respiratory system

Question 1

function of the respiratory system

Answer 1

As a gas distributor
Helps regulate blood PH
As a gas exchanger for the body
- Supplies oxygen to cells
- Removes carbon dioxide
Filters, warms, and humidifies the air we
breathe
Produces sounds for vocalization

Question 2

major organs

Answer 2

Nose
Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Lungs (Alveoli)

Question 3

Respiratory System is divided in

Answer 3

Upper respiratory system (nose and pharynx)
Lower Respiratory system (larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs)
Conducting system – that’s contains interconnecting cavities and tubes both inside and outside the lungs

Question 4

other structures

Answer 4

Epilottis
Auditory or eustachian tubes
Paranasal sinuses
Pleura
Diaphragm
Ribs
Intercoastal muscles
Accessory Muscles

Question 5

how is the Tracheobronchial tree divided

Answer 5

Divides in right and left bronchus
Each bronchus divides in bronchioles
Bronchioles divide in alveoli

Question 6

3 parts of respiration

Answer 6

1. Inspiration or inhalation
2. Gas exchange (diffusion)
3. Expiration or exhalation
   Inhalation + exhalation = pulmonary ventilation

Question 7

Inhalation (breathing in)

Answer 7

Increased levels of CO2 in the blood
signals the respiratory centre in the
brain to start breathing
* Signal from brain, along the phrenic and intercostal nerves, to diaphragm and intercostal muscles
diaphragm moves downward, ribs move up and outward
lungs expand causing a vacuum

Question 8

Diffusion (gas exchange) & Perfusion

Answer 8

De-oxygenated blood comes from right side of heart to lungs.
pulmonary capillaries come in contact with the alveoli causing gas exchange
Oxygenated blood returns to the left side of the heart

Question 9

Exhalation/expiration (breathing out)

Answer 9

Diaphram & intercoastal muscles relax; diaphragm and ribs return to resting position
Lungs contract
Air follows the reverse path
i.e. alveoli to nose/mouth
Air exhaled contains CO2 + waste products
and water vapour

Question 10

normal respiratory function and rhythm in adults

Answer 10

12-20 resps/min
occasional sighing or deeper breaths is normal
Moderate depth with occasional deeper breaths

Question 11

signs of abnormal respiratory function

Answer 11

shortness of breath with moderate activity
decrease in mental status from person’s norm may indicate hypoxemia or hypoxia
Emotional status, Lack of o2 may cause anxiety, apprehensions and fear

Question 12

Hypoxemia

Answer 12

not enough o2 in blood

Question 13

Hypoxia

Answer 13

not enough o2 reaching tissues

Question 14

measuring 02

Answer 14

machine is Spirometer (small device on finger)
Normal oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) is 95-100%

Question 15

changes to respiratory system with aging

Answer 15

May lead to SOBOE or dyspnea even at rest
Skeletal changes
Hardening of arteries
Weakened throat muscles
Weakened vocal cords

Question 16

caring for clients with respiratory issues

Answer 16

semi or high fowlers
Time management: provide care when well-rested, allow rest periods PRN, organize care
Client care: encourage comfort/relaxation, push fluids
Avoid perfumes
Ask short questions

Question 17

Tachypnea

Answer 17

rapid breathing (>12 breaths a
minute)

Question 18

Bradypnea

Answer 18

slow breathing (<12 breaths a
minute)

Question 19

Apnea

Answer 19

lack or absence of breathing

Question 20

Hypoventilation

Answer 20

slow, shallow, sometimes
irregular respirations

Question 21

Hyperventilation

Answer 21

rapid, deeper (than normal)
respirations

Question 22

Dyspnea

Answer 22

difficult or painful breathing

Question 23

Hemoptysis

Answer 23

blood in the sputum

Question 24

SOB & SOBOE

Answer 24

shortness of breath
shortness of breath on
exertion

Question 25

Effects of immobility on respiratory system

Answer 25

effects other systems (no activity = muscle weakness = hard to take full breaths)
Pooling of secretions in the lungs:
Gravity causes pooling
Secretions collect in lungs b/c lungs don’t inflate fully, secretions not moved up/out of
lungs
Causes decreased area for O2/CO2 exchange
Pooled secretions provide a moist, warm, dark area for bacteria growth

