Respiratory System Assessment Notes

Flashcards created for the review of the respiratory system assessment focusing on structure, function, and evaluation methods.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, and trachea.

Turbinates

Projections inside the nose that increase surface area of nasal mucosa to warm and moisten air.

Pharynx

The part of the throat divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Epiglottis

A small flap that closes off the larynx during swallowing to prevent liquid from entering the lungs.

Trachea

The tube that allows passage of air to the lungs and is connected to the bronchi.

Hemoptysis

The coughing up of blood, often associated with pneumonia, TB, lung cancer, and severe bronchiectasis.

Kussmaul Breathing

Rapid, deep breathing pattern typically associated with metabolic acidosis.

Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by periods of apnea followed by deep rapid breathing.

Biots Breathing

Irregular breathing pattern with periods of apnea lasting 4-5 breaths.

Tactile Fremitus

Vibration of the chest wall produced by vocalization, assessed by palpation.

Auscultation

A method of listening to the internal sounds of the body, particularly the lungs, using a stethoscope.

Crackles

Adventitious breath sounds that can be fine or coarse, heard during inhalation.

Wheezes

Musical sounds during breathing, often associated with airway obstruction.

Stridor

A high-pitched sound resulting from turbulent airflow in the upper airway, indicating obstruction.

Pleural Friction Rub

A grating sound produced by inflammation of the pleura as the lungs expand and contract.