Oxygenation Flashcards
What does pulmonary ventilation consist of ?
Inspiration - active phase
Expiration - passive phase
What does respiration consist of ?
Gas Exchange
During inspiration ………….
the diaphragm relaxes to increase the size of the thoracic cavity. The lower pressure means air rushes in from the higher pressure outside the body into the respiratory tract
During expiration …………..
the diaphragm contracts and expels air.
During gas exchange
O2 diffuses across membrane from alveoli to capillary
CO2 diffuses across membrane from capillary to alveoli
Based on pressure gradient of gases
Diffusion= gas moves from area of higher pressure to area of lower pressure
Critical factors for ventilation
Patent Intact CNS and PNS Mobile Thoracic Cavity Intact Pleura Adequate Lung compliance and recoil
Critical factors for ventilation
Inflatable alveoli
Surface area on alveolar capillary membrane
Intact and patent pulmonary vessels
Respiratory diseases are the ______________ leading cause of death in the US
fourth
Respiratory problems develop _____ ; difficult to _____
Easily; manage
Age Related factors that influence respiratory function
Upper respiratory functions
Thicker mucous
Stiffening of trachea
Blunted cough and laryngeal reflexes
Atrophy of laryngeal nerve endings
Age related factors that influence decreased gas exchange
Decreased elastic recoil
Expiration requiring use of accessory muscles
Fewer functioning capillaries and more fibrous tissue in alveoli
Decreased skeletal muscle strength in thorax
Nursing strategies to better enhance respiratory function
Encourage rest periods as necessary
Encourage cessation of smoking
Teach breathing exercises
Instruct avoidance of narcotics and sleeping medications
Prevention and wellness (vaccinations and avoidance of infection)
Age Related changes that influence respiratory function
chest wall and musculoskeletal functions
Ribs and vertebrae become osteoporotic Costal cartilage calcifies Respiratory muscles weaken Structural changes Kyphosis: curvature of spine (appearance of leaning forward) Shortened thorax Chest wall stiffens
Age Related changes affecting lung structure and function
Lungs become smaller and flaccid
Pulmonary artery becomes less elastic
Diminished blood flow and blood volume to lungs
Decrease in capillary blood volume
Elastic recoil decreased - Airway does not stay open as long during inspiration
Immunological changes influencing respiratory function
Alteration in T-Cells
Affects immune system
Contributes to increase risk for lung disease and infectious respiratory infections
Functional outcomes of age related changes
Less elastic chest wall and airways Decreased muscle strength Decreased ciliary action Drier, more fragile mucous membranes More energy needed for respiratory efficiency
Environmental and Lifestyle factors that influence respiratory function and wellness
Air pollution
Occupational exposure to asbestos, mold
Tobacco smoking and second hand smoke
Health Status Factors influencing respiratory function and wellness
Vagus nerve or neuro impairment
Renal failure
Anemia
Pain
Medications influencing respiratory function and wellness
Anticholinergics
Narcotics & sedatives
Other factors influencing respiratory function and wellness
Lack of vaccinations
Bedrest
Obesity
Chronic Illness
How can the nurse promote respiratory health ?
Assess for and detect lower respiratory infections
Assessing smoking behaviors
Identifying other risk factors
Identifying normal age-related health variations
Ensuring vaccination schedule for Influenza and Pneumonia vaccines are followed, crowd avoidance.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)
group of diseases that impacts more than 40 million Americans, 1 million people between the ages of 40-65 have moderate to sever disability from COPD related diseases
Discuss asthma
Inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the airways causing the airways to become inflamed, narrow, and become hyperresponsive when triggered by allergens, cold air, dry air, exercise, medications (Aspirin or NSAIDS), or upper respiratory illnesses.
When asthma is well controlled the airway changes are well controlled and reversible, poor control can result in damage to bronchial smooth muscle.
Discuss Chronic Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles caused by exposure to irritants, especially cigarette smoke. Pollution and dust can also be triggers.
The irritant triggers inflammation, vasodilation, congestion and bronchospasm.
Chronic inflammation increases the number and size of mucus glands, causing the bronchial walls to thicken.
Excessive mucous production contributes to a breading ground for microorganisms and chronic low-grade infections resulting in poor gas exchange and airflow.