Week 4 Flashcards
(77 cards)
What are the main functions of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange, ventilation, and perfusion.
Gas exchange involves the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream.
What is the difference between ventilation and oxygenation?
Ventilation refers to the movement of air in and out of the lungs, while oxygenation is the process of adding oxygen to the blood.
Both processes are essential for effective respiration.
What physiological process involves inhalation and exhalation?
Ventilation.
Inhalation is the intake of air, while exhalation is the expulsion of air from the lungs.
What do chemoreceptors respond to in the respiratory system?
Changes in the chemical composition of the fluid around them.
Chemoreceptors play a critical role in regulating respiration based on the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen.
What are the primary defence mechanisms of the respiratory system?
- Filtration of air by nasal hairs
- Mucociliary clearance system
- Cough reflex
- Bronchoconstriction
- Alveolar macrophages
These mechanisms protect the lungs from microorganisms, inhaled particles, allergens, and pollutants.
What changes occur in the respiratory system related to age?
Changes include decreased chest recoil, altered chest wall compliance, and reduced ciliary function.
Age-related changes can impact overall respiratory efficiency and immune response.
What are the components of a physical assessment of the respiratory system?
- Inspection
- Palpation
- Percussion
- Auscultation
These techniques help identify respiratory issues and abnormalities.
What are common abnormal lung sounds assessed during auscultation?
- Crackles
- Expiratory wheezing
- Stridor
These sounds can indicate various respiratory conditions.
What diagnostic imaging studies are used for the respiratory system?
- Chest radiograph (chest x-ray)
- CT scan
- MRI
- VQ scan
- Pulmonary angiography
- PET scan
These imaging techniques help visualize abnormalities in the respiratory system.
What blood studies are commonly conducted for respiratory assessment?
- Hemoglobin (Hb)
- Hematocrit (Hct)
- Arterial blood gas (ABG)
These tests provide information about oxygenation and overall lung function.
What is the purpose of pulmonary function tests (PFTs)?
To measure inspiratory/expiratory function and efficiency, diagnose diseases, and track disease progression.
PFTs are particularly useful in conditions such as asthma and COPD.
What is nicotine replacement therapy?
A treatment method that includes various replacement methods to aid in smoking cessation.
It helps to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for nicotine.
True or False: The cough reflex is considered the first line of defence in the respiratory system.
True.
The cough reflex helps to clear the airways of irritants and pathogens.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the most important respiratory defence mechanism distal to the respiratory bronchioles.
Alveolar macrophage.
Alveolar macrophages play a crucial role in immune response within the alveoli.
What procedure is performed to remove pleural fluid for analysis?
Thoracentesis.
This procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to collect fluid.
What is the role of surfactant in the pulmonary system?
It reduces the surface tension of the alveoli.
Surfactant is crucial for maintaining alveolar stability and preventing collapse.
Coughing can only remove particles up to which level
Bronchi, segmental bronchi
What is the expected volume of fluid in the pleural space
25 mL
Visceral pleural
Coating the lungs, closest layer to the lung
Parietal pleura
Against the chest cavity, outer most layer of lungs
Inspiration
ACTIVE air flow into the lungs
- the chest is expanded laterally, the rib cage is elevated
- the diaphragm CONTRACTS depressed and flattened
Pressure changes r/t inspiration
Higher pressure (atmospheric) to lower pressure region (intrathoracic)
Expiration
PASSIVE air is leaving the lungs
- chest is depressed and the lateral dimension is reduced
- rib cage is descended
- the diaphragm RELAXES is elevated and dome shaped
Alveoli
The grapes of the lungs