Airway Anatomy
Where O2 and CO2 exchange takes place
What is Alveoli
High pitched inspiratory sound due to a partial obstruction of the upper airway
What is Stridor
Irregular widely spaced gasps but not actually considered a form of breathing
What is agonal breathing
Acute spasm of the bronchioles with excessive mucus production and swelling of the respiratory passages. Usually brought on exertion or allergies
What is Asthma
Bacterial infection that spreads through coughing. Symptoms include fatigue, night sweats, fever, and weight loss. Cough will be productive and often times have blood. Common is homeless, prisons, and nursing homes.
What is TB
Functions to warm, filter, and humidify air
What is the upper airway
Bronchiole spasms most frequently cause this noise
What is wheezing
Rapid deep breathing usually associated with DKA commonly accompanied by a fruity breath odor
What is Kussmaul respirations
Slow process of dilation and disruption of the airway/alveoli caused by bronchial obstruction. Associated with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic lung irritants.
What is COPD
An infection of the lungs that is most commonly a secondary infection. Symptoms usually present with malaise, productive cough, exertional dyspnea, chest discomfort, and diminished lungs sounds with wheezing, crackles, or rhonchi.
What is pneumonia
The use of oxygen and glucose to produce energy
What is aerobic metabolism
Crackling or bubbling sounds most often heard on inspiration
What are Rales
Rapid breathing rate
What is Tachypnea
Fluid backs up into the pulmonary system causing a sudden onset of SOB, crackles, wheezing, and a pink frothy sputum. Associated with paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and orthopnea.
What is CHF
Bacterial infection that affects mostly children less than 6 years old that is highly contagious through droplets. Symptoms include fever and cold like symptoms, but with coughing spells that have a whooping sound on inspiration.
What is Pertussis
This nerve innervates the diaphragm muscle allowing it to contract.
What is the phrenic nerve
Rattling sound due to lower airway secretions
What is Rhonchi
Irregular and ineffective respirations with no identifiable pattern
What is ataxic respirations
Blood clot that occludes one or more arteries in the lungs, causing symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, and an unproductive cough. This condition is a common risk in patient's with A-fib, recent surgeries, DVT's, and recent major trauma, and pregnancy
What is a pulmonary embolism
This infection is commonly secondary to a viral infection of the upper airway that causes inflammation and swelling. Peak season is late fall and during the winter months and typical develops over a couple of days. Hallmark sign is a seal-barking cough
What is croup
A liquid substance that coats the alveoli in the lungs to decrease alveolar surface tension
What is surfactant
High pitched grating or squeaking sound heard on both inspiration and expiration. Occurs when 2 layers of the pleura rub against each other, commonly noticed with pleural effusion
What is pleural friction rub
Normal breathing with normal rate and pattern
What is Eupnea
Accumulation of air in the pleural space. Can occur spontaneously with chronic infections, or due to trauma. Patients will often present with dyspnea, sharp, stabbing chest pain, and anxious.
What is a pneumothorax
Infection of the upper airway that has a sudden onset of sore throat and high fever, will often be found in the tripod position and drooling. Patients are usually preschool and school aged children.
What is epiglottitis