Oxygenation and Perfusion Review

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to asthma, COPD, and heart failure for exam preparation.

Asthma

A chronic respiratory disorder characterized by reversible airway obstruction, inflammation, and hyperresponsiveness of the bronchial tubes.

Pathophysiology

The study of how disease processes affect the function of the body (e.g., asthma results in bronchial inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production).

Bronchodilators

Medications that relax and open the airways in the lungs, commonly used in asthma and COPD treatment.

Status asthmaticus

A severe asthma episode with rapid onset that can result in life-threatening airway obstruction.

COPD

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

Emphysema

A type of COPD involving destruction of alveoli leading to air trapping and difficulty exhaling.

Chronic bronchitis

A type of COPD marked by a persistent cough and excessive mucus production.

Alpha antitrypsin (AAt)

A protein that protects the lungs from damage; deficiency can lead to lung diseases like emphysema.

V-Q mismatch

An imbalance between air reaching the alveoli (ventilation) and blood flowing through the pulmonary capillaries (perfusion).

Diuretics

Medications that help reduce fluid buildup in the body, often used in heart failure treatment.

Cardiac output (CO)

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

Preload

The amount of blood returning to the heart, affecting the heart's ability to pump effectively.

Afterload

The pressure against which the heart must pump to eject blood.

Dysrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms that can lead to complications such as cardiac arrest.

Pulmonary congestion

Fluid buildup in the lungs, often caused by heart failure.

Oxygen therapy

The administration of oxygen to patients with respiratory failure or hypoxemia.