Gas Exchange/Oxygenation Flashcards

Flashcards to review key concepts related to gas exchange and oxygenation, including COPD, pneumothorax, hemothorax, chest tubes, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilators.

Pathophysiology

The study of how a disease or injury affects the body's normal function.

Etiology

The study of causes, origins, or reasons for phenomena.

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in specified populations.

Thoracentesis

Surgical perforation of the chest wall and pleural space with a large-bore needle.

Hypoxia

Absence of oxygen in the tissues or organs.

Hypercapnia

Retention of CO2 in the blood; PaCO2 >45mmHg.

Tidaling

Movement of the fluid level (in the water seal chamber of a chest tube drainage system) with respiration.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, encompassing emphysema and chronic bronchitis, leading to irreversible airway obstruction.

Emphysema

Loss of lung elasticity and hyperinflation of lung tissue; causes destruction of the alveoli, results in decreased surface area for gas exchange, carbon dioxide retention, and respiratory acidosis.

Chronic Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles due to chronic exposure to irritants.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing, a common symptom in respiratory conditions like COPD and pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax

Lung collapse due to air collecting within the pleural cavity.

Tension Pneumothorax

A life-threatening condition where trapped air causes pressure on the heart and lungs, leading to decreased cardiac output.

Hemothorax

Blood in the pleural space, often associated with trauma, leading to hemodynamic and respiratory compromise.

Tracheostomy

An artificial airway created by making a surgical opening in the neck and trachea.

Albuterol

Short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (SABA) used to relieve bronchospasms.

Salmeterol

Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) used for long-term management of bronchospasms.

Ipratropium

Anticholinergic medication used to provide relief of bronchoconstriction and reduce secretions in clients with COPD.

Beclomethasone

Inhaled glucocorticoid used to decrease inflammation in the airways.

Prednisone

Oral glucocorticoid used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation.

Montelukast

Leukotriene modifier used as adjunctive therapy to decrease bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

Acetylcysteine

Mucolytic medication used to liquefy mucus.

Tidaling

Fluctuations of the water level in the water seal chamber of a chest tube drainage system with the patient's respirations.

SABA

Short Acting Beta Agonist, used for quick relief of bronchoconstriction (rescue inhaler).

LABA

Long Acting Beta Agonist, used for long term control of bronchoconstriction.