Hyperinflation Therapy Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms, definitions, indications, and complications associated with hyperinflation therapies including Incentive Spirometry (IS), Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB), and PAP devices.

Incentive Spirometry (IS)

A breathing exercise designed to help patients take deep breaths, serving as the first line of defense in preventing and treating atelectasis.

Atelectasis

The collapse of lung tissue; hyperinflation therapy aims to prevent postoperative occurrences or treat micro-atelectasis in small lung areas.

Semi-Fowler's position

A sitting position where the patient is upright at a $30\text{--}60$ degree angle, recommended for performing Incentive Spirometry.

Splinting

The process of using a pillow to support chest or abdominal incisions to reduce pain during deep breathing exercises.

Normal Tidal Volume

The volume of a standard breath, calculated in this context as $\approx 5\,mL/kg$ of ideal body weight.

Inspiratory Capacity

The maximum volume of air that can be inhaled from a full exhalation; the target for IS is often $2\text{--}3$ times the normal tidal volume.

Hyperventilation

A complication caused by taking too many breaths too quickly, leading to excessive $CO_2$ blow-off and symptoms like dizziness or tingling in fingertips.

Valsalva maneuver

A condition where a patient bears down against a closed glottis, increasing intrapleural pressure and potentially stimulating the vagal reflex.

Untreated Pneumothorax

An absolute contraindication for both Incentive Spirometry and IPPB because these therapies can exacerbate the lung collapse.

Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB)

A short-term ($10\text{--}15$ minutes) hyperinflation therapy delivered via a pneumatic, pressure-limited ventilator.

Bird machine

A common example of a pneumatic, pressure-limited ventilator used to deliver IPPB therapy.

Pores of Kohn and channels of Lambert

Anatomical structures that allow for lung recruitment and inflation of collapsed alveoli during IPPB therapy.

Pressure-Limited

A mechanical ventilation characteristic where the device delivers a breath until a preset pressure is reached and then cycles off.

Cardiac Embarrassment

A decrease in cardiac output caused by increased intrathoracic pressure compressing the heart and reducing venous return.

Gastric Distension

A complication of IPPB where air enters the stomach rather than the lungs, creating a risk for aspiration of gastric contents.

Tracheoesophageal Fistula

An abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus; its presence is a contraindication for IPPB therapy.

Hemoptysis

The act of coughing up blood; active hemoptysis is an absolute contraindication for IPPB.

Metanev

A type of newer Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) device that is multifunctional, combining hyperinflation with mucus clearance.

Easy Pap / AccuPap

Examples of newer, portable, handheld Positive Airway Pressure devices that typically run off a flow meter.