NSPE 7200 Final Exam
Latest Update
Asthma - Answer A chronic disorder of the airways that causes episodes of airway
obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and possible airway
remodelling. Recurrent attacks of SOB and dyspnea with wheezing due to spasmodic
contraction of the bronchi.
Bronchiolitis - Answer A common lung infection in children that causes swelling,
inflammation, and irritation and a buildup of mucus in the small airways of the lungs.
Bronchitis - Answer Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes,
which become inflamed and lead to coughing and mucus production.
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis) - Answer A contagious URTI that causes swelling of
the larynx (voice box), and windpipe (trachea), which leads to symptoms including a
distinct barking cough and stridor (raspy breathing).
Empyema - Answer An accumulation of pus in a cavity of the body, especially the pleural
space.
Epiglottitis - Answer Inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the tissue-lined cartilage
that covers the trachea while swallowing.
FB Aspiration - Answer aka pulmonary aspiration, occurs when an object is inhaled and
becomes lodged in the airway or lungs, which can lead to breathing difficulties or
choking.
Pneumonia - Answer An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The
alveoli and bronchioles may fill with thick secretions of fluid or pus, causing cough with
phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Pneumothorax - Answer A collapsed lung occurs when air leaks into the space between
your lung and chest wall. This air pushes on the outside of the lung and makes it
collapse. It can be a complete collapse or only a portion of the lung.
Pleural Effusion - Answer A buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue (pleural cavity)
that line the lungs and chest cavity.
Anatomical Differences - Saliva - Answer Saliva is minimal at birth, salivary secretions
increase after 3mo.
Consequences: increased aspiration risk
Anatomical Differences - Teeth - Answer Deciduous (baby) teeth grow between 6-24mo.
,Consequences: delay could signify hypothyroidism or malnutrition
Anatomical Differences - Nose - Answer Obligate nose breathers
Consequences: nasal passages are easily obstructed by secretions which affects
airway patency and ability to feed - can cause respiratory distress
Anatomical Differences - Airway and Nasal Passages - Answer Airway and nasal
passages are narrow, larynx is narrowest at a level of the cricoid cartilage subglottis.
Consequences: increased risk of airway obstruction and infection, endotracheal
intubation is difficult, accidental extubation is more likely with movement, cricoid is
susceptible to edema (1mm can narrow the airways by 60%), position of larynx makes
airway visualization more difficult.
Anatomical Differences - Tongue - Answer Tongue is large in proportion to size of the
mouth.
Consequences: potential for airway obstruction
Anatomical Differences - Palate - Answer Proportionately large soft palate and large
amount of soft tissue in the airway
Consequences: soft tissue swelling increased risk of airway obstruction
Anatomical Differences - Swallowing - Answer Ability to coordinate swallowing and
breathing is immature.
Consequences: risk for aspiration and GERD
Anatomical Differences - Epiglottis - Answer Proportionately large, floppy, and long
epiglottis
Consequences: potential for airway obstruction with swelling and endotracheal
intubation is difficult.
Anatomical Differences - Hypoxic and Hypercapnic Drives - Answer Hypoxic and
hypercapnic drives are not fully developed
Consequences: periodic breathing with apnea of < 10s without cyanosis or bradycardia
is WNL.
Anatomical Differences - Chest - Answer Easily compressible cartilage of the chest wall
with very little musculature
Consequences: limits tidal volume, lowers functional residual capacity, ribcage is
flexible and provides little support for the lungs, negative intrathoracic pressure is
poorly maintained causing increased WOB, soft thoracic cage collapses easily during
laboured breathing.
,Anatomical Differences - Alveoli - Answer Alveoli are thick-walled and infants only have
10% of the total number of alveoli found in adults.
Consequences: affects GE and increases RR, children with pulmonary damage can
regenerate new pulmonary tissue, contributes to high number of respiratory issues
during acute illness
Anatomical Differences - Mucus Membranes - Answer Mucus membranes lining the
respiratory tract are loosely attached and very vascular.
Consequences: potential for airway edema is greater, more respiratory secretions are
produced which increases the risk of aspiration.
