Med-Surg Unit 4 Study Guide: Respiratory System

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the respiratory system lecture, including definitions and key terms relevant to respiratory assessments, oxygen therapy, and related medical procedures.

Dyspnea

Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen in the blood.

Hypoxia

Low oxygen in tissues.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels.

Clubbing

An enlargement of the fingertips and a loss of the normal angle between the nail and the nail bed, often associated with chronic hypoxia.

Pulse Oximetry

A non-invasive method to measure the saturation of oxygen in the blood.

Bronchoscopy

A procedure that allows doctors to look at the airways in the lungs using a thin viewing instrument.

Thoracentesis

A procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and chest wall for diagnostic purposes.

NPPV

Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation, used to improve gas exchange without intubation.

Tracheostomy

A stoma created for airway access through a surgical incision into the trachea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

A sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to upper airway obstruction.

Polysomnography

A comprehensive sleep study used to diagnose sleep disorders.

Non-Rebreather Mask

An oxygen delivery device providing high concentrations of oxygen, typically used in emergencies.

Venturi Mask

An oxygen delivery device that provides a precise concentration of oxygen, often used for patients with COPD.