Review of Respiratory Disorders and Oxygen Therapy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to respiratory disorders and oxygen therapy, aiding in exam preparation.

Respiratory Disorders

Various medical conditions that affect breathing through disruption of normal respiratory function.

Oxygen Therapy

The administration of oxygen to increase the supply of oxygen to the lungs and tissues.

Nasal Cannula

A device used to deliver oxygen to a patient, consisting of two nasal prongs connected to an oxygen supply.

High Flow Oxygen

A method of oxygen delivery that provides a flow rate greater than 6 liters per minute.

Low Flow Oxygen

A method of oxygen delivery that provides a flow rate of less than 6 liters per minute.

Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

Perfusion

The flow of blood through the pulmonary capillaries, supplying oxygen to the body.

Diffusion

The exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the alveoli and blood.

Hypoxia

A condition where there is a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues.

Hypoxemia

A reduction in the oxygen content of the blood.

Dyspnea

Difficulty or labored breathing.

Oximeter

A device that measures the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood.

Atelectasis

Collapse of part or all of a lung, preventing proper gas exchange.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, aiding in their expansion.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.

Tracheostomy

A surgical procedure to create an opening in the neck to facilitate breathing.

Venturi Mask

A type of facial mask that delivers a specified concentration of oxygen.

Partial Rebreather Mask

A mask that allows a patient to rebreathe a portion of exhaled air along with supplemental oxygen.

Non-Rebreather Mask

A mask that provides the highest oxygen concentration, with a reservoir bag and one-way valves.

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, a non-invasive ventilation method used in sleep apnea.

BiPAP

Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure, another form of non-invasive ventilation for patients with breathing difficulties.

Mucus Membrane Dryness

Dryness of the mucous membranes, often caused by oxygen therapy.

Oxygen Toxicity

A condition resulting from excessive oxygen exposure, damaging tissues.

Tension Pneumothorax

A life-threatening condition where air becomes trapped in the pleural space, compressing the lung.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs, interfering with gas exchange.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin, indicating low oxygen levels.

Bronchioles

Small air passages in the lungs that lead from the bronchi to the alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that sense changes in the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Medulla Oblongata

A part of the brain that regulates breathing.

Intrapleural Pressure

The pressure in the pleural cavity, crucial for lung expansion.

Dead Space

Regions of the respiratory system where air does not participate in gas exchange.

Compliance

The ability of the lungs to expand and contract.

Elasticity

The ability of the lungs to return to their original shape after being stretched.

Respiratory Distress

A condition marked by difficulty in breathing.

Mechanical Receptors

Receptors that respond to stretch and pressure changes in the lungs.

Hypercapnia

An excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.

Pneumonia

An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.

ARDS

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, a severe lung condition causing respiratory failure.

Carotid Arteries

Major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face.

Pulse Oximetry

A noninvasive method to measure oxygen saturation in the blood.

Oxygen Saturation Level

The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen.

Peripheral Cyanosis

Cyanosis occurring in the extremities due to poor circulation.

Respiratory Assessment

A systematic examination of breathing patterns and respiratory function.

Airway Obstruction

A blockage in the air passages, preventing airflow.

Chronic Respiratory Conditions

Long-term diseases affecting the lungs, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Oxygen Administration

The process of providing supplemental oxygen to patients in need.

Environmental Factors

External conditions that can affect respiratory health, such as pollution.

Acute vs. Chronic Respiratory Issues

Acute issues arise suddenly, while chronic issues persist over time.