Respiratory System Consists of the nose, nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea,

bronchial tree, lungs, and respiratory muscles. The ones that are
superior to the chest cavity are called the upper respiratory
system. The rest are the lower respiratory system.
Protective Mechanisms Nasal hairs trap stuff, mucous membranes warm and moisten
of the respiratory inhaled air, cilia move stuff towards the pharynx to be coughed
system out, irritant recepters trigger sneeze and cough functions.
Larynx The voice box and airway between the pharynx and the trachea.
Made of nine pieces of cartilage, of which the largest is the
thyroid cartilige, also known as the Adam's Apple
Bronchial Tree A series of air passages within the lungs, a succession of
progressively smaller tubes that terminate in the alveoli.
Alveoli Millions of functional units in the lungs. They are the site of gas
exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide
Ventilation The movement of air into and out of the alveoli. The respiratory
center for such is in the medulla oblongata
Respiratory Alkalosis Occurs when the rate of respiration increases, eliminating
exhaled carbon dioxide very rapidly, resulting in the pH of the
blood rising
Metabolic Alkalosis May be caused by overingestion of antacids, or vomiting gastric
contents that are high in hydrochloric acid
Adventitious Abnormal extra sounds
D-DIMER Blood test that measures fibrin degradation products, which are
present if there is a blood clot in the body. It helps diagnose
pulmonary embolism
Stridor Airway obstruction; loud crowing noise heard without
stephoscope
Pleural Friction Rub Pleura rubbing together; Sounds like leather rubbing together
Rales Alveoli popping open on inspiration, sounds like velcro being
ripped apart
Oxygen Saturation Simple noninvasive test that measures the percentage of
hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. Less than 95%, it
should be reported to RN or MD. Less than 75% requires
emergency intervention
Ventilation-Perfusion A radioactive substance is injected IV, and a scan is done to
Scan view blood flow to the lungs
Pursed Lip Breathing Technique used any time a patient feels short of breathe. It
helps keep airways open during exhalation, and should be done
with diaphragmatic breathing. You inhale slowly through the
nose to the count of 2, then exhale slowly through pursed lips to
the count of 4
Nasal Cannula Most common method of oxygen administration. Oxygen is
delivered through a flexible catheter that has two short nasal
prongs. For it to be most effective, the patient must breathe
 through his nose. Oxygen can be delivered at rates of 1 – 6
L/minute
Partial Rebreather Uses a reservoir to capture some exhaled gas for rebreathing.
Mask Vents on the side allow it to mix with room oxygen
Nonrebreather Mask Has one or both side vents closed to limit the mixing of room air
with oxygen. The vents open on expiration, but close on
inspiration. Used to deliver oxygen at 70 – 100% concentrations
Venturi Mask Used for patients who require precise percentages of oxygen
Transtracheal Catheter A small tube that is surgically placed through the base of the
neck directly into he trachea to deliver oxygen. Excellent choice
for patients who are on long term oxygen therapy
Incentive Spirometry Devices used to encourage deep breathing in patients at risk for
collapse of lung tissue. Patients are to use the spirometer 10
times each hour they are awake.
Atelectasis Collapse of lung tissue
Thoracentesis Insertion of needle into the pleural space. It is done to aspirate
fluid in patients with pleural effusion. It can be diagnostic, to
determine the source of the fluid, or therapeutic to remove fluid
and reduce respiratory distress
Mechanical Ventilation Devices that provide ventilation for patients who are unable to
effectively breathe on their own. They use + pressure to push
oxygenated air into the lungs at preset intervels