Assessment of Respiratory System Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, assessment methods, and clinical findings for the respiratory system based on lecture materials.

Upper Respiratory Tract

The portion of the respiratory system consisting of the nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, and trachea.

Lower Respiratory Tract

The portion of the respiratory system consisting of the bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveoli, and lung lobes.

Pulse Oximetry

A non-invasive clinical measurement used to monitor oxygen saturation, denoted as $SpO_2$, with example values reaching $98\%$.

Tactile Fremitus

A physical assessment technique performed during palpation of the thorax to evaluate vibrations.

Whispered Pectoriloquy

A specialized technique used during respiratory assessment involving the auscultation of whispered words.

Bronchophony

An assessment of voice sounds heard through the chest wall during auscultation.

Egophony

An assessment of voice sounds during auscultation where the sound of the letter 'E' may change in quality.

Resonant

The percussion sound typically produced over healthy lung tissue.

Flat

The percussion sound typically produced when percussing over heavy muscles and bones.

Dull

The percussion sound typically produced over solid organs such as the heart or liver.

Tympany

The percussion sound typically produced over the stomach.

Bronchial Breath Sounds

Auscultated breath sounds heard specifically over the trachea.

Bronchiovesicular Breath Sounds

Auscultated breath sounds heard over the main bronchi.

Vesicular Breath Sounds

Auscultated breath sounds heard over the lesser bronchi, bronchioles, and lung lobes.

Clubbing

A physical sign viewed in the fingertips that is often associated with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Fine Crackles

An abnormal breath sound characterized by discontinuous, high-pitched popping.

Coarse Crackles

An abnormal breath sound characterized by low-pitched, bubbling, and gurgling sounds.

Wheezes

An abnormal breath sound characterized by high-pitched, musical whistling sounds.

Stridor

A high-pitched, inspiratory sound that indicates an upper airway obstruction.

Pleural Friction Rub

An abnormal breath sound characterized by a creaking or grating sound caused by inflamed pleural surfaces.

Diaphragmatic Excursion

The measurement of the distance the diaphragm moves during inhalation and exhalation, noted as $5\,cm$ and equal bilaterally in normal charting.

AP Diameter

The Anterior-Posterior diameter of the chest; in normal findings, it should be less than ($<$) the transverse diameter.