Respiratory Flashcards
Endotracheal tube (ET tube)
A flexible plastic tube that is placed through the mouth into the trachea to assist with breathing. The
endotracheal tube is then connected to a ventilator, which delivers oxygen to the lungs. The process of
inserting the tube is called endotracheal intubation
Chest tube
a plastic tube that is used to drain fluid or air from the chest. Air or fluid (for example blood or pus) that
collects in the space between the lungs and chest wall (the pleural space) can cause the lung to collapse.
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices.
It causes these fluids to become thick and sticky.
They then plug up tubes, ducts, and passageways
Hyaline Membrane Disease
A respiratory disease of the newborn, especially the premature infant, in which a membrane composed
of proteins and dead cells lines the alveoli, making gas exchange difficult or impossible. It is caused by a
deficiency of a molecule called surfactant. May require an increase in kVp.
Epiglottitis
A potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis (a flap of tissue at the base of the
tongue) that prevents food from entering the trachea) becomes inflamed. Epiglottitis is commonly
caused by an infection
Pneumonia (Bacterial and Viral)
Air sac inflammation which may cause fluid or pus buildup
Tuberculosis
bacteria usually attack the lungs,
but they can also damage other parts of the body.
In the lungs it destroys lung tissue and replaces it
with scar tissue.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
Chronic Bronchitis - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes repeatedly becomes irritated and inflamed.
continuous irritation and swelling can damage the airways and cause a buildup of sticky mucus,
making it difficult for air to move through the lungs.
Emphysema - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Causes shortness of breath.
air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) become damaged, and over time,
the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many
small ones.
Asthma
A condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, and produce extra mucus,
which makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma can be minor or it can interfere with daily activities. In some
cases, it may lead to a life-threatening attack. Asthma may cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough,
and wheezing. Asthma can usually be managed with rescue inhalers to treat symptoms and controller
inhalers that prevent symptoms. Severe cases may require longer-acting inhalers that keep the airways
open, as well as oral steroids
Lung Abscess
A lung infection characterized by a pus-filled cavitary lesion. It is most commonly caused by aspiration of
oral secretions by patients who have impaired consciousness. Symptoms are persistent cough, fever,
sweats, and weight loss
Empyema
Also called pyothorax or purulent pleuritis. It is a condition in which pus gathers in the area between the
lungs and the inner surface of the chest wall. This area is known as the pleural space. Empyema is
usually associated with pneumonia but may also develop after thoracic surgery or thoracic trauma.
Antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection and a chest tube may be placed to completely drain
the pus.
Atelectasis
Complete or partial collapse of a lung or a section (lobe) of a lung. Anesthesia’s effect on the lungs
causes almost everyone who undergoes surgery to have some atelectasis. Inhaled objects, asthma, and
other lung diseases and injuries also can cause atelectasis. There may be no obvious symptoms of
atelectasis. When symptoms occur, they may include trouble breathing, cough, and low-grade fever.
Treatments include breathing exercises, medications, and surgery.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Condition in which fluid collects in the lungs’ air sacs, depriving organs of oxygen. Acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS) can occur in those who are critically ill or who have significant injuries. It is
often fatal, the risk increasing with age and severity of illness. People with ARDS have severe shortness
of breath and often are unable to breathe on their own without support from a ventilator. Treatment
includes oxygen, fluid management, and medication
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung. Occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. This air pushes
on the outside of your lung and makes it collapse. Pneumothorax can be a complete lung collapse or a
collapse of only a portion of the lung. A blunt or penetrating chest injury, certain medical procedures, or
lung disease can cause a pneumothorax. Symptoms include shortness of breath. A needle or chest tube
is used to remove excess air to allow expansion of the collapsed lung. May require a decrease in
technique
Tension Pneumothorax
a life-threatening condition that develops when air is trapped in the pleural cavity under positive
pressure, displacing mediastinal structures and compromising cardiopulmonary function. Treatment
includes needle decompression, chest tube placement and addressing the penetrating injury or cause of
the tension pneumothorax. May require a decrease in technique
Pleural Effusion
A buildup of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and the chest in the pleural space. Fluid can
accumulate around the lungs due to heart failure or from inflammation. Symptoms include cough, sharp
chest pain, or shortness of breath. Treatments include antibiotics, water pills (diuretics), and removal of
the fluid with a needle or chest tube. May require an increase in technique.
Bronchial Carcinoid Tumors (Adenoma)
An uncommon, slow growing, low-grade malignant neoplasm. Half of patients with bronchial carcinoid
are asymptomatic, and half present with symptoms of airway obstruction, including dyspnea, wheezing,
and cough, which often leads to a misdiagnosis of asthma. Recurrent pneumonia, hemoptysis, and chest
pain are also common. The two main forms of treatment are surgery to remove the tumor and radiation
therapy
Bronchogenic Carcinoma
A cancer that begins in the lungs and most often occurs in people who smoke. Causes of lung cancer
include smoking, secondhand smoke, exposure to certain toxins, and family history. Symptoms include
cough (often with blood), chest pain, wheezing, and weight loss. These symptoms often don’t appear
until the cancer is advanced. Treatments vary but may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy
Squamous cell - Bronchogenic Carcinoma
A slow growing type of lung cancer almost always caused by smoking. It is a slow-
growing type of non-small cell lung cancer. Symptoms are a cough that doesn’t go away
and shortness of breath
Adenocarcinoma - Bronchogenic Carcinoma
The most common primary lung cancer seen in the United States. It falls under the
umbrella of non-small cell lung cancer and has a strong association with previous
smoking
Undifferentiated large cell - Bronchogenic Carcinoma
Grows and spreads quickly and can be found anywhere in the lung
Undifferentiated small cell - Bronchogenic Carcinoma
it is sometimes called oat cell cancer. This type of lung cancer tends to grow and spread
quickly and is typically caused by tobacco smoking. It usually responds well to
chemotherapy and radiation treatment, but often recurs in many people who develop it
Pulmonary Metastasis
Secondary malignant tumors of the lung parenchyma or pleura. Originating from an entirely separate
organ, metastatic disease to the lung is the second-most common pulmonary malignancy.
