Respiratory Definitions

Question 1

Breath sounds not normally heard in the lungs

Answer 1

Adventitious Breath Sounds

Question 2

Harsh, high pitched sound heard on inspiration related to narrowing of the upper airway

Answer 2

Stridor

Question 3

Fine to course crackling sound as air moves through wet secretions, heard on inspiration.

Answer 3

Crackles/Rales

Question 4

Coarse sounds that are low-pitched, heard during inspiration or expiration. Coughing may clear
the sound

Answer 4

Rhonchi

Question 5

High pitched sounds, musical or squeaking heard on inspiration or expiration originating in
small air passages that are narrowed.

Answer 5

Wheezes

Question 6

Grating sound caused by an inflamed pleura rubbing against the chest wall, heard
more often on inspiration and not changed by coughing.

Answer 6

Pleural Friction Rub

Question 7

Absence of Breathing

Answer 7

Apnea

Question 8

Respirations that are regular in rhythm but slower than normal in rate. Abnormally slow rate of
breathing—less than 12 respirations per minute.

Answer 8

Bradypnea

Question 9

result from the free movement of air into and out of all parts of the bronchial tree.
Listen for duration, pitch, and intensity of the sounds.

Answer 9

Breath Sounds

Question 10

Normal breath sounds which are high pitched and harsh heard over the trachea with
expiration longer than inspiration

Answer 10

Bronchial Sounds

Question 11

Normal breath sounds which are moderate blowing sounds heard over the
mainstem bronchus with inspiration equal to expiration.

Answer 11

Bronchovesicular Sounds:

Question 12

Normal breath sounds which are soft, low-pitched sounds heard best over the base of
the lungs during inspiration which is longer than expiration.

Answer 12

Vesicular Sounds

Question 13

Chronic condition of persistent obstruction of bronchial air

flow. Chronic bronchitis and chronic pulmonary emphysema are the diseases mainly associated with this condition.

Answer 13

COPD

Question 14

Labored or difficult breathing.

Answer 14

Dyspnea

Question 15

Normal respirations. Rate 12-20 respirations per minute.

Answer 15

Eupnea

Question 16

Vibration felt on palpation.

Answer 16

Fremitus

Question 17

The sound produced when percussion is performed over lung tissue affected by emphysema

Answer 17

Hyperresonance

Question 18

A decrease in the rate or depth of air movement into the lungs which often causes hypoxia.

Answer 18

Hypoventilation

Question 19

A condition in which an inadequate amount of oxygen is available to the cells. It is a problem with
ventilation, respiration, or perfusion.

Answer 19

Hypoxia

Question 20

Consists of the trachea, right and left mainstem bronchi, segmental bronchi, and terminal
bronchioles. Main function is the conduction of air, mucociliary clearance, and production of pulmonary surfactant.

Answer 20

Lower Airway

Question 21

Ability to breathe easily only in the upright position.

Answer 21

Orthopnea

Question 22

The process wherein oxygenated capillary blood passes through tissue.

Answer 22

Perfusion

Question 23

A non-invasive technique for measuring oxygen saturation of arterial blood. A pulse oximetry of
95%-100% is norma

Answer 23

Pulse Oximetry

Question 24

A breathing exercise used for patients who experience dyspnea and feelings of panic.
Patient inhales through the nose and exhales slowly and evenly against pursed lips (lips are positioned as if
blowing through a straw or whistling).

Answer 24

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Question 25

The sound produced over normal air-filled lungs when percussion is performed.

Answer 25

Resonance

Question 26

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body cells.

Answer 26

Respirations

Question 27

Very rapid respirations.

Answer 27

Tachypnea

Question 28

Consist of the nose, pharynx, larynx, and epiglottis. Main function is to warm, filter, and humidify
inspired air

Answer 28

Upper Airway

Question 29

The movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Answer 29

Ventilation