Respiratory assessment Flashcards
What is ventilation?
Flow of air going in and out of the alveoli
Provide an example of a health condition that impedes the ventilation process.
Asthma causes bronchoconstriction which impedes the ventilation process.
What is diffusion?
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and red blood cells in the bloodstream.
Provide an example of a health condition that can impede diffusion.
Pulmonary fibrosis whereby scarring and thickening of the lung tissue prevents diffusion from occurring.
What does the upper airway consist of?
Nose
Mouth
Pharynx (throat)
Larynx (voice box)
Trachea
What does the lower airway consist of?
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveolar ducts
Alveoli
What is the function of the upper airway compartment?
To warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe.
What is the function of the lower airway compartment?
Gas exchange to occur.
What is the functional unit for gas exchange?
The alveoli
What is perfusion?
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the red blood cells and the body’s tissues.
What health condition is an example of impaired perfusion?
Peripheral artery disease impairs blood flow to the extremities, impairing perfusion to those cells.
What is the function of the pleura?
The structure that cushions the lungs.
Explain the process of gas exchange.
- Blood travels from the right atrium.
- Passes along the alveoli where diffusion occurs.
- Oxygen is diffused from the alveoli to the capillaries.
- Simultaneously, carbon dioxide moves in the opposite direction and into the alveoli.
- We exhale the carbon dioxide.
- Oxygenated blood travels within the bloodstream and returns to the left atrium.
The term used to describe an individual sitting upright between 60 and 90 degree angle to provide optimum breathing.
High Fowler’s position.
How many lobes does the right lung have?
3
