Respiratory Flashcards
Respiratory system function
- extract oxygen from atmosphere and transfer it to the bloodstream
- Excrete waste product ( carbon dioxide)
- Ventilate the lungs
- Maintain the normal acid base balance of the blood
- Allow to talk, smell..
Composition of air
Respiratory System
Two type of respiration
External respiration- exchange of gasses by diffusion between the alveoli
Internal respiration - exchange by diffusion between the blood in the capillaries and the body cells.
Resting Tidal Volume,
Inspiratory Reserve Volume
Total Lung Capacity (TLC)
Resting Tidal Volume (Vt)
- volume of air taken when inhale.
- it increases with exercise or activity
Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)
= total lung capacity - the volume of air at the end of inspiration.
Total lung capacity (TLC)
- the maximal volume of gas in the lung after maximal inhalation. Total volume of the lungs (6l)
VT- Vital capacity - is the maximal volume of gas exhaled during a forced exhalation after a forced inhalation.
Astma life threats
33, 92 CHEST
Cyanosis, Hypotension, Exhausted, Silent Chest, Tachycardia
5 causes of respiratory compromise
- Obstruction – blockage, facial injuries, vomit
- Paralysis of resp. nerves and muscles -
electrocution, spinal injury, poison, - Non-oxygen atmosphere – altitude, gases
- Chest and lungs trauma – compression
- Lung diseases and illness- COPD, asthma, PE
Choking
- Determine the severity of the obstruction.
- Classify as:
* mild if: can speak, cough and breath.
* severe: cannot speak, no breathing, clutching their throat - Encourage coughs.
- Severe obstruction: 5 back blows + 5 abdominal thrusts
- Unconscious: attempt clear obstruction
Breath sounds
Normal breath sound:
• Vesicular - soft, low pitched on inspiration and 1/3 expiration
• Bronchial – inspiration = expiration (with a gap)
• Broncho -vesicular- insp= expiration (no gap)
Added sounds (adventitious) :
• Crackers
• Wheezes (stridor)
• Absent
Dyspnoea
Shortness of breath (SOB)
- sensation of not being able to get enough air.
chest feels tight and heavy
cause by heart disease, lung problems or anxiety.
Apnoea
Cessation of respiration
-where the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse sufficiently to cause a total blockage of the airway;
Hypoxia
Lack of oxygen in the blood
Hypercarpia
Excess carbon dioxide in the blood
Respiratory compromise signs
DIB/ noisy breathing
Cyanosis
Dilated pupils
Congestion of the veins in the head and neck
Fits
Gradual LOC
Petechial haemorrhage ( capillaries beak open , bloods leaks into the skin)
Respiratory conditions
COPD and Asthma
Pneumonia
CRB 65 (severity score for >65 patients)
CRB- 65, severity score: (2 or more score = going to hospital + O2):
* Confusion
* Respiratory of 30 and more
* BP (systolic <90, or diastolic <60, age 65
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, due to bacterial or viral infection entered the lungs by inhalation.
- build up of fluid or blood cells in the alveoli (known as CONSOLIDATION).
Signs and Symptoms:
fever, cough (green / rusty sputum), pleuritic chest pain, muscle or joints pain , RR increased, HR increased.
Hyperventilation syndrome
HYPERVENTILATION SYNDROM
- Rate of breathing that exceeds metabolic needs and its higher than that required to maintain normal CO2 levels in the blood.
Occurs in life threating situation:
PE, diabetic ketoacidosis, asthma, hypovolemia also in emotional stress (anxiety).
SIGHNS and SYMPTOMS:
- Acute anxiety
- TETANY ( cramps, including sharp bending of wrist and ankle joints. Numbness and tingling of mouth and lips),
- CARPOPEDAL spasm- frequent and involuntary muscle contractions in the hands and feet with associated pain.
- Feeling of light headedness
Hyperventilation management
- Ensuring an open airway
- Maintain a calm approach,
Coaching the patient’s respirations - encourage pt to talk,
