Respiratory System Flashcards
(20 cards)
Anatomy of the Respiratory System
Upper Respiratory Tract: Nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, larynx
Lower Respiratory Tract: Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs (alveoli)
Pleura: Membranes surrounding the lungs (visceral and parietal)
Gas Exchange
Process: Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange occurs in the alveoli.
Mechanism: Diffusion; O2 moves from alveoli to blood; CO2 moves from blood to alveoli.
Importance: Essential for cellular respiration and maintaining pH balance.
Breathing Mechanism
Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts, thoracic cavity expands, creating negative pressure; air enters lungs.
Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes, thoracic cavity decreases, pushing air out of lungs.
Accessory Muscles: Used during forced breathing (e.g., sternocleidomastoid, intercostal muscles).
Respiratory Rate
Normal Range: 12-20 breaths per minute for adults.
Bradypnea: Respiratory rate <12 breaths per minute.
Tachypnea: Respiratory rate >20 breaths per minute.
Factors Affecting Rate: Activity level, age, health status, medications.
Lung Volumes and Capacities
Tidal Volume (TV): Volume of air inhaled/exhaled in a normal breath (approx. 500 mL).
Vital Capacity (VC): Maximum amount of air exhaled after maximum inhalation.
Residual Volume (RV): Volume of air remaining in the lungs after exhalation.
Total Lung Capacity (TLC): Total volume of air in the lungs (TLC = VC + RV).
Common Respiratory Disorders
Asthma: Chronic inflammatory disorder causing airway obstruction and hyperreactivity.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis; characterized by airflow limitation.
Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs causing inflammation and fluid accumulation.
Pulmonary Embolism: Blockage of pulmonary artery by a blood clot.
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Distress
Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing; may be acute or chronic.
Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes; indicates inadequate oxygenation.
Use of Accessory Muscles: Indicates respiratory distress.
Wheezing: High-pitched sound during expiration; common in asthma and COPD.
Diagnostic Tests for Respiratory System
Pulse Oximetry: Measures oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood.
Chest X-ray: Visualizes lung structure and identifies abnormalities (e.g., pneumonia, tumors).
Spirometry: Measures lung function and capacity; helps diagnose COPD and asthma.
Bronchoscopy: Direct visualization of the airways using a flexible scope.
Medications for Respiratory Disorders
Bronchodilators: Relax airway muscles (e.g., albuterol, ipratropium).
Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation (e.g., prednisone, fluticasone).
Antibiotics: Treat bacterial infections (e.g., amoxicillin, azithromycin).
Mucolytics: Thin mucus to facilitate expectoration (e.g., acetylcysteine).
Oxygen Therapy
Indications: Hypoxemia, respiratory distress, COPD exacerbation.
Methods:
- Nasal cannula: Up to 6 L/min; delivers 24-44% O2.
- Simple mask: 6-10 L/min; delivers 40-60% O2.
- Non-rebreather mask: 10-15 L/min; delivers up to 90% O2.
Safety Considerations: Monitor oxygen saturation, assess for skin breakdown.
Incentive Spirometry
Purpose: Encourages deep breathing to prevent atelectasis and improve lung expansion.
Usage: Inhale slowly and deeply through the spirometer; hold breath for 3-5 seconds.
Frequency: Encourage use every hour while awake, especially after surgery.
Nursing Interventions for Respiratory Patients
Assessment: Monitor respiratory rate, depth, effort, and lung sounds.
Positioning: Elevate head of the bed to facilitate breathing (High Fowler’s position).
Encourage Coughing and Deep Breathing: Helps clear secretions.
Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake to thin secretions.
Smoking Cessation
Health Risks: Increases risk of lung cancer, COPD, cardiovascular diseases.
Interventions: Counseling, nicotine replacement therapies, prescription medications (e.g., varenicline, bupropion).
Support Resources: Provide access to support groups, hotlines, and educational materials.
Respiratory Assessment Techniques
Inspection: Observe for respiratory effort, chest shape, and color.
Palpation: Assess for chest expansion and tenderness.
Percussion: Determine lung density (resonant vs. dull sounds).
Auscultation: Listen for normal and abnormal breath sounds (e.g., crackles, rhonchi).
Pneumonia Prevention
Vaccination: Pneumococcal vaccine for at-risk populations (elderly, immunocompromised).
Hand Hygiene: Encourage regular hand washing to reduce infection risk.
Smoking Cessation: Reduces risk of respiratory infections.
Positioning: Elevate head during meals to prevent aspiration.
Asthma Management
Trigger Identification: Avoid allergens and irritants (e.g., smoke, dust).
Medication Adherence: Regular use of inhalers (rescue and maintenance).
Action Plan: Develop an asthma action plan for managing symptoms and exacerbations.
Monitoring: Regularly assess peak flow measurements
COPD Management
Lifestyle Modifications: Smoking cessation, regular exercise, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Medication Adherence: Use bronchodilators and corticosteroids as prescribed.
Oxygen Therapy: For patients with chronic hypoxemia.
Nutritional Support: Encourage a balanced diet to prevent weight loss.
Sleep Apnea
Definition: Repeated pauses in breathing during sleep; often associated with snoring.
Types: Obstructive (due to airway blockage) and central (due to brain signals).
Management: Lifestyle changes (weight loss), CPAP therapy, and positional therapy.
Emergency Management in Respiratory Failure
Signs: Severe dyspnea, cyanosis, altered mental status.
Interventions: Position patient in a high Fowler’s position, administer oxygen, and assist with ventilation if needed.
Monitor Vital Signs: Assess heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
Call for Help: Activate emergency response as necessary.
Patient Education for Respiratory Health
Avoidance of Triggers: Identify and avoid allergens and irritants.
Medication Adherence: Importance of taking medications as prescribed.
Breathing Techniques: Teach diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing.
Regular Follow-up: Importance of routine check-ups and monitoring symptoms.
