final Flashcards
what is the difference between the right and left lung
right lung has 3 lobes
left lung has 2 lobes
lungs are large paired spongy cone shaped organs that receive their blood supply directly from the heart through the pulmonary arteries
why is the medulla oblongata important to the respiratory system
responsible for basic rhythm and depth of respiration
What is the alveoli’s roll in gas exchange
alveoli’s is the most important feature, it is here that the oxygen diffuses into the cardiovascular system
- diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen occures
- effective in gas exchange because they are extremely thinned walled
What is surfactant?
reduces surface tension and prevents the alveolus from collapsing after each breath
what is the airway passage from the nose down to the alveoli
nose throat (pharynx) voice box, or larynx. windpipe (trachea) the left and right bronch bronchioles alveoli
what contributes to increasing blood acidity
Body needs oxygen
increasing levels of carbon dioxide AND decreases levels of blood oxygen, leads to increasing blood acidity,
what is the inspiratory capacity
is the largest amount of air that can be inhaled in one breath from the resting expiratory level
respiratory acidosis
kidneys retain increased amounts of HCO3 (bicarb) to increase pH
respiratory alkalosis
kidneys excrete increased amounts of HCO3 to lower pH
metabolic acidosis
lungs “blow off” carbon dioxide to raise pH
metabolic alkalosis
lungs retain carbon dioxide to lower pH
ABG’s
essential in diagnosing and monitoring patients with respiratory disorders
normal values:
(pH) acidity { 7.35-7.45 } alkalinity
(PaCO2) acidity { 45-35 } alkalinity
(HCO3) acidity {21-28 } alkalinity
what is the anatomical location of the larynx
- located above trachea, just below the pharynx at the root of tongue
- connects the pharynx with the trachea
what is the purpose of the larynx
enable speech -> during expiration air rushes over the vocal cords, causes them to vibrate
“voice box” contains vocal cords
-Thyroid cartilage= Adam’s Apple
what is the purpose of cilia
Small hair like
Lines the entire structure of the trachea
Sweeps / dusts debris upward toward the
nasal cavity
what is the purpose of chemoreceptors in carotid bodies
called carotid and aortic bodies, specialized receptors that send nerve impulses to the respiratory centers, which in turn modify respiratory rates
what happens when the oxygen level in the blood decreases
1
what is the kidneys role in respiratory acidosis
the kidneys attempt to compensate by reabsorbing increased amounts of HCO3
how do you measure inspiratory capacity
pulmonary function tests-(ventilation tests)
what is the correct positioning of a pulse oximeter on the patients finger
do not attach the probe to an extremity that has a blood
pressure cuff or arterial catheter in place-these devices
reduce blood flow
place probe over a pulsating vascular bed
while on the pt protect probe from strong light
avoid excess pt movement
hypothermia, hypotension and vasoconstriction can
effect readings
pulse ox abnormal reading
less than 70% considered life threatening
under 90% abnormal
what is the proper technique in order to collect the sputum specimen
explain procedure to patient (sputum must be brought up
from the lungs)
collect specimen before prescribed abx are started
collect specimen before meals to avoid emesis
instruct pt to inhale and exhale deeply 3 times, then
swiftly cough forcefully, and expectorate into sterile
sputum container
usually early morning samples collected on 3
consecutive days
samples can also be obtained via nasotrach suction
what is a nursing intervention for a patient that starts coughing up blood tinged sputum
elevate head of bed
place pt in fowlers position
get oxygen readings
what is video assisted thorascopic surgery
is a surgical procedure used in the chest and lungs. It is a type of ‘keyhole’ surgery where only very small cuts (incisions) are made to the body.
VATS uses a special instrument called a thoracoscope. This is a thin, tube-like instrument which has a camera built into the end. The camera feeds pictures from the chest on to a screen. This allows your surgeon to look inside the chest and lungs.
VATS can be used to do a wide range of things, including take small samples of tissues (biopsies) from the lungs. These samples can then be examined in the laboratory.
what are the post procedural guidelines for bronchoscopy
NPO until gag reflex returns (usually about 2 hours)
semi-fowlers position and turning on either side to
facilitate removal of secretions
monitor for signs of laryngeal edema or laryngospasms
such as stridor or increase dyspnea
if lung tissue biopsy obtained-monitor sputum for signs
of hemorrhage
why pursed lip breathing is helpful
- causes backflow and opens airway
- Promote carbon dioxide elimination
what is the post procedural after care for a patient that undergoes thoracentesis
Monitor vital signs, Respiratory status Assess the site for bleeding or crepitus Apply a pressure dressing and Monitor client for signs of pneumothorax, air embolism, and pulmonary edema. lie the client on the unaffected side
identify the signs and symptoms of severe respiratory distress
the patients expression, chest movement and respirations, pt’s skin color and turgor all provide valuable visual clues.
at times pt unable to verbalize distress, but has a wide-eyed anxious look that reflects fear, and flaring nostrils
where is the anatomical location of the apex of the lungs
projects above the clavicle
located approximately 1 inch (2.5cm) above the first rib, is the narrow part. (the apex) of each lung
sibilant wheezes
musical, high- pitched, squeaking or whistling sounds, caused by rapid movement of air through narrowed bronchioles
crackles
short, discrete, interrupted crackling or bubbling sounds,
caused by fluid, mucous, or puss in the small airways and alveoli
- brief, not continuous, common in inspiration
interrupted crackling/bubbling sound
(ex)think of the sound of hairs being rolled btwn fingers close to the ear
-associated with inflammation or infection of the small bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli
pleural friction rubs
low pitched grating or crackling lung sounds that occur when inflammed pleural surfaces rub together during respiration-machine like quality
usually caused by inflammation
Why are antibiotics and antihistamines often used to treat sinusitis?
- Antihistamines for allergy signs and symptoms and to decrease congestion-blocks allergic response through histamine receptor blockade.
- Antibiotics to prevent infection