Oxygen Flashcards
What three processes are involved in respiration?
ventilation, diffusion and perfusion
Define ventilation
the process of moving gases into and out of the lungs
Define diffusion
the movement of O2 and CO2 between the alveoli and the RBCs
Define perfusion
the distribution of RBCs to and from the pulmonary capillaries
Define atelectasis
complete or partial collapse of the lung
What four factors affect oxygenation?
physiological, developmental, lifestyle and environmental
What are some environmental factors that affect oxygenation?
altitude, air pollution and occupational hazards
What should you do if your patient is having trouble breathing?
-O2 sat
-raise head of bed
-listen to breathing
-full set of vitals
Remember: we must treat the underlying cause of the shortness of breath so having all of the information is important
What are some oxygenation tests?
-pulse oximetry
-capillary blood gases
-arterial blood gases
What are pulmonary function tests?
tests used to evaluate lung function of clients with lung diseases– the tests measure lung volume and capacity
Define hyperventilation
-breathing >25bpm
-attempting to reduce carbon dioxide
-other symptoms include headache, light-headedness and dizziness
Define hypoventilation
-breathing <12bpm
-increases carbon dioxide
-other symptoms include change in LOC, arrhythmias and possible cardiac arrest
Define orthopnea
ability to breathe only in the upright sitting or standing position
Define dyspnea
difficult and laboured breathing during which the individual has a persistent, unsatisfied need for air and feels distressed
What is the first sign of hypoxia?
restlessness and apprehension
other signs include:
-tachycardia
-tachypnea
-nasal flaring
-decreasing LOC
-dizziness
-hypoventilation
-cyanosis
What causes cyanosis?
cyanosis is when the individual starts to turn blue from lack of oxygen
-desaturated hemoglobin in the capillaries
-peripheral cyanosis is seen in the extremities including the nail beds and earlobes
-central cyanosis is seen in the tongue, soft palate and conjunctive (gums)
What is ABG?
-arterial blood gases test
-the most accurate test and indicator of patient’s oxygenation status and should be ordered when in doubt
What positions help with breathing?
-semi or high-fowlers
-orthopneic
-tripod
-change from side to side often
-ambulate
Describe deep breathing and coughing
-used for post op clients to prevent atelectasis, NOT for COPD
-client is sitting upright, takes a few deep breaths inhaling through nose and exhaling through pursed lips (to prevent alveolar collapse) then inhale deeply again hold for a few seconds and release coughing deeply a few times without inhaling between coughs– be forceful with the coughs
Describe abdominal (diaphragmatic) breathing
-used as a basis for DB & C
-pursed lip breathing and huff coughing
-not shown to assist COPD but may be good for those with COPD that aren’t dyspneic
Describe pursed lip breathing
-prevents alveolar collapse during exhalation
-good for those with COPD during acute dyspnea
Describe huff coughing
-forced expiratory technique to promote expectoration of secretions
-can be used for cystic fibrosis but NOT COPD
What is incentive spirometry?
-measures flow of inspired air
-promotes: ventilation, gas exchange, re-expands alveolar collapse
-provides visual feedback
-increased effectiveness with slow sustained inspiration
-repeated for a total of 10 breaths every 1-2 hours while awake
-monitor for dizziness and fatigue
What are the 3 forms of chest physiotherapy?
1) percussion– cupping the hands
2) vibration– fine shaking motion
3) postural drainage– use gravity to aid in secretion removal
