Assessment of the Thorax and Ventilation

Flashcards covering key concepts in respiratory assessment and ventilation, based on lecture notes.

What are the key elements in respiratory assessment?

Perform a focused respiratory assessment, monitor SaO2 levels, and perform peak flow measurements.

What is the primary function of the naso and oropharynx?

To warm and humidify air to body temperature and serve as the primary line of defense.

What connects the upper airway to the lower airway?

The larynx.

How many lobes does the right lung have?

The right lung has 3 lobes.

What is the primary gas exchange unit in the lungs?

The alveoli.

What do Type II epithelial cells in the alveoli secrete?

Surfactant.

What is the main muscle responsible for inspiration?

The diaphragm.

What causes expiration to be a passive process?

When intrathoracic pressure becomes greater than atmospheric pressure.

What is Boyle's law in relation to lung function?

For a fixed mass at fixed temperature, the product of pressure and volume is a constant (P1V1=P2V2).

What is minute ventilation?

The amount of gas that is inspired and exhaled in one minute.

What is the normal tidal volume (TV) for an adult?

500 ml.

What indicates an increase in fremitus?

Conditions like pneumonia, tumors or pleural effusions.

What can cause a decrease in lung compliance?

Conditions like pulmonary edema.

What is the purpose of peak flow measurement?

To assess how narrow or obstructed a person's airways are.