Respiratory Flashcards
Define the epiglottis
Leaf shaped cartilage
What is the parietal pleura
Covers the wall of the thoracic cavity
What is the visceral pleura
Covers the lungs
What is the pleural cavity
Potential space filled with serous fluid to prevent friction
What are chemoreceptors
Special sensory neurons that are located in the brain and in the walls of the aorta and carotid arteries
Responsible for the urge to breathe
What does the diaphragm do on contraction
The muscle flattens and descends increasing the volume inside the thoracic cavity. Pressure is decreased. Air moves from higher to lower pressure so air in drawn in)
What nerve is the diaphragm controlled by
Phrenic nerve
Define diffusion
It’s a process by which molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide move around
Define pulmonary ventilation
Is a process of inhalation and exhalation of air in and out of the lungs
Define external respiration
The exchange of gases between the alveoli of the lungs and the blood inside the pulmonary capillaries
Define internal respiration
The exchange of gases between the blood in capillaries around the body and the tissue/cells
What can cause obstruction of the air passages
The tongue
Maxilla facial injury
Blood, vomit saliva
Inhaled foreign objects
Suffication( external pressure to neck)
Drowning
Internal swelling of the tissues of the throat
Define asthma
It’s a condition characterised by intermittent reversible airway obstruction
Signs and symptoms of mild asthma
Speaks in sentences
Cough
Chest thightness
Signs and symptoms of moderate asthma
Speaks in phrases
Increasing symptoms
No features of severe asthma
Signs and symptoms of severe asthma
RR >25
HR > 110
Inability to complete sentences in one breath
One word or syllables
Signs and symptoms of life threatening asthma
Any one of the following with severe asthma indicates life threatening asthma
ALOC
Exhaustion
Hypotension
Cyanosis
Silent chest
Poor respiratory efforts
Sp02 <92
What are the indications of salbutamol
Bronchospasm, exacerbation of COPD, respiratory distress following submersion incident
What is the dose of salbutamol for an adult
5MG Neb or 100mcg metered aerosol spray ( x11 prn)
What is the dose of salbutamol for under 5
2.5MG neb or 100mcg metered aerosol spray( repeat x5. Prn)
What are the side effects of salbutamol
Tachycardia, tremors, tachyarrhythmias, high doses may cause hypokalaemia
What is the dose of naloxone for an adult
800mcg IN
What is the paediatric dose of naloxone
20mcg/kg IN
How long do you suction an adult
15 seconds max
How long do you suction a child
10 seconds max
How long do you suction an infant
5 seconds max
What is trismus
An uncontrolled inability to open mouth of jaw
What are the indications for a supraglottic airway
Adult cardiac arrest
Prolonged ventilation required
What weight is a size 3 supraglottic airway for
30-60 kg
What weight is a size 4 supraglottic airway for
50-90
What weight is a size 5 supraglottic airway for
90+
What is the difference between a cuffed and uncuffed tracheostomy tube
A cuffed tube is used for when patients are on a ventilator or needs help from a breathing machine
An uncuffed tube are used for patients who do not need a ventilator or help from a breathing machine
How much oxygen does a D cylinder contain
340
How much oxygen does a CD cylinder contain
460
How much oxygen does a F cylinder contain
1360
How much oxygen does a ZX cylinder contain
3040
