Airway and Ventilation Management Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 11 Airway and Ventilation Management.

Upper Airway

The portion of the airway that warms, filters, and humidifies air as it enters the body, comprising the nose, mouth, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

Pharynx

A muscular tube extending from the nose and mouth to the level of the esophagus and trachea, composed of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Nasopharynx

The superior part of the pharynx that filters out dust and small particles, and warms and humidifies air as it enters the body.

Oropharynx

The posterior portion of the oral cavity, located superior to the larynx and inferior to the nasopharynx.

Larynx

A complex cartilaginous structure that marks where the upper airway ends and the lower airway begins.

Thyroid Cartilage

A structure formed by independent cartilages that creates a V shape anteriorly, commonly known as the Adam's apple.

Cricoid Cartilage

The first ring of the trachea, also known as the cricoid ring.

Cricothyroid Membrane

The elastic tissue that connects the thyroid cartilage superiorly to the cricoid ring inferiorly.

Glottis

The space between the vocal cords, also referred to as the glottic opening.

Trachea

The conduit for air entry into the lungs that divides at the carina into the right and left main stem bronchi.

Visceral Pleura

The thin serous membrane that covers the outer surface of each lung.

Parietal Pleura

The thin serous membrane that lines the inside of the thoracic cavity.

Mediastinum

The central area of the thoracic cavity containing the heart, great vessels, esophagus, trachea, major bronchi, and nerves.

Ventilation

The physical act of moving air into and out of the lungs.

Inhalation

The active, muscular part of breathing where the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, generating negative pressure in the thorax.

Partial Pressure

The amount of gas present in air or dissolved in a fluid such as blood.

Tidal Volume

The volume of air moved into or out of the lungs in a single breath.

Exhalation

The passive process of breathing where the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, compressing air inside the smaller thorax.

Hypoxia

A dangerous condition resulting from a failure to meet the body's need for oxygen.

Oxygenation

The process of loading oxygen molecules onto hemoglobin molecules in the bloodstream.

Respiration

The actual exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli and tissues of the body.

External Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

Internal Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the systemic circulatory system and the cells of the body.

Chemoreceptors

Structures in the nervous system that monitor levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen ions, and the pH of cerebrospinal fluid.

Agonal Gasps

Gasping respirations that may occur after the heart has stopped.

Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

An abnormal respiratory pattern characterized by alternating periods of breathing and apnea, often seen in patients with stroke or head injury.

Ataxic Respirations

Irregular or unidentifiable patterns of breathing that may follow serious head injuries.

Kussmaul Respirations

Deep, rapid respirations common in patients with metabolic acidosis.

Head Tilt–Chin Lift Maneuver

An airway opening technique used for patients who are not suspected of having sustained spinal trauma.

Jaw-Thrust Maneuver

An airway opening technique performed by moving the lower jaw upward, used when a cervical spine injury is suspected.

Oropharyngeal Airway

A basic airway adjunct that lifts the tongue away from the posterior pharynx, indicated for unresponsive patients without a gag reflex.

Nasopharyngeal Airway

A basic airway adjunct suitable for semiconscious or unconscious patients with an intact gag reflex who cannot maintain their airway spontaneously.

Pin-Indexing System

A safety feature on portable gas cylinders featuring unique pin configurations to prevent attaching improper regulators.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Noninvasive ventilatory support for respiratory distress that increases pressure in the lungs, opens collapsed alveoli, and forces fluid out of pulmonary circulation.

DOPE Mnemonic

A troubleshooting mnemonic for an obstructed tracheostomy tube representing Displaced tube, Obstructed tube, Pneumothorax, and Equipment failure.

BE MAGIC Mnemonic

A step-by-step mnemonic for assisting with endotracheal intubation: Bag-mask preoxygenation, Evaluate for airway difficulties, Manipulate the patient, Attempt first-pass intubation, Supraglottic airway, and Confirm/Correct.