Symptoms and Conditions Flashcards
Lack or absence of oxygen in the tissues; often used incorrectly to mean hypoxia
anoxia
Condition caused by inadequate intake of oxygen; suffocation (literally “lack of pulse”
asphyxia
Deep, fast breathing interrupted by sudden pauses; seen in spinal meningitis and other
central nervous system disorders
Biot respirations
Narrowing of the bronchi caused by smooth muscle spasms; common in cases of
asthma and bronchitis
bronchospasm
A repeating cycle of gradually increased and then decreased respiration followed by a
period of apnea; caused by depression of the breathing centers in the brainstem; seen in
cases of coma and in terminally ill patients
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Enlargement of the heart’s right ventricle caused by disease of the lungs or pulmonary
blood vessels
cor pulmonale
Acute inflammation of the nasal passages with profuse nasal discharge; acute rhinitis
coryza
A childhood disease usually caused by a viral infection that involves upper airway
inflammation and obstruction. ___ is characterized by a barking cough, difficulty
breathing, and laryngeal spasm
croup
A shifted nasal septum; may require surgical correction
deviated septum
Inflammation of the epiglottis that may lead to upper airway obstruction. Commonly
seen in croup (also spelled epiglottiditis)
epiglottitis
Hemorrhage from the nose; nosebleed (Greek -staxis means “dripping”)
epistaxis
A vibration, especially as felt through the chest wall on palpation
fremitus
Rapid and deep gasping respiration without pause; characteristic of severe acidosis
Kussmaul respiration
A sound heard on auscultation that is produced by the rubbing together of the two
pleural layers; a common sign of pleurisy
pleural friction rub
Abnormal chest sounds heard when air enters small airways or alveoli containing fluid;
usually heard during inspiration; singular: rale (rahl). Also called crackles
rales
