Chapter 9 Flashcards
agonal gasps
Occasional, gasping breaths that occur after the heart has stopped.
aerobic metabolism
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.
airway
The upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx, which includes the nose, mouth, and throat.
alveolar ventilation
The volume of air that reaches the alveoli. It is determined by subtracting the amount of dead space air from the tidal volume.
American Standard System
A safety system for large oxygen cylinders, designed to prevent the accidental attachment of a regulator to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas.
anaerobic metabolism
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the principle product is lactic acid.
apnea
Absence of spontaneous breathing.
aspiration
In the context of airway, the introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs.
ataxic respirations
Irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern.
automatic transport ventilator (ATV)
A ventilation device attached to a control box that allows the variables of ventilation to be set. It frees the EMT to perform other tasks while the patient is being ventilated.
bag-mask device
A device with a one-way valve and a face mask attached to a ventilation bag; when attached to a reservoir and connected to oxygen, delivers more than 90% supplemental oxygen.
barrier device
A protective item, such as a pocket mask with a valve, that limits exposure to a patient’s body fluids.
bilateral
A body part or condition that appears on both sides of the midline.
bronchioles
Subdivision of the smaller bronchi in the lungs; made of smooth muscle and dilate or constrict in response to various stimuli.
carina
Point at which the trachea bifurcates (divides) into the left and right mainstem bronchi.
chemoreceptors
Monitor the levels of O2, Co2, and the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid and then provide feedback to the respiratory centers to modify the rate and depth of breathing based on the body’s needs at any given time.
compliance
The ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation.
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
A method of ventilation used primarily in the treatment of critically ill patients with respiratory distress; can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation.
dead space
The portion of the tidal volume that does not reach the alveoli and thus does not participate in gas exchange.
diffusion
A process in which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
dsypnea
Shortness of breath.
exhalation
The passive part of the breathing process in which the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles relax, forcing air out of the lungs.
external respiration
The exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood cells in the pulmonary capillaries; also called pulmonary respiration.
gag reflex
A normal reflex mechanism that causes retching; activated by touching the soft palate or the back of the throat.
gastric distention
A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation.
glottis
The space in between the vocal cords that is the narrowest portion of the adult’s airway; also called the glottic opening.
good air exchange
A term used to distinguish the degree of distress in a patient with a mild airway obstruction. With good air exchange, the patient is still conscious and able to cough forcefully, although wheezing may be heard.
head tilt-chin lift maneuver
A combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not used for trauma patients.
hypercarbia
Increased carbon dioxide level in the bloodstream.
hypoxia
A dangerous condition in which the body tissues and cells do not have enough oxygen.