Airway & Breathing Basics
This is the main muscle responsible for breathing.
What is the diaphragm?
This chronic condition causes narrowed airways and wheezing—your “I forgot my inhaler” patient.
What is asthma?
This bluish discoloration indicates low oxygen levels.
What is cyanosis?
This oxygen device delivers the highest concentration of oxygen without ventilation.
What is a non-rebreather mask?
This early sign of respiratory distress in pediatric patients is often seen before oxygen levels drop.
What is increased work of breathing (or nasal flaring / retractions)?
Normal adult respiratory rate falls within this range.
What is 12–20 breaths per minute?
This disease often affects smokers and includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
What is COPD?
A high-pitched sound on inhalation indicating upper airway obstruction.
What is stridor?
This device is used to manually ventilate a patient who is not breathing adequately.
What is a BVM (bag-valve mask)?
This pediatric condition causes swelling of the upper airway and is considered life-threatening.
What is epiglottitis?
This is the process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, specifically in the alevioli.
What is gas exchange?
This infection fills the lungs with fluid or pus.
What is pneumonia?
This lung sound is commonly heard in asthma patients.
What is wheezing?
This medication is commonly used for asthma attacks
What is albuterol?
Older adults with COPD may rely on this to stimulate breathing instead of oxygen levels. Think of a car with low oxygen levels....
What is hypoxic drive?
This condition occurs when breathing is inadequate to support life but breathing has not stopped yet.
What is respiratory failure?
This condition involves fluid buildup in the lungs, often related to heart failure.
What is pulmonary edema?
These are seen in pediatric patients when the chest pulls inward during breathing.
What are retractions?
Patients in respiratory distress are often placed in this position to ease breathing.
What is Fowler’s position (or sitting upright)?
This is a common cause of respiratory emergencies in infants involving airway blockage.
What is choking (foreign body airway obstruction)?
This airway adjunct is used in unconscious patients with no gag reflex.
What is an OPA (oropharyngeal airway)?
This viral illness commonly affects children and causes a barking cough.
What is croup?
This late sign indicates severe respiratory distress and possible failure.
What is altered mental status?
A patient is in severe respiratory distress with shallow breathing and a decreasing level of consciousness. Oxygen via non-rebreather is no longer effective. What should you do?
What is begin assisted ventilations with a BVM and high-flow oxygen?
Elderly patients may show this subtle sign instead of obvious respiratory distress.
What is confusion or altered mental status?