Exam 3 Study Guide: Respiratory & Cardiovascular Systems

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, pathologies, landmarks, and assessments for the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems based on Exam 3 study notes.

Bronchial Breath Sounds

Loud, high-pitched, hollow breath sounds located over the trachea.

Bronchovesicular Breath Sounds

Breath sounds of medium pitch and intensity located over the bronchial tree.

Vesicular Breath Sounds

Soft, low-pitched breath sounds heard over the lung fields that are louder during inspiration.

Stridor

High-pitched wheeze heard during inspiration in the larynx or trachea, indicating an upper airway obstruction.

Wheezing

High-pitched, continuous musical sound heard during inspiration and expiration caused by narrowed lower airways.

Pleural Friction Rub

Harsh, grating, leathery sound heard during inspiration and expiration caused by inflamed pleura.

Crackles

High-pitched popping sounds associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Rhonchi

Low-pitched rumbling sound, like a snore, caused by a narrowed trachea or bronchi that clears with coughing.

Subcutaneous Emphysema (Crepitus)

Dense, crackling sensation felt over the skin caused by air entering the subcutaneous space from the lungs.

Atelectasis

Collapsed alveoli that can result from shallow breathing over time or external pressure from a tumor, fluid, or air in the pleural space.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Condition where fluid builds up in the alveoli, reducing oxygen in the bloodstream and depriving organs of oxygen in critically ill patients.

Emphysema

Destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of air spaces, presenting with a barrel chest, tripod positioning, and pursed-lip breathing.

Closed Pneumothorax

Presence of air in the pleural space causing dyspnea, pain, tachypnea, cyanosis, distant breath sounds, and potential tracheal deviation toward the unaffected side.

Tension Pneumothorax

Critical emergency condition where air leaks into the pleural space and cannot escape, characterized by tracheal deviation away from the affected side.

Bradypnea

Abnormally slow breathing rate of less than $12$\text{ breaths/min}.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing rate of greater than $20$\text{ breaths/min}.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing associated with low $SpO_2$.

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing when lying flat.

Kussmaul Breathing

Deep and rapid breathing with an acetone smell, caused by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or metabolic acidosis.

Cheyne-Stokes Breathing

Serious breathing pattern where breathing gradually increases in rate and depth, then decreases, followed by apnea before repeating.

Barrel Chest

Thoracic shape change where the anteroposterior (AP) diameter widens, changing the normal $1:2$ AP-to-transverse ratio to $1:1$.

Scoliosis

Lateral curve of the thoracic and lumbar spine resulting in unequal shoulder, scapula, and hip heights.

Kyphosis

Outward curvature of the thoracic spine, commonly described as "hunchback".

Pectus Excavatum

Thoracic configuration described as "Pigeon Breast" where the sternum protrudes forward and ribs angle backward.

Pectus Carinatum

Thoracic configuration described as "Sunken Chest" where a depression begins at the 2nd intercostal space and deepens toward the xiphoid.

Pericardium

Tough, fibrous, double-walled protective sac containing serous fluid that surrounds the heart.

Myocardium

Muscular pumping wall layer of the heart.

Endocardium

Thin inner endothelial lining of the heart.

Base and Apex of the Heart

Base is the broader top portion of the heart; Apex is the pointed bottom portion pointing down and to the left.

Point of Maximum Impulse (PMI)

Area located at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line where the heart's contraction produces the strongest palpable or visible impulse on the chest wall.

S1 Sound

First heart sound ("Lub") caused by the closure of the AV valves (Tricuspid & Mitral) at the beginning of systole, loudest at the apex.

S2 Sound

Second heart sound ("Dub") caused by the closure of the SL valves (Aortic & Pulmonic) at the end of systole / beginning of diastole, loudest at the base.

S3 Sound

Third heart sound occurring in early diastole caused by blood colliding into a dilated, overfilled ventricle.

S4 Sound

Fourth heart sound occurring in late diastole caused by atrial contraction pushing blood into a stiff, noncompliant, or hypertrophic ventricle.

Pulse Deficit

Difference calculated as $\text{Apical Heart Rate} - \text{Radial Pulse Rate}$, indicating weak ventricular contractions.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Acute vascular occlusion presenting with sudden unilateral swelling (calf swelling $> 3$\text{ cm}), intense deep muscle tenderness, warmth, and redness.

Lymphedema

Accumulation of protein-rich fluid in interstitial spaces following surgical node removal or radiation, presenting with unilateral non-pitting, brawny edema with indurated skin.

Venous Ulcers

Shallow, weepy ulcers with irregular borders and brown pigmentation (hemosiderin) located at the medial malleolus and tibia.

Arterial Ulcers

Ischemic ulcers with pale bases and well-defined "punched-out" edges with no bleeding, located on toes, metatarsals, heels, or lateral ankle.

Neuropathic Ulcers

Painless ulcers surrounded by callus located on the plantar aspect of the foot, caused by nerve dysfunction and loss of protective sensation.