Thorax & Lungs SG Flashcards
This chapter presents the structure and function of the thorax and lungs, methods of examination of the respiratory system, normal lung sounds, characteristics of adventitious lung sounds, and accurate recording of the assessment.
Alveoli
functional units of the lung;
tiny air sacs in the lungs where O2 & CO2 are exchanged with the blood (via capillaries)
Angle of Louis
the point where the top part (manubrium) of the breastbone meets the body of the breastbone, at the lvl of the 2nd rib
apnea
a temporary stop in breathing
asthma
a lung condition where certain allergens cause the airways to become inflamed, tighten up (bronchospasm), & make it hard to breathe
- it often includes wheezing & SOB
atelectasis
a condition where part of the lung (specifically the alveoli) collapses & cant expand properly
bradypnea
slow breathing (<10 breaths/min), but still w/ regular rhythm
bronchiole
the smaller airways in the lungs that come the larger bronchi
bronchitis
inflammation of the larger airways (bronchi) often causing them to be partially blocked due to too much mucus
bronchophony
the muffled, unclear sound of the voice heard thru a stethoscope over healthy lungs
bronchovesicular
nml breath sounds heard over the central part of the chest (the bronchi) where breathing in & out sounds are about equal in duration + moderate in pitch
what is the carina
the ridge inside the windpipe (trachea) where it splits into the R & L main bronchi
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
a group of lung diseases (emphysema, chronic bronchitis) that block airflow & make it hard to breathe
cilia
tiny hairlike structures that line the airways & help move mucus out of the lungs
consolidation
when part of the lung tissue becomes solid, often due to infection (as in pneumonia)
crackles
abnormal popping sounds heard when listening to the lungs during breathing IN
- often associated with fluid in the lungs
crepitus
a crackling feeling felt on the SKIN when air escapes from the lungs & get trapped under the skin
dead space
parts of the airway where air passes thru but doesn’t participate in gas exchange (like the trachea, bronchi)
dyspnea
difficulty or trouble breathing
emphysema
a type of COPD where the alveoli in the lungs get too big & lose their ability to return to their nml size, making it hard to breathe
fissure
the natural divisions b/n the lobes of the lungs
fremitus
a vibration felt on the chest when someone speaks - which can be felt with the hands
friction rub
a rough, grating sound heard when listening to the lungs
- c/b inflammation of the LINING of the lungs (pleurae)
hypercapnia/hypercarbia
too much CO2 in the blood
hyperventilation
breathing that is faster & deeper than nml
hypoxemia
lower than nml o2 lvls in the blood
intercostal space
the space b/n the ribsk
kussmaul respirations
deep & rapid breathing
- seen w/ diabetic ketoacidosis
orthopnea
diff breathing when lying flat
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
suddenly waking up at night with difficulty breathing
percussion
tapping on the chest to figure out the size & density of the underlying organs
pleural effusion
a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs & chest
stridor
a loud, high-pitched sound during breathing
- usually heard when theres a blockage in the UPPER airway
tachypnea
rapid, shallow breathing (>24 breaths/min)
vesicular
soft, LOW-pitched breath sounds heard over the OUTER parts of the lungs
wheeze
a HIGH pitched, musical sound heard when air moves thru the narrowed airways
- can also refer to a lower-pitched (snoring-like) sound