Misc terms Flashcards
Portal vein
major blood vessel in the body that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. It is an essential part of the hepatic portal system, which is responsible for directing nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder to the liver for processing.
pyretic
Of or pertaining to fever
Aldosterone
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands (specifically the adrenal cortex). It plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance by controlling the levels of sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) in the blood.
How Aldosterone works
increases sodium (Na⁺) reabsorption in the kidneys → Retains water → Raises blood pressure
Promotes potassium (K⁺) excretion → Helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function
Works as part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure
Ascites
condition where excess fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity (peritoneal space).
Causes of ascites
Liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Heart failure
Pancreatitis
Cancer (ovarian, liver, pancreatic)
Tuberculosis
Certain infections
Symptoms of ascites
Abdominal distension (swelling)
Weight gain
Shortness of breath
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Indigestion
Fatigue
minute volume
amount of gas inhaled and exhaled in 1 minute
tidal volume
volume of gas inhaled and exhaled in 1 breath
anatomic dead space
is the volume of the conducting airways from the external environment down to the terminal bronchioles.
compliance
Ease at which the lungs and thorax expand during inhalation
vital capacity
the amount of gas that can move upon deepest exhalation
residual volume
the amount of gas that remains in the lungs after exhilation
elevated EtCO2
typically an indication of hypoventilation or increased metabolic activity
low EtCO2
may be an indication of hyperventilation, decreased cardiac output or poor pulmonary perfusion, which can occur in shock.
mediastinum
seperates the two lungs. include the heart, blood vessels, trachea, esophagus, lymphatic tissue, and lymphatic vessels.
phrenic nerve
composed mostly of motor nerve fibers that produce contractions of the diaphragm.
gastric distension
results from the trapping of air in the stomach and is associated with ventilation using excessive tidal volumes. This condition is very common in patients who are ventilated but have not been intubated. As the stomach enlarges, it pushes against the diaphragm and interferes with lung expansion. The abdomen becomes more and more distended. Resistance to bag-mask ventilation may be felt.
management of gastric distension
Management of gastric distention begins by slightly increasing the bag-mask ventilation inspiratory time. Large-volume suction should be readily available. If possible, place the patient in a left lateral recumbent position. Gastric distention that can’t be managed with these techniques may require insertion of a gastric tube. Gastric tubes and decompression are discussed on the following screen.
Positive-pressure ventilation decreases what?
Venous return
Pediatric intubation differences
The airway structures of children are very fragile and easily damaged, they have poor oxygen reserves and high metabolic demands. During infection, illness, or injury, they quickly lose the ability to oxygenate adequately and need oxygenation and ventilation earlier than adults.
