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