Respiratory Definitions Flashcards
Apnea
A temporary cessation of breathing
Bronchophony
Abnormal increase in clarity of transmitted voice sounds heard when auscultating the lungs
Bronchoscopy
Direct examination of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi using an endoscope
Compliance
Measure of the force required to expand or inflate the lungs
Crackles
Soft, high-pitched, discontinuous popping sounds during inspiration caused by delayed reopening of the airways
Dyspnea
Subjective experience that describes difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Egophony
Abnormal changes in tone of voice that is heard when auscultating the lungs
Fremitus
Vibrations of speech felt as tremors of the chest wall felt during palpation
Hemoptysis
Expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract
Hypoxemia
Decrease in arterial oxygen tension in the blood
Hypoxia
Decrease in oxygen supply to the tissues and cells
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Temporary absence of breathing during sleep secondary to transient upper airway obstruction
Orthopnea
Inability to breathe easily except in an upright position
Oxygen Saturation
Percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen
Physiologic Dead Space
Portion of the tracheobronchial tree that does not participate in gas exchange
Pulmonary Diffusion
Exchange of gas molecules (oxygen and carbon dioxide) from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration
Pulmonary Perfusion
Blood flow through the pulmonary vasculature
Respiration
Gas exchange between atmospheric air and the blood and between the blood and cells of the body
Rhonchi
Low-pitched wheezing or snoring sound associated with partial airway obstruction, heard on chest auscultation
Stridor
Harsh, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration, usually without the need of a stethoscope, secondary to upper airway obstruction
Tidal Volume
Volume of air inspired and expired with each breath during normal breathing
Ventilation
Movement of air in and out of the airways
Wheezes
Continuous musical sounds associated with airway narrowing or partial obstruction
Whispered Pectoriloquy
Whispered sounds heard loudly and clearly upon thoracic auscultation
Airway Pressure Release Ventilation
Mode of mechanical ventilation that allows unrestricted, spontaneous breaths throughout the ventilatory cycle
On inspiration the patient receives a preset level of continuous positive airway pressure, and the pressure is periodically released to aid in expiration
Assist-Control (A/C) Ventilation
Mode of mechanical ventilation in which the patient’s breathing pattern may trigger the ventilator to deliver a preset tidal volume
In the absence of spontaneous breathing, the machine delivers a controlled breath at a preset minimum rate and tidal volume
Chest Drainage System
The use of a chest tube and closed drainage system to re-expand the lung and remove excess air, fluid, and blood
Chest Percussion
Manually cupping hands over the chest wall and using vibration to mobilize secretions by mechanically dislodging viscous or adherent secretions in the lungs
Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)
Therapy used to remove bronchial secretions, improve ventilation, and increase the efficiency of the respiratory muscles
Types include postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration
Continuous Mandatory Ventilation (CMV)
Mode of mechanical ventilation in which the ventilator completely controls the patient’s ventilation according to preset tidal volumes and respiratory rate
Because of problems with synchrony, it is rarely used except in paralyzed or anesthetized patients
Continous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Positive pressure applied throughout the respiratory cycle to a spontaneously breathing patient to promote alveolar and airway stability
May be administered with endotracheal or tracheostomy tube or by mask