Oxygenation Nursing Fundamentals

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to oxygenation in nursing fundamentals.

Oxygenation

The process of providing oxygen to the body's cells through respiration.

Respiratory System

The organ system responsible for breathing and gas exchange in the body.

Gas Exchange

The process of oxygen entering the bloodstream and carbon dioxide exiting it at the alveoli.

Diffusion

The movement of oxygen from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration across cell membranes.

Ventilation

The mechanical process of moving air into and out of the lungs.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle used in the process of breathing, contracting during inhalation.

Rhonchi

Low-pitched, continuous sounds heard during expiration that indicate turbulent airflow.

Rales

Popping sounds heard on inspiration, associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Wheezes

Whistling sounds produced when air flows through narrowed airways.

Stridor

A high-pitched sound heard on inspiration due to upper airway obstruction.

Pleural Rub

A sound resembling leather rubbing caused by inflamed pleurae.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood pumped by the heart in one minute.

Perfusion

The passage of blood through the blood vessels to organs or tissues.

PaO2

Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood, indicating oxygen movement into the bloodstream.

PaCO2

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood, reflecting gas exchange efficiency.

pH Level

A measure of acidity or alkalinity in the blood; normal range is 7.35-7.45.

HCO3-

Bicarbonate level in the blood, a buffer that affects acidity.

SaO2

Calculated arterial oxygen saturation level, more accurate than SpO2.

Hypoxia

A reduced level of tissue oxygenation with various potential causes.

Hypoxemia

A type of hypoxia characterized by decreased partial pressure of oxygen in the blood.

Hypercapnia

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Tachypnea

Rapid breathing, often a response to low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels.

Tripod Position

A position where a client leans forward, resting on their hands to aid breathing.

Incentive Spirometry

A device used to promote deep breathing and lung expansion.

Cough and Deep Breathing

Techniques to enhance lung expansion and clear secretions.

Vibratory Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) Therapy

Uses handheld devices to create vibrations aiding mucus clearance.

Auscultation

Listening to body sounds, particularly lung sounds, using a stethoscope.

Sputum COCA

A method of evaluating sputum color, odor, consistency, and amount.

Clubbing

Enlargement of fingertips, often related to chronic hypoxia.

Barrel Chest

A rounded chest shape due to chronic air trapping, common in COPD.

Bronchodilator

Medications that dilate the airways to improve airflow and reduce wheezing.

Corticosteroid

Anti-inflammatory medications often used in respiratory conditions.

Pulmonary Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

Smooth Muscle

Muscle tissue that controls the diameter of airways.

Terminal Bronchioles

The smallest air passages leading to the alveoli.

Alveolar Sac

A cluster of alveoli at the end of respiratory bronchioles.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Tachycardiac

An elevated heart rate, often a response to respiratory distress.

S1 and S2

Heart sounds, S1 is the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves; S2 is the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves.

Anxiety

A common response to dyspnea, leading to increased respiratory rate.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a progressive lung condition.

Pleurae

Thin membranes surrounding the lungs, involved in breathing mechanics.

Hypoxia Symptoms

Signs of reduced oxygen supply, including anxiety, confusion, and restlessness.

Oxygen Therapy

Administration of supplemental oxygen to increase oxygen saturation.

Assessing SpO2

Measuring peripheral oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter.

Trachea

The windpipe, a major airway leading to the bronchi.

Respiratory Failure

Condition where the respiratory system fails to maintain adequate gas exchange.

Nasal Cannula

A device used to deliver supplemental oxygen through the nostrils.

Suctioning

A procedure to clear secretions from the airway.

Atelectasis

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

Nebulizer

A device that converts liquid medication into a mist for inhalation.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Respiratory Distress Symptoms

Manifestations of difficulty breathing such as tachycardia and accessory muscle use.

Accessory Muscles

Muscles used to assist breathing when the primary muscles are inadequate.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen.

Inhalation

Breathing in, the process of taking air into the lungs.

Exhalation

Breathing out, the process of expelling air from the lungs.

Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen (SpO2)

Percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are saturated with oxygen.

Albuterol

A short-acting bronchodilator used for quick relief of asthma symptoms.

Fluticasone

An inhaled corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in the airways.

Educational Intervention

Strategies to promote health literacy regarding respiratory care.

COPD Exacerbation

Worsening symptoms of COPD typically requiring medical intervention.

Fluid Intake Monitoring

Observing the amount of fluids consumed to manage respiratory secretions.

Positional Therapy

Using body positioning to improve breathing efficiency.

Respiratory Rate Assessment

Evaluating how many breaths a client takes per minute.

Therapeutic Breathing Techniques

Methods like pursed-lip breathing to improve diaphragm and lung function.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

A vaccine aimed at preventing pneumonia caused by pneumococcus bacteria.

Influenza Vaccine

Vaccination to protect against the influenza virus.

Rest Periods

Scheduled breaks during activities to reduce fatigue and oxygen demand.

Chest Physiotherapy

Methods to help clear mucus from the lungs.

Assessment Tools

Instruments or techniques used to evaluate a client’s respiratory status.

Respiratory Monitoring

Regular checking of a client’s respiratory status and vital signs.

Clinical Documentation

The systematic recording of patient care for accurate medical records.

Nurse-Client Communication

Interactions aimed at understanding and addressing client needs.

Education Plan

A systematic approach to teaching clients about their health concerns.

Respiratory Health Promotion

Strategies to maintain or improve respiratory health.

Cough Reflex

The body's automatic response to clear the airway.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body fluids.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an excess of base in the body fluids.

Oxygen Saturation Target Range

Desired SpO2 levels typically between 94-100% for healthy adults.