Respirations & ABGs Study Guide

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to respiration and arterial blood gases (ABGs).

Respiration

The act of breathing.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen levels in the blood.

Hypercapnia

High levels of carbon dioxide.

Oxygen Saturation

Amount of oxygen in arterial blood.

Hypoventilation

Shallow respirations.

Hyperventilation

Deep, rapid respirations.

Pulmonary ventilation

Movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Inspiration (Inhalation)

Breathing in.

Expiration (Exhalation)

Breathing out.

Eupnea

Normal, regular breathing pattern.

Tachypnea

Increased respiratory rate (>20 breaths per minute in adults).

Bradypnea

Decreased respiratory rate (<10 breaths per minute in adults).

Apnea

Absence of breathing.

Dyspnea

Difficult, labored breathing.

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing when lying flat, relieved by sitting or standing.

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes due to low oxygen.

Respiratory Centers

Located in the medulla and pons.

Chemoreceptors

Located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

Blood test measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, and bicarbonate to assess respiratory and metabolic balances.

pH (in ABGs)

Indicates acidity or alkalinity of blood.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) in ABGs

Reflects respiratory function.

SAFE PRACTICE ALERT

Signs of Respiratory Distress - Use of accessory muscles (chest/neck) and Exaggerated effort to breathe.