Gas Exchange Flashcards
Gas Exchange
The process by which oxygen is transported to cells and carbon dioxide is transported from cells.
What’s in the respiratory system?
Upper and lower airways
Lungs
Alveoli
Capillaries
What is impaired gas exchange?
Impaired Gas Exchange
Ineffective ventilation
Reduced capacity
Inadequate perfusion
What are the consequence of severe, unresolved impairment in gas exchange.
Reduced oxygen in blood (hypoxia)
Absence of oxygen in blood (anoxia)
Oxygen deprived tissues
Cell death
What are the risk factors?
Age Smoking Presence of chronic medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), heart failure (HF) Immunosuppression Reduced state of cognition Brain injury Prolonged immobility
Examination
Vital signs - heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation.
Inspection - breathing effort, skin color, thorax, and extremities, ausculation of lung sounds.
Common diagnostic test
Laboratory test, radiologic studies, pulmonary function studies, endoscopy.
Primary prevention
infection control, smoking cessation, immunizations, preventing postoperative complications.
Collaborative interventions
smoking cessation, pharmacotherapy(types of drugs, medication admin), Nutrition therapy, positioning, chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, endotracheal tubes and tracheostomy tubes, mechanical intubation, chest tube management.
What are some Subjective data?
Cough, shortness of breadth, chest pain with breathing, history of respiratory infections, smoking history, environmental exposure, self care behaviors
Respiratory assessment
Thorax & Lungs (4 pts) Inspect: Skin, color, lesions, scars Chest shape and configuration Effort of breathing Auscultate: Anterior lungs : 3L/3R spots Posterior lungs : 3L/3R spots Lateral Lungs : 1 spot L & R
Equipment
Stethoscope
Small ruler, marked in centimeters
Marking pen
Alcohol wipe
Posterior Chest
Thoracic cage:
Spine:
Neck Muscles:
Position & Posture:
Skin color & Condition:
Anterior chest
Note shape and configuration of chest wall.
Assess quality of respirations.
