Gas Exchange Flashcards
Define gas exchange.
Process by which O2 is transported into cells & CO2 is transported away from cells.
Which 3 body systems must work together in gas exchange?
- Neuro
- Respiratory
- Cardiovascular
Which 3 structures are part of the upper respiratory tract?
Nasal cavity.
Pharynx.
Larynx.
What are the 2 categories of factors that affect gas exchange?
Physiological factors.
Conditions affecting chest wall movement.
List 4 physiological factors that can affect gas exchange.
- Decreased O2 carrying capacity.
- Decreased inspired O2 concentration.
- Hypovolemia.
- Increased metabolic rate.
List 6 conditions that affect chest wall movement.
- Pregnancy.
- Obesity.
- Musculoskeletal abnormalities.
- Trauma.
- Neuromuscular diseases.
- CNS alterations.
What is anoxia?
Where no O2 is reaching tissue.
What are 2 signs & symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
Hypersecretion of mucous.
Productive cough.
What criteria do we use to diagnose chronic bronchitis?
Signs/symptoms persist for 3 consecutive months during the same year for at least 2 consecutive years.
What is emphysema?
Permanent damage to the alveolar walls, causing abnormal excess dilation of the alveoli & loss of elastic recoil of fibres.
What is atelectasis?
Collapse of the alveoli.
What is pulmonary embolism?
Where a blood clot becomes stuck in the small vessels of the lungs.
In order to prevent pulmonary embolisms, we should prioritize the prophylaxis of _____ in high risk patients.
DVT.
Asthma may be caused by (3):
- Airway obstruction.
- Bronchial hyperreactivity.
- Inflammation.
What are 4 outcomes of pneumonia?
- Bronchial edema.
- Mucous secretions.
- Damage to bronchial mucosa & alveolar-capillary membrane.
- Alveolar filling with exudate & microbial debris.
What are signs & symptoms of pneumonia in older adults? What wouldn’t be a sign/symptom?
Confusion. Weakness. Decreased appetite. Increased heart/respiratory rate. NO FEVER.
Define hyperventilation.
Breathing more than needed to eliminate CO2.
Defne hypoventilation.
Inadequate alveolar ventilation to meet body’s O2 demand/eliminate sufficient CO2.
In central cyanosis, we can see a change in colour in the ________.
In peripheral cyanosis, we can see a change in colour in the __________.
Central: mucous membranes (ex: conjunctiva).
Peripheral: nail beds.
What is a pleural effusion?
Excess fluid (usually water) accumulation in pleural cavity.
What is a pneumothorax?
Air in the pleural cavity > collapsed lung.
List 3 possible causes of pleural effusion.
Congestive heart failure.
Pulmonary edema.
Lung cancer.
What is a pyothorax?
Pus in the pleural cavity.
Why might gas exchange be impaired in pregnant people?
Increased abdominal size = decreased space for lung expansion > impaired ventilation/oxygenation.
What are 4 reasons why older persons are mostly affected by altered gas exchange?
- Weakening of respiratory muscles = slow inspiration/expiration.
- Decreased lung capacity.
- Increased risk for respiratory infections d/t immunosenescence.
- Decreased ciliary action > aspiration pneumonia.
What are 6 lifestyle risk factors for impaired gas exchange?
- Poor nutrition.
- Inadequate exercise.
- Smoking.
- Substance abuse.
- Stress.
- Environmental factors.
What does PQRSTU stand for in assessment?
Proactive: identify the cause. Quality of breathing. Region: assess thoracic region. Severity of symptoms. Timing & treatment. Understanding: client's.
Stridor is associated with:
Children with URTIs.
Crackles are associated with:
Fluid in the lungs.
Rhonchi are associated with:
COPD & airway obstruction.
Wheezing is associated with:
Asthma.
Pleural friction rubs are associated with:
Infection.
What are 5 diagnostic tests that can be used to assess impaired gas exchange?
- Sputum specimen.
- Arterial blood gasses (ABGs).
- X-rays/CT scans/MRIs (if masses/cancer suspected).
- Pulse oximetry.
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