Question 26

preventing lung pooling

Answer 26

deep breaths & cough (DB&C)
Turn q2h
Frequent position changes
High Fowler’s
Encourage fluids
Humidifier may be ordered

Question 27

asthma

Answer 27

Characterized by recurring episodes of
SOB spasms, Wheezing, Thick secretions of
mucus
May show other S/S:
rapid pulse, sweating, cyanosis
Asthma attacks caused by infection, allergic reactions, irritants, exercise, cold air or stress

Question 28

treatment for asthma

Answer 28

inhaled medications
antibiotics
Maintain calmness to decrease anxiety
Maintain standard precautions

Question 29

Acute Bronchitis

Answer 29

Inflammation of the bronchi due to infection (bacterial or viral)

Question 30

s/s and treatment for acute bronchitis

Answer 30

Sputum (mucus, etc) producing cough (report if blood-tinged)
Fever, fatigue
SOB
Chest pain
TX: Abx (if bacterial)

Question 31

what is asthma and bronchitis care based on

Answer 31

s/s

Question 32

influenza

Answer 32

“flu”
Highly contagious
spread through direct (coughing/sneezing) or indirect contact (such as a door knob)

Question 33

s/s and recovery time for influenza

Answer 33

headache
chills
cough
fever
loss of appetite
cold-like symptoms
Time to recover: usually 1-2 weeks

Question 34

Pneumonia

Answer 34

Acute lung infection
Alveoli fill with liquid
oxygen & CO2 can’t exchange properly
not enough O2 in blood

Question 35

aspiration

Answer 35

when food/fluids enter the airway from mouth

Question 36

s/s of pneumonia

Answer 36

Chest pain
Cough with rust or green-colored sputum
Infection (fever, chills)
Hypoxia (dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, cyanosis)

Question 37

hca role in pneumonia

Answer 37

Follow standard precautions
Care for fever, pain
Encourage DB&C
Decrease pooling of secretions
Avoid immobility
Avoid aspiration
Avoid spread from others

Question 38

Tuberculosis (TB)

Answer 38

infectious disease from bacterial infection
Transmitted by airborne droplets
Usually affects the lungs, may spread
occurs in animals; may spread to humans

Question 39

latent/inactive tb

Answer 39

No S&S
Cannot infect others
May/may not become active at
anytime

Question 40

active tb

Answer 40

May not have symptoms at first – can be vague when they appear, worsen with time
Contagious
likely to develop active disease if immune system not strong

Question 41

who is at high risk for tb

Answer 41

People who work/live at high-risk areas
Aboriginal Canadians
Elderly people
Countries with poor immunization access
People who live in crowded and unhygienic conditions
Anyone in close contact with an
infected person (e.g. HCP)

Question 42

s/s and risk factors of tb

Answer 42

Concentration of bacteria
Time of exposure
Susceptibility
S&S:
Cough
Coughing sputum of hemoptysis
Fever
Weight loss
Night sweats
Loss of appetite

Question 43

caring for tb

Answer 43

keep immune system strong (nutrition, rest)
Medications (may prescribed if TB inactive
to prevent becoming active)
active tb under isolation
finish medications to prevent resistance
treat symptoms

Question 44

tb prevention

Answer 44

vaccine protect babies in high risk areas
Educate clients
Test all HCP
Airborne Precautions
Standard Precautions

Question 45

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD)

Answer 45

Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema
Progressive with no cure
Causes:
Smoking
Second hand smoking
Exposure to other irritants or pollutants

Question 46

Caring for client with respiratory system disorder

Answer 46

Protect yourself from contagious illnesses
Follow isolation precautions
Prioritize client’s breathing
Keep client calm to help breathing
Help client be comfortable
Report and seek help appropriately for changes in client condition