vocal cords
thin whit bands of tough muscular tissue that are lateral borders of the glottis and serve as a the primary
center for speech production
poor air exchange
term used to describe the degree of distress in a patient with a mild airway obstruction. This causes the
patient to have a weak ineffective cough, increased difficulty breathing or possible cyanosis and may
produce high pitched noise during inhalation
pulse oximetry
an assessment tool that measure oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the capillary beds
recovery position
a side lying position used to maintain a clear airway in unconscious patients without injuries who are
breathing adequately
wheezing
the production of whistling sounds during expiration such as occurs in asthma and bronchiolitis
Acidosis
The buildup of excess acid in the blood or body tissues that results from a primary illness
Adventitious breath sounds
abnormal breath sounds such as wheezing stridor rhonchi and crackles
Bronchioles
Subdivision of the smaller bronchi in the lungs; made of smooth muscle and dilate or constrict in
response to various stimuli
Copnography
a noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patient's ventilatory status,
circulation and metabolism. Effectively measures the concentration of CO2 in expired over time
Capnometry
A device that measures the amount of expired CO2, capnometer
Carina
point at which the trachea bifurcates into the left and right mainstem bronchi
Chemoreceptors
, monitor the levels of O2, CO2, and the pH of the cerbrospinal fluid and then provide feedback to the
resp. centers to modify the rate and depth of breathing based on the body's needs
Compliance
Ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation
Continous Positive airway pressure (CPAP)
method of ventilation used primarily in the treatment of critically ill patients with resp. distress; can
prevent the need for endotracheal intubation
dead space
portion of the tidal volume that does not reach the alveoli and thus does not participate in gas exchange
gag reflex
a normal reflex mechanism that causes retching; activated by touching the soft palate or the back of the
throat.
gastric distention
condition in which are fills the stomach, often as a result of hight volume and pressure during artificial
ventilation
glottis
the space in between the vocalcords that is the narrowest portion of the adult's airway; also caled the
glottic opening
good air exchange
a term used to distinguish the degree of distress in a patient with a mild airway obstruction. with good
air exchanged the patient is still conscious and able to cough forcefully, although wheezing may be
heard.
head-tilt-chin lift maneuver
combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not
used for trauma patients
hypercarbia
increased carbon dioxide level in the bloodstream
hypoxia
a dangerous condition in which chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood stimulate the respiratory
drive; seen in patients with chronic lung diseases.
inhalation
the active muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs