Respiratory Monitoring Flashcards
(70 cards)
What is resistance in the context of pulmonary mechanics?
Resistance is the force that acts opposite to the relative motion of an object.
Define compliance as it relates to the lungs.
Compliance is the ability of the lungs to stretch and expand.
What are the two types of pulmonary compliance?
- Static compliance
- Dynamic compliance
What is peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)?
PIP is the maximum pressure in the patient’s airway during inspiration.
What is plateau pressure (PP)?
PP is the pressure in the small airways and alveoli after the target tidal volume is achieved.
How can we evaluate alterations in pulmonary mechanics?
By evaluating the PIP and PP to determine if changes are due to resistance or compliance.
What does increased resistance manifest as in terms of PIP and PP?
Increased PIP with a normal PP.
What does decreased pulmonary compliance manifest as in terms of PIP and PP?
Increased PIP and PP.
Examples: Increased Resistance
- Kinked endotracheal tube
- Endotracheal tube cuff herniation
- Bronchospasm
- Bronchial secretions
- Compression of the airway
- Foreign body aspiration
Examples: Decreased Compliance
- Endobronchial intubation
- Pulmonary edema
- Pleural effusion
- Tension pneumothorax
- Atelectasis
- Chest wall edema
- Abdominal insufflation
- Ascites
- Trendelenburg position
- Inadequate muscle relaxation
What does increased PIP with no change in PP indicate?
Resistance has increased or inspiratory flow rate has increased.
What happens when increased PIP and increased PP occur?
Total compliance has decreased (P-elastic has increased) or tidal volume has increased.
Example: Decreased Compliance
What does capnography measure?
Capnography measures the end-tidal CO₂ concentration over time.
What does capnography assess?
It permits continuous assessment of metabolism, circulation, and ventilation.
What insight does capnography provide?
It provides insight into equipment-related problems, including airway obstruction and rebreathing.
What does an increased alpha angle suggest?
An increased alpha angle suggests expiratory airway obstruction.
What does an increased beta angle indicate?
An increased beta angle suggests rebreathing due to a faulty inspiratory valve.
What are the two methods of carbon dioxide analysis?
The two methods are mainstream (in-line) and sidestream (diverting).
What occurs during Phase I (A-B) of exhalation?
Exhalation of anatomic dead space
What occurs during Phase II (B-C) of exhalation?
Exhalation of anatomic dead space + alveolar gas
What occurs during Phase III (C-D) of exhalation?
Exhalation of alveolar gas
What occurs during Phase IV (D-E) of respiration?
Inspiration of fresh gas that does not contain CO2
What is the alpha angle measured at?
Point C
What is the normal range for the alpha angle?
100-110 degrees