Oxygenation and Respiratory Function

Flashcards covering oxygenation, respiratory and cardiac function, hypoxia signs, airway maintenance, positioning, and oxygen delivery devices.

What four physiological factors are required for adequate oxygenation to occur?

A patent airway, a working alveolar system, a proficient cardiovascular system, and an adequate blood supply.

Which three processes are essential for efficient respiratory functioning?

Ventilation, perfusion, and transportation.

How is ventilation defined in the respiratory system?

The process of moving gases into and out of the lungs (breathing).

What three factors influence the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen?

The amount of dissolved oxygen in the plasma, the amount of hemoglobin, and the tendency of hemoglobin to bind with oxygen.

What molecule is formed when hemoglobin binds with oxygen?

Oxyhemoglobin.

What is hypoxia, and which body tissues are most sensitive to it?

Hypoxia is inadequate $O_2$ available to cells (low $O_2$ levels in tissues). The tissues most sensitive to this are the brain, heart, pulmonary vessels, and liver.

How is hypoxemia defined?

An abnormal deficiency in the concentration of $O_2$ in arterial blood (low $O_2$ levels in blood).

What is the definition of perfusion?

The process by which oxygenated blood reaches the body's tissues and organs.

What is orthopnea, and what adaptation do patients commonly use to manage it?

Shortness of breath when lying flat; patients may need to use 2 pillows to maintain an upright position in order to fall asleep comfortably.

What causes paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?

Fluid accumulated during the day in peripheral extremities is reabsorbed into the circulating blood volume when the patient lies down flat, usually waking the person 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep.

What is capnography, and what is its normal range?

A method to monitor ventilation and pulmonary blood flow by measuring exhaled carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) with each breath; its normal range is $35\text{--}45\,\text{mmHg}$, detecting hypoventilation earlier than pulse oximetry.

What are the early clinical manifestations of hypoxia versus its late sign?

Early signs include restlessness and anxiety; cyanosis is a late sign. Other signs include dyspnea, increased blood pressure, respirations, and pulse, pallor, confusion, and drowsiness.

What type of cyanosis is depicted here, where is it observed, and what does it indicate?

Central cyanosis; observed in the tongue, soft palate, and conjunctiva of the eye (areas of high blood flow), indicating hypoxemia.

What type of cyanosis is shown here, where does it present, and what is its primary cause?

Peripheral cyanosis; seen in the extremities, nail beds, and earlobes, commonly resulting from vasoconstriction and stagnant blood flow.

Which specific conditions decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood?

Anemia and carbon monoxide poisoning.

What conditions increase the body's metabolic needs for oxygen?

Pregnancy, fever, and infection.

Why are high-carbohydrate diets avoided in patients who retain carbon dioxide?

High-carbohydrate diets play a role in increasing the carbon dioxide load in clients who retain $CO_2$.

How does nicotine affect the circulatory system, and how does smoking impact lung cancer risk?

Nicotine causes vasoconstriction of peripheral and coronary blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and decreases blood flow to peripheral vessels. The risk of lung cancer is 10 times greater for smokers than nonsmokers.

Which position is most effective for respiratory expansion, and which is best for dyspnea?

A $45^\circ$ semi-Fowler's position is the most effective position overall; high-Fowler's position is the most comfortable position for people experiencing dyspnea.

What respiratory device is pictured, and what is its therapeutic purpose?

Incentive spirometer; it encourages voluntary deep breathing through visual feedback on inspiratory volume to prevent or treat atelectasis (collapse of alveoli) in postoperative clients.

What three therapies make up Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)?

Postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration.

When should oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal suctioning be selected over orotracheal/nasotracheal suctioning?

Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning are used when the client can cough effectively but cannot clear secretions; orotracheal and nasotracheal are used when the client cannot manage secretions.

What device is shown, and what technique must be followed during tracheal suctioning?

A Yankauer suction catheter; tracheal suctioning is a sterile procedure performed by applying suction intermittently while withdrawing and rotating the catheter to enhance secretion removal.

What process is shown, and at what oxygen flow rate does it become necessary?

Humidification (adding water to gas); it is necessary for clients receiving oxygen therapy at flow rates greater than $4\,\text{L/min}$.

What device is shown, and what are its primary clinical functions?

A nebulizer; it mixes particles of varying sizes with air to add moisture and deliver inhaled medications (such as bronchodilators and mucolytics) to improve secretion clearance.

What oxygen delivery device is shown on this mannequin?

Non-Rebreather (NRB) mask.

What oxygen delivery mask is shown, and why is it preferred for patients with COPD?

Venturi mask; it delivers the most accurate and precise oxygen concentration, making it ideal for chronic airflow limitation and COPD.

How is pursed-lip breathing performed, and what are its therapeutic purposes?

It involves deep inspiration and prolonged expiration through pursed lips; it prevents alveolar collapse, promotes carbon dioxide elimination, and reduces the energy required for breathing.

What is diaphragmatic breathing, and how does it improve breathing efficiency?

Taking deep breaths while consciously relaxing the intercostal and accessory respiratory muscles; it improves efficiency by decreasing air trapping and reducing the work of breathing.

What daily fluid intake is recommended to maintain normal mucociliary clearance and thin pulmonary secretions?

$1500\text{--}2000\,\text{mL/day}$.