Gas Exchange

Question 1

Define gas exchange.

Answer 1

Process by which O2 is transported into cells & CO2 is transported away from cells.

Question 2

Which 3 body systems must work together in gas exchange?

Answer 2

1. Neuro
2. Respiratory
3. Cardiovascular

Question 3

Which 3 structures are part of the upper respiratory tract?

Answer 3

Nasal cavity.
Pharynx.
Larynx.

Question 4

What are the 2 categories of factors that affect gas exchange?

Answer 4

Physiological factors.

Conditions affecting chest wall movement.

Question 5

List 4 physiological factors that can affect gas exchange.

Answer 5

1. Decreased O2 carrying capacity.
2. Decreased inspired O2 concentration.
3. Hypovolemia.
4. Increased metabolic rate.

Question 6

List 6 conditions that affect chest wall movement.

Answer 6

1. Pregnancy.
2. Obesity.
3. Musculoskeletal abnormalities.
4. Trauma.
5. Neuromuscular diseases.
6. CNS alterations.

Question 7

What is anoxia?

Answer 7

Where no O2 is reaching tissue.

Question 8

What are 2 signs & symptoms of chronic bronchitis?

Answer 8

Hypersecretion of mucous.

Productive cough.

Question 9

What criteria do we use to diagnose chronic bronchitis?

Answer 9

Signs/symptoms persist for 3 consecutive months during the same year for at least 2 consecutive years.

Question 10

What is emphysema?

Answer 10

Permanent damage to the alveolar walls, causing abnormal excess dilation of the alveoli & loss of elastic recoil of fibres.

Question 11

What is atelectasis?

Answer 11

Collapse of the alveoli.

Question 12

What is pulmonary embolism?

Answer 12

Where a blood clot becomes stuck in the small vessels of the lungs.

Question 13

In order to prevent pulmonary embolisms, we should prioritize the prophylaxis of _____ in high risk patients.

Answer 13

DVT.

Question 14

Asthma may be caused by (3):

Answer 14

1. Airway obstruction.
2. Bronchial hyperreactivity.
3. Inflammation.

Question 15

What are 4 outcomes of pneumonia?

Answer 15

1. Bronchial edema.
2. Mucous secretions.
3. Damage to bronchial mucosa & alveolar-capillary membrane.
4. Alveolar filling with exudate & microbial debris.

Question 16

What are signs & symptoms of pneumonia in older adults? What wouldn’t be a sign/symptom?

Answer 16

Confusion.
Weakness.
Decreased appetite.
Increased heart/respiratory rate.
NO FEVER.

Question 17

Define hyperventilation.

Answer 17

Breathing more than needed to eliminate CO2.

Question 18

Defne hypoventilation.

Answer 18

Inadequate alveolar ventilation to meet body’s O2 demand/eliminate sufficient CO2.

Question 19

In central cyanosis, we can see a change in colour in the ________.
In peripheral cyanosis, we can see a change in colour in the __________.

Answer 19

Central: mucous membranes (ex: conjunctiva).
Peripheral: nail beds.

Question 20

What is a pleural effusion?

Answer 20

Excess fluid (usually water) accumulation in pleural cavity.

Question 21

What is a pneumothorax?

Answer 21

Air in the pleural cavity > collapsed lung.

Question 22

List 3 possible causes of pleural effusion.

Answer 22

Congestive heart failure.
Pulmonary edema.
Lung cancer.

Question 23

What is a pyothorax?

Answer 23

Pus in the pleural cavity.

Question 24

Why might gas exchange be impaired in pregnant people?

Answer 24

Increased abdominal size = decreased space for lung expansion > impaired ventilation/oxygenation.

Question 25

What are 4 reasons why older persons are mostly affected by altered gas exchange?

Answer 25

1. Weakening of respiratory muscles = slow inspiration/expiration. 2. Decreased lung capacity. 3. Increased risk for respiratory infections d/t immunosenescence. 4. Decreased ciliary action > aspiration pneumonia.

Question 26

What are 6 lifestyle risk factors for impaired gas exchange?

Answer 26

1. Poor nutrition. 2. Inadequate exercise. 3. Smoking. 4. Substance abuse. 5. Stress. 6. Environmental factors.

Question 27

What does PQRSTU stand for in assessment?

Answer 27

``` Proactive: identify the cause. Quality of breathing. Region: assess thoracic region. Severity of symptoms. Timing & treatment. Understanding: client's. ```

Question 28

Stridor is associated with:

Answer 28

Children with URTIs.

Question 29

Crackles are associated with:

Answer 29

Fluid in the lungs.

Question 30

Rhonchi are associated with:

Answer 30

COPD & airway obstruction.

Question 31

Wheezing is associated with:

Answer 31

Asthma.

Question 32

Pleural friction rubs are associated with:

Answer 32

Infection.

Question 33

What are 5 diagnostic tests that can be used to assess impaired gas exchange?

Answer 33

1. Sputum specimen. 2. Arterial blood gasses (ABGs). 3. X-rays/CT scans/MRIs (if masses/cancer suspected). 4. Pulse oximetry. 5. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs).