Anatomy
This lung is narrower than the other due to the position of the heart.
What is the left lung?
These tiny air sacs are the primary site of gas exchange in the lungs.
What are alveoli?
During pregnancy, the enlarging uterus elevates this structure by approximately 4 cm, affecting respiratory mechanics.
What is the diaphragm?
This term describes a chest shape where the anteroposterior diameter is equal to or greater than the transverse diameter, often seen in chronic lung conditions.
What is barrel chest?
This term describes shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat and is often relieved by sitting or standing.
What is orthopnea?
These tiny air sacs are the primary site of gas exchange in the lungs.
What are alveoli?
These small blood vessels surround the alveoli and facilitate the exchange of gases.
What are pulmonary capillaries?
By this gestational week, surfactant is produced, which is essential for maintaining alveolar stability at birth.
What is 32 weeks?
This technique involves using the hands to feel for vibrations on the chest wall while the patient repeats a phrase like "ninety-nine."
What is tactile fremitus?
This physical finding, characterized by the enlargement of the fingertips and a change in the angle of the nail bed, is often associated with chronic respiratory diseases.
What is clubbing?
This central compartment of the thoracic cavity contains the heart, trachea, and esophagus.
What is the mediastinum?
This substance reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse and aiding in gas exchange.
What is surfactant?
This physical sign, often observed in children experiencing respiratory distress, involves the use of accessory muscles during breathing.
What are intercostal retractions?
This abnormal sound is described as a low-pitched grating or creaking sound that occurs when pleural surfaces rub together.
What is pleural friction rub?
This chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by airflow limitation and impaired gas exchange due to inflammation and structural changes in the airways.
What is chronic bronchitis?
This angle is formed by the right and left costal margins meeting at the xiphoid process and is typically less than 90 degrees.
What is the costal angle?
This process describes the movement of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood into the alveoli.
What is diffusion?
This physical sign, often observed in children experiencing respiratory distress, involves the use of accessory muscles during breathing.
What are intercostal retractions?
This assessment technique involves placing hands on the posterior chest to confirm symmetrical expansion during deep breathing.
What is chest expansion assessment?
This condition, characterized by impaired gas exchange due to fluid accumulation in the alveoli, is often seen in pneumonia and pulmonary edema.
What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
These muscles are located between the ribs and assist in the expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity during breathing.
What are the intercostal muscles?
At high altitudes, this physiological response occurs as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
What is increased respiratory rate and depth (hyperventilation)?
This age-related change in the thorax results in decreased mobility and increased rigidity, impacting respiratory function.
What is costal cartilage calcification?
This percussion note is characterized by a low-pitched, booming sound and is often associated with conditions like emphysema or pneumothorax.
What is hyperresonance?
This type of chest pain is often described as sharp or stabbing and may worsen with deep breathing or coughing.
What is pleuritic chest pain?