Humidity Flashcards
Humidity
Water in gaseous state
What is the amount of water vapor
Gas can
Humidity is determined by
Temperature of gas & sometimes referred to as capacity
When gas has reached its potential at that temperature?
Saturated
Amount of water weight held in gas and expressed in mg/L
Absolute humidity
What is the relative humidity equation
Absolute humidity divided by potential humidity x 100
Facts of Alveolar gas
- 100% relative humidity
- At 37 C alveolar gas hold approximately 44 mg/L
- At 37 C and 100% R.H. the pressure exerted by water vapor is 47mmHg
Amount of humidity in alveolar gas minus the amount of humidity inspired
Humidity Deficit
Humidity supplied to inspired gas by nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal passages
If not supplied by the nose,moisture will be taken from tracheal mucosal blanket which dries and thickens secretions
Inadequate humidification can cause
- Decrease cilia activity
- Decrease movement of mucous
- Inflammation and necrosis of pulmonary epithelium
- Retention of secretions
- Bacterial culture media
- Atelectasis
- Pneumonia
Indications for humidification
- To prevent dry gas from drying mucosa
2. To provide near body humidity when upper airway function is impaired or bypassed
T or F Humidity adds moisture to the respiratory tract
True
