Respiratory Vocab

Question 1

Bradypnea

Answer 1

breathing rate < 12 breaths per minute

Question 2

Tachypnea

Answer 2

breathing rate > 20 breaths per minute

Question 3

Dyspnea

Answer 3

difficulty breathing (most often shortness of breath)

Question 4

Eupnea

Answer 4

breathing normally (rate plus quantity)

Question 5

Atelectasis

Answer 5

collapsing of alveoli in pulmonary tissue

Question 6

Consolidation

Answer 6

filling of alveoli in pulmonary tissue

Question 7

Pneumothorax

Answer 7

partial or complete collapse of lung due to pleural puncture

Question 8

Hemothorax

Answer 8

a pneumothorax where the space has been filled with blood

Question 9

Sputum

Answer 9

mucous produced in the bronchial tree to remove inhaled debris (not to be confused with saliva)

Question 10

Hemoptysis

Answer 10

coughing up blood

Question 11

Retractions

Answer 11

pulling inward of the chest wall on inspiration when the bronchial passage is constricted (like collapsing a straw)

Question 12

Pleurisy

Answer 12

sharp pain on inspiration; usually well localized; sign of pleural inflammation

Question 13

Auscultate

Answer 13

listen with a stethoscope

Question 14

Wheeze

Answer 14

a whistling noise made by narrowed bronchial passages (when severe may be heard without a stethoscope)

Question 15

Stridor

Answer 15

similar to a wheeze, but harsher; a sign of laryngeal blockage (may be heard without stethoscope)

Question 16

Crackles

Answer 16

crackling sound on inspiration; sign of atelectasis or pulmonary edema

Question 17

Rales

Answer 17

an older name for crackles

Question 18

Rhonchi

Answer 18

snoring sound