Respiratory System Lecture Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering respiratory anatomy, clinical assessment sounds, and upper respiratory disorders based on the provided lecture notes.

Functional units of air exchange

Alveoli, which are lined with mucous membranes.

Right lung anatomy

The lung containing three lobes.

Left lung anatomy

The lung containing two lobes.

Diaphragm function in respiration

Contraction enlarges the thoracic cavity causing inspiration, while relaxation makes it smaller causing expiration.

Hypoxemia

A decreased amount of oxygen in the blood.

Hypoxia

Decreased oxygen at the cellular level.

Hypercapnia

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Rales/Crackles

A discontinuous bubbling/popping heard on inhalation that may sound similar to velcro being pulled apart; can be coarse, fine, moist, or dry.

Rhonchi

A continuous, lower-pitched, coarse rattling sound heard on both inspiration and expiration, usually caused by blockage or secretions.

Stridor

A continuous, high-pitched, musical wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow, mostly heard on inspiration.

Wheezing

High-pitched expiratory noise caused by narrowed airways, often associated with asthma and COPD.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses, most often the maxillary and frontal sinuses, characterized by headache, pain, and nasal congestion.

Allergic Rhinitis

Also known as "Hay fever"; symptoms include itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal drainage.

Coryza

The medical term for the common cold, an inflammation of the upper respiratory system usually spread by droplets.

Deviated Septum

A condition where the septum is off-center, potentially causing headache, congestion, and epistaxis.

Epistaxis

Medical term for a nosebleed, which can be caused by trauma, clotting disorders, dryness, inflammation, or hypertension.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the mucus membranes of the throat; includes bacterial forms like Strep throat.

Post-Op Tonsillectomy monitoring

The most serious complication is hemorrhage; the nurse should observe for excessive swallowing.

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; provides a single set pressure throughout sleep.

BiPAP

BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure; features two distinct pressure settings for inhale and exhale.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) resulting in a raspy or hoarse voice, dysphagia, or complete voice loss.

Cancer of the Larynx early signs

Difficulty swallowing, dyspnea, and burning when consuming hot liquids or juices.