Respiratory system

Question 1

What is polycythaemia?

Answer 1

A high concentration of red blood cells in the blood (also known as erthyrocytosis).

Question 2

What is respiratory failure?

Answer 2

When respiration is unable to sustain the metabolic needs of the body

Question 3

What is the difference between hypoxia and hypoxaemia?

Answer 3

Hypoxia is a lack of oxygen reaching cells; where as hypoxemia is a reduction in oxygen-carrying by red blood cells. Hypoxaemia leads to hypoxia, but is not the only cause of hypoxia.

Question 4

What is the term for high levels of carbon dioxide saturation?

Answer 4

Hypercapnia.

Question 5

Hypoxaemia, without hypercapnia is seen in which type of respiratory failure?

Answer 5

Type 1.

Question 6

Hypoxia and hypercapnia are symptoms of which type of respiratory failure?

Answer 6

Type 2.

Question 7

Name some examples of the causes of type 1 respiratory failure

Answer 7

Pneumonia.

Question 8

What is FVC?

Answer 8

The volume of air that can be forced out on exhalation is the forced vital capacity (FVC).

Question 9

What is FEV1?

Answer 9

The volume of air that can be exhaled during the first second of exhalation is the forced expiratory volume (FEV1).

Question 10

A person with an FEV1 : FVP ratio of less than what percentage has obstructed airways?

Answer 10

below 80%.

Question 11

What does PEFR stand for?

Answer 11

Peak expiratory flow rate.

Question 12

In asthma, mast cells release cytokines including histamine, kinins and prostagladins. Name three ways in which the cells of the lungs respond.

Answer 12

1. Smooth muscle contraction- bronchial constriction.
2. Mucus production.
3. Increased capillary permeability causing fluid to move into the lungs from the capillaries.

Question 13

What is emphysema?

Answer 13

The permanent enlargement of airspaces beyond the terminal bronchiole and the destruction of the alveolar wall.

Question 14

What conditions must be met in order for a person to be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis?

Answer 14

The presence of a productive cough lasting for 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years, when other pulmonary and cardiac causes of cough have been ruled out.

Question 15

What characterises chronic bronchitis?

Answer 15

Increased mucus production and damaged cilia in the bronchi, resulting in the bronchi becoming clogged with mucus, which continues to stimulate the airway’s irritant receptors, producing a cough. This chronic irritation causes inflammation and the bronchial wall thickens, causing airway obstruction

Question 16

Describe bronchiectasis.

Answer 16

Bronchiectasis is an irreversible lung condition caused by recurrent infection and inflammation. The condition is associated with abnormal dilation of the bronchi together with a loss of functioning cilia. Destruction of alveolar walls and fibrosis also occur. It is characterised by a chronic productive cough, in which the patient produces large amounts of purulent sputum. Other symptoms include dyspnoea, pleuritic pain and wheeze.

Question 17

What is haemoptysis?

Answer 17

The coughing up of blood from the respiratory tract

Question 18

What is haemothorax?

Answer 18

Haemothorax is a type of pleural effusion, where blood leaks into the pleural space, between the visceral pleura and parietal pleura.

Question 19

What is the name of the disorder in which air fills the pleural space?

Answer 19

Pneumothorax.

Question 20

Describe what a tension pneumothorax is and why it is a medical emergency.

Answer 20

In pneumothorax as the volume of air increases in the pleural space, the lung collapses, putting pressure on the inferior vena cava, and restricting venous return, resulting in hypoxemia and hypoxia.

Question 21

What is surgical emphysema?

Answer 21

The abnormal presence of air in tissues under the skin following surgery or injury.