Lungs and Respiratory System

Flashcards providing vocabulary terms and their definitions related to the lungs and respiratory system, covering anatomy, physiology, common conditions, and examination markers.

Fissure

A division within the lung, such as the major (oblique) fissure separating upper and lower portions, or the lesser (horizontal) fissure dividing the upper right lung into upper and middle lobes.

Primary muscles of inspiration

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Inspiration

The process where the diaphragm contracts and pushes abdominal contents down, while intercostal muscles push the chest wall outward, decreasing intrathoracic pressure to draw air into the lungs.

Expiration

The process where muscles relax, expelling air as intrathoracic pressure rises.

Accessory muscles of respiration

Muscles that assist with breathing, including sternocleidomastoid, scalenus, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior/posterior, rectus abdominus (anterior), transverse thoracic,

Upper airway

Consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx,

• functions to conduct air, protect the lower airway, and warm, filter, and humidify inspired air

Lower airway

Consists of the trachea, right and left main stem bronchi, segmental and subsegmental bronchi, terminal bronchioles, leading to alveoli for gas exchange.

Midsternal line

An imaginary vertical line through the middle of the sternum.

Midclavicular lines

Imaginary vertical lines on the right and left sides of the chest drawn through clavicle midpoints, parallel to the midsternal line.

Anterior axillary lines

Imaginary vertical lines drawn from anterior axillary folds through the anterolateral chest, parallel to the midsternal line.

Posterior axillary lines

Imaginary vertical lines drawn from posterior axillary folds along the posterolateral thoracic wall with an abducted lateral arm.

Midaxillary lines

Imaginary vertical lines drawn from axillary apices, midway between and parallel to anterior and posterior axillary lines.

Vertebra prominens

The spinous process of C7; visible and palpable with the head bent forward.

Vertebral line

An imaginary vertical line drawn along posterior vertebral spinous processes.

Scapular lines

Imaginary vertical lines on the right and left sides of the chest drawn parallel to the midspinal line, passing through the inferior angles of the scapulae.

-pena suffixes

• dyspnea : S.O.B

• tachypnea: rapid breathing 

• orthopenea: difficulty breathing while lying flat.

• apnea: temporary cessation of breathing.

Patients with respiratory issues usually present with 

• dyspnea, coughing, chest pain 

• has severe dyspnea may take a breath after every third word.

Inspection of Chest and Lung 

• symmetry 

• lung expansion

• when assessing quality of respirations: chest wall is inspected

abnormal chest palpitations

• nurse notes sensations like crepitus, grating, vibrations, tactile fremitus

Inspect nails, skin, and lips for 

• color, temperature, and texture changes that may indicate oxygenation issues.

• such as : clubbing, cyanosis, edema

Nurse ausculates vocal renosance by

• asking patient to recite numbers or words when stethoscope is against pts chest 

• nurse evaluates vocal resonance for bronchophony, pectorilquy, ego phony 

Diaphragm is 

• preferred for lung auscultation

• nurse should listen during inhalation and exhalation going from superior, inferior, apex then base

Assessing lateral and anterior chest 

• raise hand overhead 

• head straight 

rhonchi 

loud, low, coarse sounds heard continuously during inspiration or exhalation (snore like)

• resulting from airflow obstruction like COPD, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia

• think rumble

wheeze

• musical noise sounding like a squeak that is louder on expiration 

• It often indicates narrowed airways due to conditions such as asthma or COPD.

• think whistles

pleural friction rub

• dry grating sound

• produced by pleura rubbing together during respiration, often indicating pleuritis or pleural effusion.

• think pebbles rubbing together

• indicates WORSENING pneumonia

Crackles

• think liquid bubbling or crackling (Crazy Fluid)

• fine crackles: high pitched (rubbing hair on fingers)

• coarse crackles: low pitched (velcro being pulled away)

• occurs because alveoli are “popping” due to inflammation

• common for pulmonary edema and pneumonia

stridor 

• think serious squeak (medical emergency)

• harsh, high-pitched sound during inspiration.

• Typically indicates an upper airway obstruction or severe respiratory distress like choking, croup

Acute bronchitis

Inflammation of mucous membranes of the bronchial tree caused by viruses or bacteria.

• rhonci or crackles frequently heard

• symptoms: cough, fever, malaise, tachypnea 

Pneumonia

Inflammation of terminal bronchioles and alveoli, potentially caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, mycoplasma, or aspiration of gastric secretions.

• clear sputum (viral), yellow/green (bacterial), fever, tachypnea, dyspnea

• crackles and wheezes 

Tuberculosis

A contagious, bacterial infection particularly affecting the lungs, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

• weight loss, fatigue, fever , blood tinged sputum 

Risk factors of Tuberculosis

• traveling

• HIV

• organ recipient

• immunosuppression

• employee of high risk settings or institutions such as hospitals or prisons

• cigarrate smokers 

Pleural effusion

Accumulation of serous fluid in the pleural space

• intercostal bulging, decreased chest wall movement , dyspnea 

Asthma

A hyperreactive airway disease characterized by bronchoconstriction, airway obstruction, and inflammation, occurring in response to various triggers.

Emphysema

Destruction of alveolar walls causing permanent abnormal enlargement of air spaces.

• PINK symptoms

• wheezing and crackles upon auscultation 

• decreased diaphragmatic excursion on palpitation 

Chronic bronchitis

Characterized by hypersecretion of mucus by goblet cells of the trachea and bronchi, resulting in a productive cough for 3 months in each of two successive years, typically caused by irritants or infection.

• B.L.U.E 

Pneumothorax

A condition resulting from air in the pleural spaces, which can be closed (spontaneous, traumatic, iatrogenic), open (penetrating injury/procedure), or tension (air leaks into pleura and cannot escape).

Hemothorax

A condition resulting from blood in the pleural space, caused by chest injury or as a complication of thoracic surgery.

Atelectasis

• lobe collapses due obstruction, pressure, hypoventilation

• absent breathe sounds

Lung cancer

Uncontrolled growth of anaplastic cells in the lung, often caused by agents like tobacco smoke, asbestos, or radiation.

• persistent cough, congestion , hemoptysis, labored breathing and wheezing

Majorties of Cancer are caused by

• cancers of the lung, trachea, bronchus, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, and esophagus are caused by tobacco products.

• leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Cheyenne Stokes

respiratory pattern characterized by cycles of deep and shallow breaths, often associated with heart failure or brain damage.

Kussmaul breathing

rapid, deep labored breathing