NUR 209: EXAM 2 (MOLLOY COLLEGE - DR. MANNINO) WITH WELL EXPLAINED
SOLUTIONS
The respiratory system
replenishes the body's oxygen supply and eliminates waste in the form of carbon dioxide.
What observations does the nurse make when performing a respiratory assessment?
Determines the effectiveness of the patient's breathing.
Gather information from the patient.
Listen to breath sounds with a stethoscope.
Interpret laboratory tests.
identify risk factors that cause respiratory impairment
What are the major components of the upper respiratory tract?
The mouth, nose, and pharynx
What is the function of the nasopharynx?
It funnels incoming air through the mouth and nose into the lower portions of the pharynx.
,What are the major components of the lower respiratory tract?
Trachea, lobar bronchi, segmental bronchi, and the lungs.
What are the primary muscles of breathing?
The diaphragm (which separates the chest from the abdominal cavity) and the intercostal
muscles (which lie between the ribs)
Respiratory system defenses
warm, humidify, and filter inspired air; trap and destroy bacteria; and keep the airway clear.
Normal breathing pattern
smooth, even, and regular
Breathing rate of 10 y-adult
12-20
Breathing rate of older adult (60+)
16-25
,Factors affecting respiratory function
Body position
Environment
Lifestyle and habits
Causes of increased work of breathing
Restricted lung movement
Airway obstruction
How does restricted lung movement cause increased work of breathing?
It requires more work for lung expansion, thus respiratory muscles consume an increased
amount of oxygen.
How does an airway obstruction cause increased work of breathing?
Reduced diameter of conducting airways causes increased airway resistance and
increases the work to move air through.
Describe the process of how an allergic reaction takes place in the lungs
Small airways become edematous, mucus production increases, and inflammatory
chemical mediators cause bronchospasm
Why can vomiting be potentially fatal to respiratory function?
, if vomiting occurs, stomach contents can easily slip into the trachea, causing choking and
aspiration
Describe respiratory function in the obese patient
Chest movement is restricted causing shallow respirations and increased respiratory rate
What conditions make lung tissues swell and stiffen?
Smoke inhalation, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory distress syndrome, and infections such
as pneumonia
Restrictive lung disorders (definition)
Lung disorders that cause swelling and stiffness of the lungs
Conditions that obstruct the airway
Asthma, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis.
Croup and epiglottitis (most common in young children)
Airway Obstruction
Any process that reduces the diameter of the conducting airways causing increased airway
resistance
SOLUTIONS
The respiratory system
replenishes the body's oxygen supply and eliminates waste in the form of carbon dioxide.
What observations does the nurse make when performing a respiratory assessment?
Determines the effectiveness of the patient's breathing.
Gather information from the patient.
Listen to breath sounds with a stethoscope.
Interpret laboratory tests.
identify risk factors that cause respiratory impairment
What are the major components of the upper respiratory tract?
The mouth, nose, and pharynx
What is the function of the nasopharynx?
It funnels incoming air through the mouth and nose into the lower portions of the pharynx.
,What are the major components of the lower respiratory tract?
Trachea, lobar bronchi, segmental bronchi, and the lungs.
What are the primary muscles of breathing?
The diaphragm (which separates the chest from the abdominal cavity) and the intercostal
muscles (which lie between the ribs)
Respiratory system defenses
warm, humidify, and filter inspired air; trap and destroy bacteria; and keep the airway clear.
Normal breathing pattern
smooth, even, and regular
Breathing rate of 10 y-adult
12-20
Breathing rate of older adult (60+)
16-25
,Factors affecting respiratory function
Body position
Environment
Lifestyle and habits
Causes of increased work of breathing
Restricted lung movement
Airway obstruction
How does restricted lung movement cause increased work of breathing?
It requires more work for lung expansion, thus respiratory muscles consume an increased
amount of oxygen.
How does an airway obstruction cause increased work of breathing?
Reduced diameter of conducting airways causes increased airway resistance and
increases the work to move air through.
Describe the process of how an allergic reaction takes place in the lungs
Small airways become edematous, mucus production increases, and inflammatory
chemical mediators cause bronchospasm
Why can vomiting be potentially fatal to respiratory function?
, if vomiting occurs, stomach contents can easily slip into the trachea, causing choking and
aspiration
Describe respiratory function in the obese patient
Chest movement is restricted causing shallow respirations and increased respiratory rate
What conditions make lung tissues swell and stiffen?
Smoke inhalation, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory distress syndrome, and infections such
as pneumonia
Restrictive lung disorders (definition)
Lung disorders that cause swelling and stiffness of the lungs
Conditions that obstruct the airway
Asthma, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis.
Croup and epiglottitis (most common in young children)
Airway Obstruction
Any process that reduces the diameter of the conducting airways causing increased airway
resistance
