Ventilation
What is the difference between ventilation and respiration?
Answer: Ventilation = movement of air in/out of lungs, Respiration = gas exchange at alveoli
Which oxygen delivery device provides the lowest concentration of oxygen?
Nasal Cannula
What is the normal pH range for an arterial blood gas?
7.35-7.45
What type of breath sound is heard in an asthma attack?
wheezing
A patient with an asthma attack is only speaking in short phrases and has silent chest sounds. What should you do first?
Administer albuterol & oxygen, prepare for intubation—impending respiratory failure!
What ventilator setting controls the number of breaths per minute?
Respiratory rate (RR) or frequency
What oxygen delivery method provides the most precise FiO₂?
venturi mask
A PaCO₂ level of 55 mmHg indicates what type of imbalance?
respiratory acidosis
What condition is associated with fine crackles in the lungs?
pulmonary edema or pneumonia
What does it mean when a COPD patient on oxygen suddenly becomes confused and lethargic?
Oxygen-induced hypercapnia—reduce O₂ and monitor CO₂ levels.
Name one reason for a high-pressure alarm on a ventilator.
Mucus plug, kinked tubing, biting the tube, bronchospasm, or pneumothorax
Why must you be cautious when giving high-flow oxygen to a COPD patient?
They rely on hypoxic drive to breathe, and too much O₂ can cause respiratory depression
What would an ABG look like in early vs. late asthma exacerbation?
early = respiratory alkalosis (low CO2) late = respiratory acidosis (high CO2, due to air trapping)
What lung sound is heard with upper airway obstruction?
stridor
A patient experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation has received multiple doses of albuterol, but their condition is worsening. Their wheezing suddenly stops, and they are struggling to speak. What is the nurse’s next priority action?
The sudden absence of wheezing in a worsening asthma attack may indicate silent chest, a sign of impending respiratory failure due to severe airway obstruction. The nurse should immediately call for emergency assistance, prepare for possible intubation, and administer additional bronchodilators and corticosteroids while monitoring the patient closely.
What does PEEP stand for, and why is it used?
Positive End-Expiratory Pressure; keeps alveoli open to improve oxygenation
What FiO₂ percentage does a non-rebreather mask deliver?
60-100%
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for COPD?
PFT
Rhonchi (low-pitched wheezes) are typically heard in which condition?
bronchitis or mucus filled airways
A ventilated patient has a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. Name three possible causes
Tube displacement, mucus plug, pneumothorax, ventilator malfunction
Why are sedation vacations important for mechanically ventilated patients, and what risks are associated with prolonged sedation
Sedation vacations, or daily interruptions of sedative infusions, are important because they help assess a patient’s readiness to wean from mechanical ventilation, reduce the risk of prolonged intubation, and prevent complications like ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and delirium. Prolonged sedation can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, longer ICU stays, and increased mortality.
What is oxygen toxicity, and name one symptom?
Lung damage from prolonged high O₂ levels; symptoms include substernal chest pain, cough, or decreased lung compliance
What is the purpose of a pulmonary function test (PFT)
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) assess lung volumes, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency.
What condition presents with absent breath sounds on one side?
pneumothorax or complete atelectasis
A patient in ARDS is requiring higher FiO₂ but remains hypoxic. What ventilator adjustment is needed?
Increase PEEP to improve alveolar recruitment.