Oxygenation Fundamentals

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering respiratory physiology, assessment findings, diagnostic tools, nursing diagnoses, and oxygen delivery methods based on the lecture notes.

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Perfusion

The blood flow through pulmonary capillaries.

Diffusion

The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Oxygen Transport

The process where hemoglobin carries oxygen through the bloodstream to the body tissues.

External Respiration

The exchange of gas occurring in the lungs where oxygen enters and carbon dioxide leaves the body.

Internal Respiration

The exchange of gas in body tissues where oxygen is delivered to cells and carbon dioxide moves back to the blood.

Work of Breathing [WOB]

A measure of how hard the body has to work to breathe; it increases when airway resistance increases, lung compliance decreases, or the rate/depth of breathing increases.

Hypoventilation

Slow, shallow, or ineffective breathing that is insufficient to remove $CO_2$; often caused by opioids, sedatives, or neuromuscular problems.

Hyperventilation

Breathing that is too fast or too deep, resulting in the removal of too much $CO_2$; often caused by anxiety, pain, or fever.

Hypoxia

A condition where tissues are not receiving enough oxygen, which can cause organs to stop working.

Normal Adult Respiratory Rate (RR)

$$12-20 ext{ breaths/min}$$

Pulse Oximetry ($SpO_2$)

A fast, noninvasive measure of how much oxygen is attached to hemoglobin in the blood, with a normal adult range of $95-100\%$. ($CO_2$ goal: $88-92\%$).

Capnography

A measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, reflecting how well a patient is ventilating; normal range is $35-45 ext{ mmHg}$.

Wheezes

High-pitched musical whistling sounds heard during inspiration or expiration caused by narrowed airways from inflammation or bronchospasm (e.g., Asthma, Bronchitis).

Crackles

Crackling or popping sounds, usually heard during inspiration, caused by air moving through fluid or secretions in airways and alveoli.

Rhonchi

Low-pitched snoring or rumbling noises often heard during expiration caused by thick mucus or muscle spasms.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

A diagnostic test that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in arterial blood, used when a patient is in respiratory distress or unstable.

Impaired Gas Exchange

A nursing diagnosis indicating a problem with oxygen and $CO_2$ exchange at the alveolar level, supported by abnormal ABGs or SpO_2 < 90\%.

Ineffective Airway Clearance

A nursing diagnosis meaning a patient cannot clear secretions, often evidenced by a weak cough or thick sputum.

Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)

A technique commonly used for Pneumonia or Cystic Fibrosis that combines chest percussion, vibration, and positioning to break up and move secretions.

PEP Therapy

Positive Expiratory Pressure therapy that creates resistance for positive pressure within the lungs to keep them expanded and help move mucus out.

Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)

A device inserted through the mouth to the pharynx; it should not be used in conscious patients as it triggers the gag reflex.

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)

A device inserted through the nose into the pharynx that can be used on awake patients.

Venturi Mask

A high-flow oxygen delivery device that provides an exact amount of oxygen based on interchangeable valve colors.

Non-Rebreather Mask

A device providing the highest amount of oxygen possible without intubation; the bag must remain inflated and it is used for trauma, shock, or $CO$ poisoning.

Bag-Valve-Mask (Ambu Bag)

An emergency ventilation device used during CPR to provide $100\% ext{ FiO}_2$.

Oxygen Concentrators

The most common home oxygen system; it provides a continuous supply of oxygen using electricity and does not require tanks.