Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology Review

A series of flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts related to respiratory anatomy and physiology, important for understanding breathing mechanics and related nursing interventions.

Angle of Louis

Manubriosternal junction useful for rib identification.

Midsternal line

Center line of the sternum.

Midclavicular line

Line passing through the midpoint of the clavicle.

Diaphragm

Muscle responsible for inhalation by expanding the chest cavity.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Pleura

Doubled-walled membrane covering each lung, consisting of visceral and parietal pleura.

Tachypnea

Rapid breathing, typically more than 20 breaths per minute.

Bradypnea

Slow breathing, defined as 12 breaths per minute or less.

Hyperventilation

Rapid or deep breathing (>24 breaths/min), which can lead to decreased chest wall expansion.

Hypoventilation

Slow, shallow, and irregular breathing.

Cheyne-Stokes breathing

‘Start-stop’ pattern of breathing, often seen in end-of-life contexts.

Ataxic breathing

Irregular breathing patterns with periods of apnea, often due to brain injury.

Impaired gas exchange

Condition where oxygen and carbon dioxide do not diffuse properly, can lead to hypercarbia.

Arterial oxygen saturation

A measurement of the percentage of oxygen saturated hemoglobin in the blood, < 90% is an emergency.

Incentive spirometer

Device used to encourage deep breathing to prevent atelectasis.

Clubbing

Physical deformity of the fingers or toes associated with long-term hypoxia.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation.

Suctioning

Clearing secretions from the airways, often used in patients with respiratory distress.

Semi-Fowler's position

Position where a patient sits at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees, used to aid breathing.

Tripod position

Posture where a patient leans forward, supporting upper body with arms, to facilitate breathing.

Bradypnea

Abnormally slow breathing, characterized by a rate of fewer than 12 breaths per minute.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing, with a rate exceeding 20 breaths per minute.

Hyperventilation

Increased breathing rate and depth, often leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Hypoventilation

Reduced breathing rate and/or depth, which can lead to an increase in carbon dioxide levels and potential respiratory acidosis.

Cheyne-Stokes breathing

A cyclic pattern of breathing characterized by gradual increases in depth followed by decreases, often resulting in a period of apnea.

Ataxic breathing

Irregular and unpredictable breathing patterns, often associated with neurological damage and meningitis.

Wheezing

A high-pitched, whistling sound often heard during expiration, caused by narrowed airways, often associated with asthma or bronchospasm (COPD)

Crackles (Rales)

Fine or coarse sounds heard during inspiration, indicative of fluid in the alveoli or bronchi (pneumonia, edema)

Rhonchi

Low-pitched, snoring sounds indicative of airway obstruction often due to mucus.

Stridor

A harsh, high-pitched sound during inspiration, life-threatening airway obstruction

Pleural Friction Rub

A dry, crackling sound heard during inspiration and expiration due to inflamed pleura rubbing together.

Diminished Breath Sounds

Reduced intensity of breath sounds, possibly indicating conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax.