Chapter 7 Flashcards
structure of respiratory system
Nose•Pharynx•Larynx•Trachea (windpipe)•bronchi, bronchioles, lungs
Trachea (windpipe)
Tube that extends from lower edge of the larynx downward into the thoracic cavity•Rings of cartilage to help keep airways open
Bronchi•Bronchial tree
Lower part of the trachea that divides into the right and left bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli•Transport of air from the trachea over a wide area as quickly as possible
Bronchioles
Smaller divisions of the bronchi•Walls composed of smooth muscle to allow contraction and expansion, thereby regulating airflow to the alveoli
Alveoli
Tiny sacs located at the end of the alveolar ducts•O2 and CO2 exchange between the alveolus and the capillary surrounding it•Loss of alveolar wall elasticity from respiratory disease, making breathing difficult, especially when exhaling
Other functions (with help of the cardiovascular system)
Transport of O2 to body cells•Removal of CO2, a waste product of cell metabolism
What do the abbreviations O2 and CO2 mean?
O2 means oxygen; CO2 means carbon dioxide.
What body system helps the respiratory system transport O2 and remove CO2 from body cells?
Cardiovascular system
What does the abbreviation COPD mean?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
lung cf
pulmon/o, pneum/o, pneumon/o
chest cf
thorac/o
diaphragm cf
phren/o
straight cf
orth/o
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Develops over a long time•Produces partial blockage of air passages•Stages range from at-risk (mild), where the patient is possibly unaware of the disease, to severe,with the possibility of respiratory or heart failureInsidious because it is commonly first diagnosed after some lung capacity has been lost•Includes emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis
Mrs. J. has not seen a physician in over 10 years. She is a heavy smoker, says she has no “lung problems,” and refuses to see a physician until “something develops.” Her daughter, a nursing student, has been studying COPD. What advice might she give her mother?
Early-stage COPD, when treatment is most effective, is commonly not diagnosed because it is usually asymptomatic.
COPD-Emphysema
Decreased alveolar elasticity•Alveoli are able to expand (dilate) but unable to fully contract•Commonly occurs with other lung disorders such as asthma, tuberculosis, and chronic bronchitis
COPD-Emphysema •Signs and symptoms
Associated with long-term heavy smoking•Characteristic “barrel chest” as a result of air trapped in the lungs•Difficulty in breathing; shortness of breath•Patients may find it easier to breathe while sitting upright or standing (orthopnea)
COPD-Emphysema •Treatment
Bronchodilators may help relax and widen air passages•Inhaled steroids may be prescribed if the disease progresses•Antibiotics prescribed if acute bronchitis or pneumonia develops•Supplemental oxygen therapy
Hospitalized with emphysema, Mr. L. asks the nurse “to put the bed up” as he prepares to go to sleep. His nurse explains that sitting upright or standing commonly helps people with emphysema breathe more easily. She tells him this procedure is called
orthopnea
COPD-Asthma
Produces spasms of smooth muscles in bronchial passages•Attacks may be sudden and violent (paroxysms)•“Triggers” include allergens, irritants, and sometimes exercise, cold, and stress
COPD-Asthma Signs and symptoms
Wheezing•Dyspnea•Coughing with large amounts of mucous secretions
COPD-Asthma Treatment
Avoidance of “triggers”•Mucolytics to loosen mucus•Bronchodilators to relax smooth muscles•For uncontrolled bronchospasms, a life-threatening condition (status asthmaticus), hospitalization may be necessary
Mr. K., a cross-country runner, develops exertion asthma during competition. He carries a “puffer” that delivers a medication that helps “relax” the smooth muscles of the alveoli. This medication is a
bronchodilator.
Ms. L. was at a friend’s home and began playing with her friend’s cat; she then experienced an allergic reaction. Without warning, her eyes became red and puffy, and she began wheezing and struggling to breathe. A violent and sudden attack of asthma is called a
paroxysmal attack
COPD-Chronic bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial passages•Most commonly caused by constant irritation (tobacco smoke, pollution, and dust and chemical exposure)•Other causes are viral and bacterial infections
COPD-Chronic bronchitis signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms•Productive cough•Chest discomfort•Morning “smoker’s” cough
COPD-Chronic bronchitis•Treatment
Smokers must refrain from tobacco use•Antibiotics for bacterial causes of bronchitis•Inhalers with various medications depending on the cause of bronchitis•Respiratory therapy to learn various breathing techniques
Pulmonary embolism
Foreign object that travels through the bloodstream•Possibly a blood clot, air, or fat•Usually a blood clot that has traveled into a pulmonary artery (see illustration)
