Respiratory Changes in Aging

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the physiological changes, diseases, and nursing management of the respiratory system in aging adults.

Carbon dioxide

A gas the body produces when it uses oxygen; it must be removed from the body by the lungs.

Sense of Smell

A function provided by the nose containing receptors that detect odors.

Decreased Lung Elasticity

An aging change where the lungs are less able to expand and contract fully, making it harder to take deep breaths and expel air.

Weakened Respiratory Muscles

The weakening of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles with age, leading to shallower breathing and reduced mucus clearance.

Chest Wall Stiffness

An age-related change where the chest wall becomes less compliant, making it harder for lungs to expand during inhalation.

Decreased Cough Reflex

An aging change resulting in a reduced ability to clear mucus and foreign particles, which increases the risk of airway blockage and infection.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of non-curable diseases characterized by chronic airflow obstruction, with cigarette smoking as the primary cause.

Potassium

A vital nutrient for lung function found in foods like avocado, dark leafy vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes, and bananas.

High Fowler's or Tripod position

Specific patient positions used to improve lung expansion for those suffering from COPD or asthma.

Spirometry

The most important diagnostic test for COPD; it measures how much and how fast a person can exhale air.

CT Scan of the Chest

An imaging test used to see detailed lung structure.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test

A test that detects respiratory failure or severe COPD by measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Emphysema

A disease causing COPD characterized by the accumulation of excessive air in the lungs and known as "pink puffer."

Barrel-shaped chest

A physical symptom specifically associated with Emphysema.

Pneumonia

An inflammation of the lower airways of the lung in which the alveoli become filled, often caused by bacteria or viruses.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

The specific bacteria identified as a cause of bacterial pneumonia.

Confusion or changes in mental awareness

The first symptom of pneumonia to appear in adults aged 65 and older.

Sputum culture and sensitivity

A diagnostic test used to identify the specific microorganism causing a pneumonia infection.

Pulmonary embolism

A condition where a clot blocks a branch of a pulmonary artery, restricting blood flow to the lung.

Tuberculosis (PTB)

An airborne infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can reinfect the lungs of the elderly.

Hemoptysis

The medical term for coughing up blood, which is a symptom of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB).

Sputum culture

The definitive diagnostic test for Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB).

Chronic bronchitis

A condition known as "Blue bloater" characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchial tree and a persistent "smoker's cough."

Pursed-lip breathing

A breathing technique taught to patients with chronic bronchitis to help reduce shortness of breath.

Asthma

A chronic condition that causes airways to become inflamed and narrowed, leading to wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

A sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to the collapse of the upper airway.

Pulmonary fibrosis

A lung disease where tissue becomes damaged and scarred, leading to stiffened lungs and difficulty breathing.