Gas Exchange, Oxygenation, and Medication Administration

A collection of 100 flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to gas exchange, oxygenation, and medication administration.

Ventilation

The flow of air into or out of the alveoli.

Perfusion

The flow of blood delivered to the alveolar capillaries.

Lung Compliance

The extent to which a lung can expand in response to increased pressure.

Airway Resistance

The pressure present when the diameter of the airway is narrowed.

Bronchodilation

The expansion of the airways.

Bronchoconstriction

The restriction of the airways.

Deoxygenated Blood

Blood that is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide.

Oxygenated Blood

Blood that is high in oxygen and low in carbon dioxide.

Pulmonary Circulation

The pathway through which deoxygenated blood is transported to the lungs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Accessory Muscles

Muscles that assist with breathing during respiratory distress.

Hyperventilation

Breathing too fast or too deeply, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels.

Hypoventilation

Breathing too slowly or too shallowly, leading to increased carbon dioxide levels.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition caused by inadequate removal of carbon dioxide from the body.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition caused by excessive removal of carbon dioxide from the body.

Intravenous Therapy

The administration of fluids or medications directly into the bloodstream.

Aerosol Nebulizer Treatments

Treatments that deliver medication in the form of a mist to be inhaled.

Oxygen Therapy

The administration of oxygen to treat or prevent hypoxia.

Nasal Cannula

A device used to deliver oxygen through the nostrils.

Simple Face Mask

A mask used to deliver oxygen, covering the mouth and nose.

Partial Nonrebreather Mask

A mask that provides high concentrations of oxygen with a reservoir bag.

Venturi Mask

A mask that delivers a precise concentration of oxygen.

Chest Physiotherapy

Therapeutic techniques to help clear mucus from the lungs.

Incentive Spirometer

A device that encourages deep breathing to improve lung function.

Pursed Lip Breathing

A breathing technique that improves ventilation and oxygenation.

Huff Coughing

A technique to help clear mucus from the airways.

Medication Reconciliation

The process of ensuring a patient’s medication orders are accurate and complete.

High-Alert Medications

Medications that have a higher risk of causing harm if used in error.

Right Client

Verifying a client’s identity before medication administration.

Right Medication

Ensuring the correct medication is administered to the client.

Right Dose

Confirming that the dose corresponds to the medication order.

Right Route of Administration

Ensuring the medication is given via the correct method (e.g., oral, IV).

Right Time of Delivery

Choosing the correct time for administering medications.

Right Documentation

Documenting medication administration appropriately.

Mental Stimulation

The process of keeping the brain engaged to enhance learning or memory.

Transdermal Administration

Delivery of medication through the skin using a patch.

Buccal Administration

Placing medication between the gum and cheek for absorption.

Sublingual Administration

Placing medication under the tongue for rapid absorption.

Parenteral Administration

Delivery of medication via injection.

Topical Administration

Application of medication directly to the skin or mucous membranes.

Enteral Administration

Giving medication through the gastrointestinal tract.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Dehydration

A condition resulting from excessive loss of body fluids.

Hypervolemia

Excess fluid in the body, leading to swelling and edema.

Hypovolemia

Decreased blood volume due to loss of fluids.

Intravenous (IV) Solutions

Crystalloid solutions used to restore fluid balance.

Isotonic Solutions

Solutions that do not cause fluid movement across cell membranes.

Hypotonic Solutions

Solutions that cause water to move into cells.

Hypertonic Solutions

Solutions that draw water out of cells.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that help maintain fluid and acid-base balance.

Acidosis

An increase in acidity in the blood.

Alkalosis

An increase in basicity in the blood.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for gas exchange in the body.

Cardiovascular System

The system responsible for the circulation of blood in the body.

Myocardial Ischemia

Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, causing tissue damage.

Heart Failure

A condition where the heart cannot pump sufficient blood.

Valvular Heart Disease

Conditions affecting the heart valves, impacting blood flow.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein, often due to IV therapy.

Infiltration

Leakage of IV fluid into surrounding tissue.

Narcotics

Medications that can suppress breathing—often opioid analgesics.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a lung condition that affects airflow.

Asthma

A condition that causes wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Scoliosis

A condition characterized by a sideways curve of the spine.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.

Patient Education

The process of informing patients about their health and medications.

Therapeutic Interventions

Actions taken to improve a patient's health or quality of life.

Oxygen Concentration

The percentage of oxygen in a gas or air mixture.

Flow Rate

The speed at which oxygen is delivered to a patient.

Delivery Device

The equipment used to deliver oxygen therapy.

Safety Checks

Procedures to ensure safe medication administration.

Clinical Indication

A sign or symptom that guides medical decision-making.

Secular Trend

Long-term movement in a particular direction in data.

Pituitary Gland

A gland that regulates hormones like ADH for fluid balance.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

The maintenance of adequate hydration and electrolyte levels.

Kidney Function

The role of the kidneys in filtering blood and regulating fluids.

Blood Transfusion

The process of transferring blood or blood products into a patient's circulation.

Fluid Replacement

Restoring fluids to the body, often using intravenous solutions.

Nutrient Transport

The movement of nutrients into cells and waste out of cells.

Acid-Base Imbalances

Disruptions in the normal pH levels of the blood.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Thermoregulation

Maintaining a stable body temperature regardless of external conditions.