Key Concepts in Respiratory Care and Oxygenation

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to respiratory care and oxygenation, important for understanding the processes involved in ventilation, gas exchange, and conditions affecting respiratory function.

Ventilation

The mechanical process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

Oxygenation

The process of delivering oxygen to the body's tissues via the bloodstream.

Hypoxia

Inadequate oxygen available at the cellular level that can lead to organ dysfunction.

Dyspnea

The subjective sensation of difficulty or labored breathing.

Gas Exchange

The process where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse.

Airway Resistance

Opposition to airflow within the airways, which can be affected by airway diameter.

Perfusion

The process of blood flow carrying oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide.

Atelectasis

Complete or partial collapse of the alveoli with retained mucus leading to poor gas exchange.

Pulmonary Edema

Accumulate fluid in the alveoli, impairing gas exchange and causing symptoms like dyspnea.