NRS 215: Oxygenation

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental oxygenation principles, physiological definitions, diagnostic assessments, normal laboratory ranges, and oxygen delivery devices from the NRS 215 lecture.

Oxygenation

The mechanism that facilitates the body's ability to supply oxygen to all the cells of the body.

Ventilation

The process of inspiration (inhaling) and expiration (exhaling) by which the respiratory system moves air into and out of the lungs.

Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and body cells.

Perfusion

The ability of the cardiovascular system to pump oxygenated blood to the tissues and return deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Diffusion (Respiratory)

The movement of respiratory gases from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration along concentration gradients, occurring at the alveolar capillary membrane.

Normal Adult Oxygenation Parameters

Baseline physiological respiratory indicators defined by a respiratory rate of $12\text{--}20\,\text{breaths per minute}$, unlabored breathing with absence of accessory muscle use, symmetric chest wall movement, absence of adventitious breath sounds, and an oxygen saturation of $95\text{--}100\%$ on room air.

Hypoxia

Inadequate tissue oxygenation at the cellular level.

Cyanosis

A blue or gray tint to the skin that indicates inadequate tissue oxygenation as a late sign of hypoxia.

Clubbed Nails

A physical finding characterized by bulbous distortion and enlargement of the nail beds, which serves as a clinical indicator of chronic hypoxemia.

Dyspnea

Labored or difficult breathing, clinically described as shortness of breath (SOB).

Exertional Dyspnea

Difficulty or shortness of breath that occurs specifically with physical activity or exertion.

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing experienced when lying supine, often relieved by sitting or elevating the head.

Apnea

The complete absence or temporary cessation of breathing.

Hemoptysis

The presence of blood in sputum that is coughed up from the respiratory tract.

Pneumonia

An infectious inflammatory condition affecting one or both lungs.

Atelectasis

The collapse of pulmonary alveoli that prevents normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

A diagnostic blood test used to evaluate respiratory and metabolic acid-base balance and the adequacy of arterial oxygenation.

Normal ABG Reference Ranges

Diagnostic blood gas reference values: $\text{pH}\;7.35\text{--}7.45$, $\text{PCO}_2\;35\text{--}45\,\text{mm Hg}$, $\text{HCO}_3^-\;21\text{--}28\,\text{mEq/L}$, $\text{PO}_2\;80\text{--}100\,\text{mm Hg}$, and $\text{SaO}_2\;95\text{--}100\%$.

Bronchoscopy

An invasive diagnostic procedure that allows visual examination of the tracheobronchial tree using a bronchoscope.

Chest Physiotherapy

A group of external therapies used to mobilize pulmonary secretions, which includes postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

A breathing exercise technique involving inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips to prolong exhalation and prevent airway collapse.

Nasal Cannula

A low-flow oxygen delivery device that delivers oxygen at a flow rate of $1\text{--}6\,\text{L/min}$, providing an $\text{FiO}_2$ concentration of $24\text{--}44\%$.

Simple Face Mask

An oxygen delivery device that delivers oxygen at a flow rate of $6\text{--}12\,\text{L/min}$, providing an $\text{FiO}_2$ concentration of $35\text{--}50\%$.

Nonrebreather Mask

A high-flow oxygen delivery system featuring an attached reservoir bag that must remain completely inflated, delivering $10\text{--}15\,\text{L/min}$ of oxygen at an $\text{FiO}_2$ of $60\text{--}90\%$.

Venturi Mask

An oxygen delivery mask designed to deliver precise, specific concentrations of oxygen at a flow rate of $4\text{--}12\,\text{L/min}$ with an $\text{FiO}_2$ range of $24\text{--}50\%$.