Airway and Respiratory System Basics and Cardiovascular Physiology

Flashcards about Cardiovascular Physiology, Airway and Respiratory System Basics

V/Q Scan (Ventilation/Perfusion Scan)

Measures air and blood flow in the lungs to detect pulmonary embolism or uneven blood distribution.

Afterload

The resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood during contraction. High afterload means more work for the heart.

Systemic Circulation Return to the Right Atrium

Deoxygenated blood from the body returns to this heart chamber which starts the pulmonary circulation for reoxygenation.

Inotropes

Strengthen heart contractions.

Vasopressors

Constrict blood vessels to raise blood pressure; used for patients with dangerously low blood pressure.

Positive Inotropes Action

Increase calcium in heart muscle cells or make cells more sensitive to calcium to strengthen cardiac contraction.

Mucous Plugging

A blockage in the airway due to thick secretions, leading to alveolar hypoinflation, air trapping, atelectasis, decreased gas exchange, and increased airway resistance.

Macrophages Function

Immune cells in the alveoli that clear debris via phagocytosis, preventing infection and maintaining clean airways.

Bronchovesicular sounds

Heard over the main bronchus and upper right lung.

Rhonchi

Deep, low-pitched sounds, usually on exhalation, indicating secretion in larger airways.

Bronchial Hygiene Therapy

Includes deep breathing, coughing, postural drainage, chest physiotherapy (CPT), and positive pressure therapies to remove secretions and improve lung function.

Chest Physical Therapy (CPT)

Manual percussion and vibration on the chest wall to dislodge mucus and aid in secretion clearance.

Trendelenburg Position

Positioning the head lower than the feet to enhance postural drainage for secretion clearance in specific lung lobes.

Bronchiectasis

Permanent widening of airways due to chronic inflammation/infection, with symptoms including chronic cough, excessive mucus, and frequent infections.

Alveolar Hypoxia

Low oxygen levels in the alveoli due to poor ventilation, obstruction, or lung disease.

Pulmonary Blood Flow Pathway Sequence

Right ventricle → pulmonary artery → arterioles → alveolar capillaries → venules → pulmonary veins → left atrium

Pulmonary Blood Flow Function

Brings deoxygenated blood to the lungs to be oxygenated and returns it to the heart