chapter 28 respiratory system - week 2 Flashcards
what is the primary purpose of the respitory system
The primary purpose of the respiratory system is gas exchange, which involves the
transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to the blood.
how mnay lobes are in the left and right lung
The right lung is divided into three lobes (upper, middle, and lower) and the left lung
into two lobes (upper and lower).
what is included in the upper respistory tract and what is it’s purpose
The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, adenoids, tonsils,
epiglottis, larynx, and trachea.
The nose warms, cleanses, and humidifies air before it enters lungs.
Vibrational sounds originating in the larynx lead to vocalization.
what is tidal volume and what is normal in an adult
- In adults, a normal tidal volume, or volume of air exchanged with each breath, is
about 500 mL.
what is surfactant
Surfactant is a lipoprotein that helps to keep the alveoli open, thus preventing
alveolar collapse
what is the purpose of the diaphram
Contraction of the diaphragm, the major muscle of respiration, results in decreased
intrathoracic pressure, allowing air to enter the lungs.
what is ventialtion
- Ventilation involves inspiration (movement of air into the lungs) and expiration
(movement of air out of the lungs).
inspiration
Inspiration is an active process, involving muscle contraction
expiration
Expiration is a passive process. When elastic recoil is reduced, expiration
becomes a more active, laboured process
what is compliance and what happens if it is decreased
When compliance, or a measure of the elasticity of the lungs and thorax,
is decreased, the lungs are more difficult to inflate.
what is the purpose of measuring ABGs
Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are measured to determine oxygenation status and acid–
base balance. ABG analysis includes measurement of the PaO2, PaCO2, acidity (pH),
and bicarbonate (HCO3) in arterial blood.
what is the respitory center in the body
The respiratory centre in the brainstem medulla responds to chemical and mechanical
signals from the body
chemoreceptor
A chemoreceptor is a receptor that responds to a change in the chemical composition
(PaCO2 and pH) of the fluid around it.
what are mechanical receptors
Mechanical receptors (juxtacapillary and irritant) are stimulated by a variety of
physiological factors, such as irritants, muscle stretching, and alveolar wall distortion.
what are the respiratory defense mechanisms
The respiratory defense mechanisms include filtration of air, the mucociliary
clearance system, the cough reflex, reflex bronchoconstriction, and alveolar
macrophages.
age related considerations
Age-related changes in the respiratory system can be divided into alterations in
structure, defense mechanisms, and respiratory control.
general considerations
There is much variability in the extent of these changes in persons of the same age.
The older adult patient who has a significant smoking history, is obese, and has a
chronic illness is at greatest risk of adverse outcomes
past heath history for respirtory system assessment
Types of respiratory illnesses that the patient experienced during
childhood (e.g., croup, respiratory syncytial virus, asthma,
pneumonia, frequent colds)
Frequency of upper respiratory problems (e.g., colds, sore throats,
sinus problems, allergies) and whether weather changes exacerbate
these problems
Precipitating factors of allergies such as medications or exposure
to pollen, smoke, or animal dander, and characteristics of the
allergic reaction—e.g., runny nose, wheezing, scratchy throat, or
sensation of tightness in the chest—and the severity of the reaction
should be documented.
Frequency of asthma exacerbations and cause
History of lower respiratory tract problems, such as asthma,
COPD, pneumonia, and tuberculosis
History of other health problems in addition to those involving the
respiratory system, e.g., patients with cardiac dysfunction may
experience dyspnea (shortness of breath)
o Medications o Surgery or other treatments o Current and family health history o Psychosocial history
physical assessments for respirtory system
During nursing assessment, a cough should be evaluated by the quality of the cough
(weak or strong; productive or nonproductive of secretions) and sputum (amount,
colour, consistency, and odour).
- During physical examination, the nose, mouth, pharynx, neck, thorax, and lungs
should be assessed and the respiratory rate, depth, and rhythm should be observed. - When listening to the lung sounds, there are three normal breath sounds: vesicular,
bronchovesicular, and bronchial. - Adventitious sounds are extra breath sounds that are abnormal and include crackles,
wheezes, and pleural friction rub.
oximetry
Oximetry is used to noninvasively monitor SpO2 and SvO2.
sputum studies purpose
Sputum studies are examined to identify infecting organisms or to confirm a
diagnosis.
skin tests purpose in resp diseases
- Skin tests are performed to test for allergic reactions or exposure to tuberculosis or
fungi.