Anatomical Differences - Tracheobronchial - Answer Tracheobronchial tree has a large
amount of anatomic dead space where GE does not occur.
Consequences: faster RR is needed to meet oxygen requirements, risk for respiratory
acidosis if lungs cannot removed CO2 quickly.
Anatomical Differences - Lung Volume - Answer Smaller lung volume, tidal volume is
proportional to child's weight (1-10mL/kg).
Consequences: increased RR
Anatomical Differences - - Diaphragm - Answer Breathing using diaphragm and
abdominal muscles.
Consequences: respirations may be ineffective when crying, retention of CO2 causing
acidosis, chest wall and diaphragm become fatigued due to limited energy reserves.
Lung Compliance - Answer A measure of the distensibility of lung tissue - between the
degree to which the tissue will stretch and the force required to make that stretch occur
Airway Resistance - Answer The resistance of the respiratory tract to airflow during
inspiration and expiration - conducting airways are influenced by the diameter of the
airway.
Ventilation - Answer Movement of air in and out of the lungs
Functional Residual Capacity - Answer The volume remaining in the lungs after a
normal, passive exhalation
Vital Capacity - Answer The total amount of air exhaled after maximal inhalation
Tidal Volume - Answer The amount of air moved into or out of the lung - the size of each
breath
V/Q Matching - Answer The relationship between the air reaching the alveoli (ventilation)
and the blood reaching the alveoli (perfusion)
, Diffusion - Answer The movement of gases across a membrane, from a point of higher
concentration to lower concentration.
Alveolar Gas Exchange - Answer The movement of gases across the alveolar-capillary
membrane
Driving Pressure - Answer The different in concentration of gases on either side of the
alveolar-capillary membrane
Diffusion Coefficient - Answer How readily does gas diffuse across the membrane
Anatomical Surface Area - Answer How much surface area is available for diffusion to
occur
Thickness of Alveolar-Capillary Membrane - Answer The alveolar-capillary basement
membrane, also known as the blood-gas barrier
Arterial Oxygen Saturation - Answer The percentage of Hgb binding sites that are
occupied by oxygen
Arterial Oxygen Content - Answer The amount of oxygen being carried by the blood, this
includes oxygen bound to Hgb and oxygen that is dissolved in plasma.
Oxygen Hemoglobin Affinity - Answer The eat with which oxygen will bind to Hgb
Contractility - Answer The ability of the heart's myofibrils to change their strength of
contraction.
Venous Return - Answer The amount of blood returning from the body to the R-side of
the heart
Aortic Impedance - Answer The sum of external factors that resist L ventricular ejection
- i.e., valve stenosis, vasoconstriction, etc.
Preload - Answer The volume of blood in ventricular at the end of diastole
Afterload - Answer The force or the resistance against which the ventricles have to
pump in order to eject the blood.
Stroke Volume - Answer The amount of blood ejected from the heart with each
contraction.
Cardiac Output - Answer The amount of blood ejected from the heart in one minute
(heart rate x stroke volume)
Oxygen Supply - Answer 3 determinants of oxygen supply for any cell are arterial
oxygen saturation, the capacity of blood to transport oxygen, and cardiac output.
Oxygen Demand - Answer The amount of oxygen a cell requires to function
Oxygen Consumption - Answer The amount of oxygen a cell consumes in order to
Latest Update
Asthma - Answer A chronic disorder of the airways that causes episodes of airway
obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and possible airway
remodelling. Recurrent attacks of SOB and dyspnea with wheezing due to spasmodic
contraction of the bronchi.
Bronchiolitis - Answer A common lung infection in children that causes swelling,
inflammation, and irritation and a buildup of mucus in the small airways of the lungs.
Bronchitis - Answer Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes,
which become inflamed and lead to coughing and mucus production.
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis) - Answer A contagious URTI that causes swelling of
the larynx (voice box), and windpipe (trachea), which leads to symptoms including a
distinct barking cough and stridor (raspy breathing).
Empyema - Answer An accumulation of pus in a cavity of the body, especially the pleural
space.
Epiglottitis - Answer Inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the tissue-lined cartilage
that covers the trachea while swallowing.
