, ribs, thoracic vertebrae, diaphragm
Where are costochondral junctions located?
Where ribs connect to cartilages
Which part of the sternum is NOT one of its sections?
Coracoid process
The sternal angle aligns with which rib?
Second rib
What does the costal angle indicate?
Where costal margins meet at the xiphoid
What is the vertebra prominens?
Bony prominence of the seventh cervical vertebra
Where can the inferior border of the scapula typically be found?
At the seventh or eighth rib
Which line is NOT used for the chest examination?
Lateral femoral line
The midclavicular line is found in which area?
Anterior chest
What is the primary function of the diaphragm?
Forms the floor of the thoracic cavity
Which lines are used for anterior chest assessment?
Midsternal line and midclavicular line
For posterior chest evaluation, which lines are essential?
Vertebral line and scapular line
What lines are utilized for lateral chest examination?
Anterior, posterior, and midaxillary lines
What does the mediastinum contain?
Esophagus, trachea, heart, great vessels
Where are the pleural cavities located?
On either side of the mediastinum
What is the primary function of the pleural cavities?
They contain the lungs
How high is the apex of the lungs above the clavicles?
3 to 4 cm above the inner clavicles
Where does the base of the lungs rest?
On the diaphragm
What distinguishes the right lung from the left lung?
The right lung has three lobes, left has two.
Where do the lungs extend anteriorly in the right midclavicular line?
To the fifth intercostal space.
How many ribs do the lungs extend to laterally?
From the apex of the axilla to the seventh or eighth rib.
What marks the posterior apex of the lungs?
C7 vertebra.
What is the role of the pleural cavity?
It contains lubricating fluid and maintains negative pressure.
What type of pressure does the pleural cavity maintain?
Negative pressure.
How does the lubricating fluid function in the pleural cavity?
It prevents friction during lung expansion.
Where does the trachea bifurcate posteriorly?
At the level of T4 or T5.
What characterizes the right bronchus compared to the left?
It is shorter, wider, and more vertical.
What protective role does the bronchial tree play?
It traps and sweeps away small particulate matter.
What is the functional unit of the respiratory tract called?
Acinus.
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
To supply oxygen for energy production.
What is the primary function of the bronchial tree?
Protects alveoli from small particulate matter.
What identifies the acinus in the respiratory system?
It is the functional unit of the respiratory tract.
What is one major function of the respiratory system?
Provides oxygen for energy production.
How does the respiratory system contribute to homeostasis?
Maintains acid-base balance in arterial blood.
What is a key change in the respiratory system during pregnancy?
The diaphragm is elevated by 4 cm.
When does the respiratory system reach adult size?
By adolescence.
What effect does aging have on costal cartilages?
They become calcified.
How does aging affect respiratory muscle strength?
It declines after age 50.
What happens to lung elasticity in older adults?
Lung elasticity decreases, leading to less distensibility.
What is an impact of social determinants of health on respiratory health?
They affect access to care and health resources.
What global health problem is recognized and rising in Canada?
Tuberculosis (TB)
What percentage of hospital admissions for children under 5 does asthma account for?
10%
What trend is observed in COPD incidence since 2011?
Increased incidence among younger women
Which assessment question focuses on the characteristics of a cough?
Frequency, duration, and characteristics
When assessing shortness of breath, what should be noted?
Onset, duration, and triggers
What additional history should be gathered for infants and children?
Illness history and allergies
Which aspect is NOT assessed during the inspection of thorax and lungs?
Blood pressure and heart rate
What should be observed about the patient’s position during lung assessment?
Use of accessory muscles
What is assessed during palpation of the chest wall?
Tenderness, masses, or abnormalities
What condition might indicate respiratory distress during examination?
Facial expression and level of consciousness
What is the primary focus when assessing the quality of respirations?
The effectiveness and characteristics of patient’s breathing.
What should be observed regarding the patient’s skin?
Discoloration or abnormalities in the skin.
Why is the patient’s position important in a respiratory assessment?
It relates to their breathing ability.
What does a facial expression indicate during assessment?
Signs of distress or discomfort.
What aspect of level of consciousness should be evaluated?
Patient’s alertness and responsiveness.
What does palpation of the thorax and lungs help assess?
The entire chest wall for abnormalities.
What is assessed to confirm symmetrical chest expansion?
Palpating both posterior and anterior chest.
What is tactile fremitus used to evaluate?
Transmission of sound through lung tissue.
What should be detected during thorax palpation?
Lumps, masses, or tenderness in the area.
What information is gathered through percussion of the chest?
Information about lung health.
What is the significance of determining the predominant note over lung fields?
To assess lung health effectively.
What is the purpose of mapping out the lower lung border?
To assess lung function and diaphragm movement.
What does measuring diaphragmatic excursion indicate?
Diaphragm movement related to breathing.
What is the primary goal of auscultating the chest?
To evaluate breath sounds.
Where are bronchial sounds typically heard?
Over the trachea and mainstem bronchi.
Which breath sounds are predominantly heard over lung fields?
Vesicular sounds.
What should be done if abnormal breath sounds are detected?
Further assessment is necessary.
What does bronchophony assess?
Clarity of spoken words through the stethoscope.
What is whispered pectoriloquy used to evaluate?
Transmission of whispered sounds.
What is Egophony commonly used to assess?
Changes in voice sounds.
Forced expiratory time measures what aspect of lung function?
Time taken for forced expiration.
How is arterial oxygen saturation typically assessed?
Using a pulse oximeter.
What is a key focus of health promotion related to smoking?
Discussing risks of second-hand smoke.
What legislation has been implemented regarding smoking in Canada?
Smoke-free legislation.
