Med 1

Key vocabulary terms from Chapter 16 covering respiratory emergencies, their pathophysiology, assessment findings, and treatment interventions.

Wheezing

High-pitched, musical whistling sound, usually on exhalation, caused by bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation.

Crackles (Rales)

Bubbly or crackling lung sounds heard on inhalation that indicate fluid in or around the alveoli and small bronchioles.

Rhonchi

Snoring or rattling noises indicating mucus obstruction in larger airways; may change after coughing.

Dyspnea

Subjective sensation of shortness of breath or difficult breathing.

Hypoxia

Inadequate oxygen supply at the tissue (cellular) level.

Hypoxemia

Low level of oxygen in the arterial bloodstream.

Hypercarbia

Elevated carbon-dioxide level in the blood.

Respiratory Distress

Increased work of breathing with adequate rate and tidal volume; patient is compensating.

Respiratory Failure

Inadequate rate or tidal volume (or both) leading to insufficient ventilation; precedes respiratory arrest.

Respiratory Arrest

Complete cessation of breathing effort or only agonal gasps.

Bronchoconstriction (Bronchospasm)

Narrowing of bronchi and bronchioles from smooth-muscle contraction and swelling.

Bronchodilator

Medication (often beta-2 agonist) that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and widens airways.

Beta-2 Agonist

Drug that stimulates beta-2 receptors producing bronchodilation (e.g., albuterol).

Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Hand-held device that delivers a measured aerosol dose of medication for inhalation.

Small-Volume Nebulizer (SVN)

Device that aerosolizes liquid medication for inhalation during continuous breathing over several minutes.

Spacer / Valved Holding Chamber

Attachment for an MDI that traps aerosol so patient can inhale medication more effectively.

Tripod Position

Leaning forward, arms braced, to increase chest expansion during respiratory distress.

Pulsus Paradoxus

Drop in systolic BP ≥10 mmHg during inhalation; sign of severe asthma or other obstruction.

Acute Severe Asthma (Status Asthmaticus)

Prolonged, life-threatening asthma attack unresponsive to typical therapy.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Progressive, irreversible airway obstruction, mainly emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Emphysema

COPD form where alveolar walls are destroyed, causing air trapping and barrel chest.

Chronic Bronchitis

COPD form with chronic inflammation, excessive mucus, productive cough ≥3 months per year for 2 years.

Pneumonia

Infection causing inflammation and fluid or pus-filled alveoli, leading to ventilation disturbance.

Pulmonary Embolism

Sudden blockage of pulmonary artery (often by blood clot) causing ventilation–perfusion mismatch.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in alveoli and interstitial spaces, impairing gas exchange.

SCAPE (Sympathetic Crashing Acute Pulmonary Edema)

Flash pulmonary edema with severe hypertension from massive sympathetic discharge.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Non-traumatic rupture of lung tissue causing air in pleural space and lung collapse.

Hyperventilation Syndrome

Rapid, deep breathing leading to hypocapnia and symptoms like dizziness, tingling, carpopedal spasm.

Epiglottitis

Bacterial infection causing swelling of epiglottis, risking airway obstruction and inspiratory stridor.

Croup

Viral upper-airway infection in children causing barking cough and stridor.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Highly contagious bacterial infection with paroxysmal coughing fits ending in 'whoop' inhalation.

Cystic Fibrosis

Genetic disease producing thick mucus that obstructs lungs and other organs, leading to recurrent infections.

Poisonous Inhalation Injury

Airway and pulmonary damage from inhaled toxic substances (e.g., chlorine, smoke, cyanide).

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

Non-invasive ventilation delivering constant pressure to keep alveoli open and improve oxygenation.

Juxta-Capillary Receptors

Receptors near alveoli that sense engorged capillaries, contributing to dyspnea sensation.

Respiratory Drive

Neurologic stimulus regulating breathing, normally based on CO₂ but sometimes O₂ (hypoxic drive).

Accessory Muscle Use

Engagement of neck, chest, or abdominal muscles to aid breathing during distress.

Carpopedal Spasm

Hand/foot cramping from low CO₂ in hyperventilation syndrome.

Rales vs. Rhonchi

Rales = fine crackles from fluid in alveoli; Rhonchi = coarse rattles from mucus in larger airways.

Seesaw Respirations

Paradoxical chest–abdomen movement indicating severe pediatric respiratory distress.

Blow-By Oxygen

Pediatric oxygen delivery method holding tubing or mask near face for tolerance.

Hypoxic Drive

In some COPD patients, diminished CO₂ sensitivity makes low O₂ their primary breathing stimulus.

Barotrauma

Lung injury from excessive pressure, potential complication of CPAP or aggressive ventilation.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Clot in a deep limb vein; can break off and cause pulmonary embolism.

Levine Sign

Patient’s clenched fist over sternum indicating severe chest discomfort/dyspnea.