NR224 Fundamentals: Oxygenation

Vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy, respiratory patterns, assessment findings, and oxygen delivery devices from the NR224 Fundamentals lecture.

Upper respiratory tract

Includes the Nasal cavity, Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Laryngopharynx, Larynx, and Pharynx.

Lower respiratory tract

Includes the Trachea, Left and right primary bronchi, Bronchioles, Alveolar-duct, Alveoli, Alveolar sac, and Capillary.

Hyperventilation

Rapid deep breathing with increased respiratory rate and depth that can cause increases in $CO_2$ levels ($\text{hypercapnia}$) or decreased $O_2$ levels in the blood ($\text{hypoxemia}$).

Hypoventilation

Slow deep breathing with decreased respiratory rate and depth that increases the retention of $CO_2$ in the body, often associated with CNS depression.

Hypoxemia

Low levels of $O_2$ in the blood caused by inadequate oxygen intake or impaired lung function, where diffusion impairment prevents gas exchange.

Hypoxia

Inadequate supply of $O_2$ to the tissues, typically caused by hypoxemia but can also occur due to poor blood circulation.

Eupnea

A normal breathing pattern with a respiratory rate ($RR$) of $12-20$ breaths per minute.

Bradypnea

A slow respiratory rate ($RR < 12$) with a regular pattern, often caused by medications such as sedatives or opioid use.

Tachypnea

A fast respiratory rate ($RR > 20$) with a regular pattern, caused by factors such as anxiety, anemia, smoking, illness, or high altitude.

Cyanosis

A manifestation of hypoxia characterized by a blueish tint to the skin.

Subcutaneous crepitus

Trapped subcutaneous air identified during the palpation phase of a respiratory assessment.

Tactile fremitus

Vibration detected through palpation of the chest wall.

Incentive Spirometer

A device used to help patients take slow deep inspirations to promote lung expansion, increase oxygenation, and prevent atectelasis.

Nasal Cannula

An oxygen delivery device that provides an $FiO_2$ of $24-44\times$ at a flow rate of $1-6 L$ per minute.

High Flow Nasal Cannula

An oxygen delivery device providing an $FiO_2$ of $60-90\times$ with a flow rate of $1-15 L$ per minute.

Simple Face Mask

An oxygen delivery device providing an $FiO_2$ of $35-50\times$ at a flow rate of $6-12 L$ per minute.

Venturi Mask

An oxygen delivery device that delivers a precise amount of oxygen ($24-50\times$) using color-coded valves.

Nonrebreather mask

An oxygen delivery device that delivers the highest $O_2$ concentration ($100\times$) at a regulator setting of $15 L$; indicated for patients who are dyspneic and cyanotic.

CPAP

A device that maintains a high level of continuous pressure to make inhalation easier.

BiPAP

A breathing assistance device that utilizes two levels of pressure.

Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)

An intervention involving percussion, vibration, and positioning to promote the 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.

Hyper-oxygenation

A nursing action performed for a minimum of $30$ seconds before tracheostomy suctioning to prevent hypoxemia.