Oxygenation Fundamentals and Skills

Vocabulary terms related to respiratory assessment, breathing alterations, oxygen delivery devices, and nursing interventions for gas exchange.

Hypoxemia

Low levels of $O_2$ in the blood; diffusion impairment prevents gas exchange.

Hypoxia

Low levels of $O_2$ in the tissue, typically caused by hypoxemia but can occur due to poor blood circulation.

Hyperventilation

Rapid deep breathing (regular or irregular) increasing respiratory rate and depth; causes increased $CO_2$ levels ($hypercapnia$) or decreased $O_2$ levels in the blood ($hypoxemia$).

Hypoventilation

Slow deep breathing with a regular rhythm leading to decreased respiratory rate and depth, increasing the retention of $CO_2$ in the body.

Eupnea

Normal breathing pattern with a respiratory rate ($RR$) of $12-20$.

Bradypnea

Slow respiratory rate ($RR < 12$) with a regular pattern; often caused by medications like sedatives or opioids.

Tachypnea

Fast respiratory rate ($RR > 20$) with a regular pattern; causes include anxiety, anemia, smoking, illness, or high altitude.

Cyanosis

A blueish tint to the skin indicative of hypoxia.

Subcutaneous crepitus

Trapped subcutaneous air identified during palpation.

Tactile fremitus

Vibration felt during palpation of the chest.

Nasal Cannula

Oxygen delivery device providing $24-44\%$ $FiO_2$ at a flow rate of $1-6\,L$.

High Flow Nasal Cannula

Oxygen delivery device providing $60-90\%$ $FiO_2$ at a flow rate of $1-15\,L$ (usually starting at $6\,L$).

Simple Face Mask

Oxygen delivery device providing $35-50\%$ $FiO_2$ at a flow rate of $6-12\,L$.

Venturi Mask

Oxygen delivery device providing $24-50\%$ $FiO_2$ that delivers a precise amount of oxygen via color-coded valves.

Nonrebreather mask

Oxygen delivery device providing $100\%$ $FiO_2$ at $15\,L$; delivers the highest $O_2$ concentration.

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; maintains a high level of continuous pressure to make inhalation easier.

BiPAP

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure; uses two distinct levels of pressure to facilitate easier inhalation.

Incentive Spirometry

An inhalation device used to help patients take slow deep breaths to promote lung expansion, increase oxygenation, and prevent atelectasis.

Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)

Involves the use of percussion, vibration, and positioning to promote mobilization and drainage of lung secretions.

Tracheostomy

A surgical incision into the trachea to create a temporary or permanent airway; indicated for airway obstruction, prolonged mechanical ventilation, or severe facial trauma.