Pulmonary Terminology
This term describes a decreased oxygen supply to body tissues and cells.
What is hypoxia?
The two primary diseases that make up COPD.
What are chronic bronchitis and emphysema?
The three most common symptoms of asthma.
What are cough, wheezing, and dyspnea?
This short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) is commonly used as a rescue inhaler during an acute asthma attack.
What is albuterol (Ventolin)?
This imaging test helps diagnose COPD by revealing hyperinflation and a flattened diaphragm.
What is a chest X-ray (CXR)?
This is a life-threatening complication of COPD where the right side of the heart fails due to increased lung pressure.
What is cor pulmonale?
This measurement represents the fraction of inspired oxygen delivered for inhalation.
What is FiO2?
The most common risk factor for COPD, responsible for 80-90% of cases.
What is smoking (tobacco use)?
This condition is a life-threatening asthma emergency marked by severe bronchoconstriction, cyanosis, and respiratory failure.
What is status asthmaticus?
COPD patients taking theophylline must limit consumption of these common caffeinated items.
What are coffee, cola, and chocolate?
This blood test evaluates oxygenation and gas exchange, often revealing hypoxemia and hypercapnia in COPD patients.
What is an arterial blood gas (ABG) test?
COPD patients should limit exposure to this type of illness, as it can worsen symptoms and lead to hospitalization.
What are respiratory infections?
This diagnostic test measures lung volumes and evaluates airflow obstruction.
What is spirometry?
This genetic abnormality increases the risk for developing COPD at an early age.
What is alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency?
This environmental factor is a major trigger for asthma, affecting individuals sensitive to dust, pollen, and pet dander.
What are allergens?
This class of medication blocks parasympathetic activity, leading to bronchodilation and decreased secretions.
What are anticholinergics (muscarinic antagonists)?
This lung function test helps classify asthma severity and determines if airflow obstruction is reversible.
What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?
The first-line action for a nurse treating a patient experiencing dyspnea and respiratory distress.
What is positioning the patient to maximize ventilation?
This occurs when alveoli collapse, reducing oxygen exchange.
What is atelectasis?
A common early morning symptom seen in COPD patients.
What is a chronic productive cough?
This acid reflux condition is a known trigger for asthma attacks.
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
The correct order of inhaler use when a bronchodilator and corticosteroid are both prescribed.
What is bronchodilator first, then corticosteroid?
COPD patients are advised to perform this breathing technique, which helps strengthen respiratory muscles and prolong exhalation.
What is pursed-lip breathing?
This complication results from prolonged oxygen therapy in COPD patients, leading to reduced respiratory drive.
What is oxygen-induced hypoventilation?
This condition is defined as elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood, with a PaCO2 > 45 mmHg.
What is hypercapnia?
This diagnostic test measures the ratio of forced expiratory volume (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC), which decreases as COPD worsens.
What is pulmonary function testing (PFT)?
This type of asthma attack occurs when a patient experiences symptoms due to exercise-induced airway narrowing.
What is exercise-induced asthma?
This type of drug is commonly prescribed to reduce airway inflammation in both asthma and COPD.
What are corticosteroids?
This screening tool helps assess the severity of chronic pulmonary disease and provides guidelines for treatment.
What is the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification?
In an acute asthma exacerbation, the nurse should immediately assess this aspect of airway function to determine severity.
What is breath sounds (wheezing, diminished airflow)?