Airway Anatomy & Physiology
The process of moving air in and out of the lungs is called this.
What is ventilation?
The first step in assessing any patient with a possible respiratory emergency.
What is ensuring the airway is open and patent?
A chronic disease that involves bronchial constriction and mucus production, often triggered by allergens.
What is asthma?
The device used to deliver high-concentration oxygen to a breathing patient.
What is a nonrebreather mask?
The term for low oxygen levels in the blood.
What is hypoxemia?
This muscle is primarily responsible for breathing.
What is the diaphragm?
You should suspect this if a patient is using accessory muscles and tripod positioning.
What is respiratory distress?
A chronic condition characterized by destruction of alveoli, causing “air trapping” and barrel chest.
What is emphysema?
A patient who is breathing inadequately should receive this intervention.
What is positive pressure ventilation (BVM)?
A patient with COPD who stops breathing may retain this gas, making careful ventilation necessary.
What is carbon dioxide (CO₂)?
The amount of air moved in or out of the lungs during a normal breath.
What is tidal volume?
Skin signs of hypoxia often include these two findings.
What are cyanosis and cool, clammy skin?
This infection causes inflammation of the lung tissue and alveoli to fill with fluid or pus.
What is pneumonia?
The position most respiratory distress patients prefer.
What is the Fowler’s or tripod position?
An epinephrine auto-injector may be indicated in a respiratory emergency caused by this.
What is anaphylaxis?
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli is called this.
What is respiration? (or i will take gas exchange)
A high-pitched sound usually heard during inspiration, caused by upper airway obstruction.
What is stridor?
A disease in which excessive mucus production and chronic cough are common symptoms.
What is chronic bronchitis? (COPD)
EMTs may assist a patient with this medication if prescribed and the patient is in respiratory distress.
What is a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or nebulizer?
Fluid buildup in the lungs from heart failure causes this common breathing difficulty.
What is pulmonary edema?
The term for the mechanical process of air movement in the lungs that depends on changes in pressure.
What is pulmonary ventilation (negative pressure ventilation)?
This is the term for abnormal “crackling” or “popping” lung sounds often heard in patients with CHF or pneumonia.
What are rales (crackles)?
Sudden onset of sharp chest pain and shortness of breath, possibly due to collapsed lung.
What is a spontaneous pneumothorax?
In severe respiratory failure, this rate of ventilations per minute should be used for an adult patient.
What is 10–12 breaths per minute?
A pediatric patient with a barking cough and stridor likely has this illness.
What is croup?