Oxygenation Chapter 35 Flashcards
What happens to inhaled air in the airways? How does this occur?
Answer:
The airway structures moisten, warm, and filter inhaled air. This is accomplished in three ways:
● A moist mucous-membrane lining adds water to inhaled air.
● Blood flowing through the vessels of airway walls transfer body heat to the inhaled air.
● Tiny hairlike projections from the wall of the airways (cilia) move rhythmically to carry trapped debris up and out of the airway.
Pulmonary System
Airways and Lungs
Ventilation
Movement of air into/out of the lungs
Respiration
Exchange of oxygen/carbon dioxide
Which diagnostic test/exam would best measure a client’s level of hypoxemia?
a. chest x-ray
b. pulse oximeter reading
c. ABG
d. peak expiratory flow rate
c. ABG
Cardiovascular System
Heart, blood vessels, red blood cells
Hemoglobin: carries oxygen
Arteries
• Oxygenated blood to tissues
Veins
• Deoxygenated blood back to heart/lungs
Tissue Paper My Assets
From the Body flows to the
Tricuspid
Then to the
Pulmonic
Out to the lungs, back in from the lungs to the
Mitral
Then to the
Aortic
and out to the body
Factors That Influence Oxygenation
Lifespan and development (e.g., respiratory distress syndrome, upper respiratory infections (URIs), adolescent smoking, cardiac insufficiency)
Environment (e.g., stress, allergies)
Lifestyle (e.g., nutrition, exercise, substance abuse)
Medications
Pathophysiological Conditions
Neuromuscular abnormalities
Cardiovascular abnormalities
• Heart disease
• Vessel disease
Oxygen transport problems
Metabolic problems
Pathophysiological Conditions
Alterations in O2 and CO2 levels
Alterations in
Pulmonary system: structure, airways, tissue
Pulmonary circulation
Assessing Oxygenation Status
Physical Examination
Breathing pattern
Respiratory effort
Pulse oximetry
Cardiac functioning
Using inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation
The term “Kussmaul” refers to a high-pitched, harsh, crowing inspiratory sound that occurs due to partial obstruction of the larynx.
a. true
b. false
Correct answer: B, false
The term for this sound of respiratory distress is “stridor.”
Assessing Oxygenation Status
Diagnostic Testing
Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
PO2, PCO2
Peak flow monitoring
Cardiac monitoring: electrocardiogram
Normal Range for Hemoglobin
12-18
Hematocrit Levels
Men = 40-54%
Women 36-46%
Newborn = 44-64%
Normally 3x the hemoglobin
Measures the % of RBC in whole blood
Interventions for Optimal Oxygenation
Use of a mechanical ventilator
Use of chest tube drainage
systems
Promoting circulation
Administering respiratory medications
Promoting Respiratory Function
Immunizations/prevent URIs
Positioning: maximum lung excursion
Incentive spirometry
Aspiration precautions
Mobilizing secretions
• Deep breathing and coughing
• Hydration
• Chest physiotherapy
Oxygen therapy
• Cannula
• Mask
• Transtracheal catheter
Using artificial airways
- Oropharyngeal
- Nasopharyngeal
- Endotracheal tubes
- Tracheostomy tube Artificial airway patency
• Suctioning
•
•
ClickerCheck
In caring for a client with a tracheostomy, the nurse would give priority to the nursing diagnosis of
a. Risk for ineffective airway clearance
b. Anxiety related to suctioning
c. Social isolation related to altered body image
d. Impaired tissue integrity
Correct answer: A
While other diagnoses may be applicable, maintaining a patent airway by tending to excessive secretions is a priority.
In which structures of the lung does gas exchange take place?
Answer:
Gas exchange takes place in the type I alveolar cells.
What does surfactant do for alveoli?
Answer:
Surfactant is the substance that lowers the surface tension inside alveoli and prevents their walls from being drawn together. Adequate surfactant levels are key to preventing alveolar collapse and allowing alveolar expansion during breathing.
What is the difference between ventilation and respiration?
Answer:
Ventilation and respiration have the following differences:
● Ventilation is the movement of air into and out of the lungs through the act of breathing.
● Respiration is gas (carbon dioxide and oxygen) exchange.
Describe how the diaphragm, accessory muscles, and pressure changes within the lungs create inhalation and exhalation.
Answer:
The diaphragm is the major muscle of breathing. Inhalation begins when the diaphragm contracts and the chest cavity is pulled downward. The lung bases descend with the chest cavity, significantly enlarging the lungs. Intercostal muscles, the small muscles around the ribs, also contract and pull the ribs slightly outward, expanding the chest cavity and lungs. The overall effect is to enlarge the chest cavity and subsequently the lungs. The negative pressure created in the lungs draws air in through the only opening to the outside, the trachea. Exhalation occurs when the diaphragm and intercostals muscles relax, allowing the chest and lungs to return to their normal resting size. The reduction in size causes a rise in pressure inside the chest and lungs to above atmospheric pressure, which causes air to flow out of the lungs. Exhalation requires no energy or effort.
How does hypoventilation affect risk for hypoxemia and hypoxia?
Answer:
Hypoventilation occurs when a small amount of air is moved into and out of the lungs, which is caused by a decreased rate and/or depth of breathing. Hypoventilation increases the risk for problems with oxygenation (hypoxemia) and perfusion (hypoxia).