Respiratory Function and Nursing Care

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, parameters, and clinical terminology from the Respiratory Function lecture notes.

Ventilation

The physical process of moving air into and out of the lungs so that gas exchange can take place.

Gas Diffusion

The movement of oxygen between the alveoli and the blood.

Gas Transport

The movement of oxygen across the alveolar-capillary membrane into the blood, where it is transported to body tissues.

Mucociliary Elevator

A defense mechanism of the lower airway that helps remove bacteria and foreign material.

Airway Obstruction

Any process that reduces the diameter of the airways, increasing airway resistance and requiring greater breathing effort.

Hemoptysis

The coughing up of bloody sputum from the respiratory tract.

Hypoxemia

Abnormally low oxygen levels in the blood.

Hypercapnia

Abnormally high carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Hyperventilation

Excessive elimination of carbon dioxide causing dizziness and respiratory alkalosis.

Cyanosis

Bluish skin discoloration caused by a desaturation of oxygen on the hemoglobin.

Central Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes around the mouth and eyes, indicating severe oxygenation problems.

Clubbing

Rounding and enlargement of the fingers and toes associated with chronic low oxygenation.

Sonorous Wheeze (Rhonchi)

A continuous breath sound also referred to as rhonchi or gurgles.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Monitoring

A measurement of arterial blood levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH, serving as the best indicator of gas exchange.

Ineffective Breathing Pattern

Inspiration and/or expiration that does not provide adequate ventilation.

Ineffective Airway Clearance

Inability to clear secretions or obstructions from the respiratory tract to maintain a clear airway.

Impaired Gas Exchange

Excess or deficit in oxygenation and/or carbon dioxide elimination at the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Aerosol Therapy

Administration of liquid droplets suspended in air or oxygen to add moisture, hydrate mucus, or deliver medications.

Nasal Cannula

An oxygen delivery system providing a flow rate of $1\text{--}6\text{ L/min}$ and an oxygen concentration range of $22\text{--}44\%$.

Simple Mask

An oxygen mask providing a flow rate of $6\text{--}10\text{ L/min}$ and an oxygen concentration range of $40\text{--}60\%$.

Venturi Mask

An oxygen mask providing a flow rate of $3\text{--}8\text{ L/min}$ and an oxygen concentration range of $24\text{--}50\%$.

Reservoir (Non-rebreather) Mask

An oxygen mask providing a flow rate of $10\text{--}15\text{ L/min}$ and an oxygen concentration range of $90\%+$ for critically ill patients.

Pneumothorax

The presence of air in the pleural space.

Hemothorax

The presence of blood in the pleural space.

Yankauer

A rigid suction tip used for oral suctioning to clear secretions.