Respiratory A&P
This structure is the primary site of gas exchange in the lungs.
alveoli
The hallmark sign of asthma during an acute attack.
Wheezing
Bluish discoloration of the skin due to hypoxemia.
cyanosis
This device measures oxygen saturation in the blood.
pulse oximeter
The primary buffer system of the blood.
bicarbonate buffer system
The muscle primarily responsible for inspiration.
Diaphragm
This chronic lung disease is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls and loss of lung elasticity.
COPD - emphysema
Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by periods of apnea alternating with hyperventilation.
Cheynes Stoke
The normal value for arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂).
95-100%
Retention of CO₂ leads to this acid-base disturbance.
respiratory acidosis
This part of the brainstem controls the basic rhythm of breathing.
medulla oblongata
A collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space
pneumothorax
The sound heard with fluid in the alveoli, as in pneumonia or heart failure.
crackles
The term for the amount of air exchanged during normal breathing
Tidal volume
Hyperventilation leads to this acid-base imbalance.
respiratory alkalosis
The small hairs in the upper respiratory tract that help trap and move particles out of the airway.
cilia
The term for the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after taking the deepest breath possible.
Vital capacity
Difficulty breathing while lying flat, relieved by sitting upright.
orthopnea
The simple bedside test where a patient exhales forcefully into a handheld device to measure airflow.
peak flow meter
Normal arterial blood pH range.
7.35-7.45
The structure that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.
epiglottis
A patient experiencing air hunger and inability to catch their breath.
dyspnea