FB Aspiration - Answer aka pulmonary aspiration, occurs when an object is inhaled and
becomes lodged in the airway or lungs, which can lead to breathing difficulties or
choking.
Pneumonia - Answer An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The
alveoli and bronchioles may fill with thick secretions of fluid or pus, causing cough with
phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Pneumothorax - Answer A collapsed lung occurs when air leaks into the space between
your lung and chest wall. This air pushes on the outside of the lung and makes it
collapse. It can be a complete collapse or only a portion of the lung.
Pleural Effusion - Answer A buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue (pleural cavity)
that line the lungs and chest cavity.
Anatomical Differences - Saliva - Answer Saliva is minimal at birth, salivary secretions
increase after 3mo.
Consequences: increased aspiration risk
Anatomical Differences - Teeth - Answer Deciduous (baby) teeth grow between 6-24mo.
,Consequences: delay could signify hypothyroidism or malnutrition
Anatomical Differences - Nose - Answer Obligate nose breathers
Consequences: nasal passages are easily obstructed by secretions which affects
airway patency and ability to feed - can cause respiratory distress
Anatomical Differences - Airway and Nasal Passages - Answer Airway and nasal
passages are narrow, larynx is narrowest at a level of the cricoid cartilage subglottis.
Consequences: increased risk of airway obstruction and infection, endotracheal
intubation is difficult, accidental extubation is more likely with movement, cricoid is
susceptible to edema (1mm can narrow the airways by 60%), position of larynx makes
airway visualization more difficult.
Anatomical Differences - Tongue - Answer Tongue is large in proportion to size of the
mouth.
Consequences: potential for airway obstruction
Anatomical Differences - Palate - Answer Proportionately large soft palate and large
amount of soft tissue in the airway
Consequences: soft tissue swelling increased risk of airway obstruction
Anatomical Differences - Swallowing - Answer Ability to coordinate swallowing and
breathing is immature.
Consequences: risk for aspiration and GERD
Anatomical Differences - Epiglottis - Answer Proportionately large, floppy, and long
epiglottis
Consequences: potential for airway obstruction with swelling and endotracheal
intubation is difficult.
Anatomical Differences - Hypoxic and Hypercapnic Drives - Answer Hypoxic and
hypercapnic drives are not fully developed
Consequences: periodic breathing with apnea of < 10s without cyanosis or bradycardia
is WNL.
Anatomical Differences - Chest - Answer Easily compressible cartilage of the chest wall
with very little musculature
Consequences: limits tidal volume, lowers functional residual capacity, ribcage is
flexible and provides little support for the lungs, negative intrathoracic pressure is
poorly maintained causing increased WOB, soft thoracic cage collapses easily during
laboured breathing.
,Anatomical Differences - Alveoli - Answer Alveoli are thick-walled and infants only have
10% of the total number of alveoli found in adults.
Consequences: affects GE and increases RR, children with pulmonary damage can
regenerate new pulmonary tissue, contributes to high number of respiratory issues
during acute illness
Anatomical Differences - Mucus Membranes - Answer Mucus membranes lining the
respiratory tract are loosely attached and very vascular.
Consequences: potential for airway edema is greater, more respiratory secretions are
produced which increases the risk of aspiration.
Anatomical Differences - Tracheobronchial - Answer Tracheobronchial tree has a large
amount of anatomic dead space where GE does not occur.
Consequences: faster RR is needed to meet oxygen requirements, risk for respiratory
acidosis if lungs cannot removed CO2 quickly.
Anatomical Differences - Lung Volume - Answer Smaller lung volume, tidal volume is
proportional to child's weight (1-10mL/kg).
Consequences: increased RR
Anatomical Differences - - Diaphragm - Answer Breathing using diaphragm and
abdominal muscles.
Consequences: respirations may be ineffective when crying, retention of CO2 causing
acidosis, chest wall and diaphragm become fatigued due to limited energy reserves.
Lung Compliance - Answer A measure of the distensibility of lung tissue - between the
degree to which the tissue will stretch and the force required to make that stretch occur
Airway Resistance - Answer The resistance of the respiratory tract to airflow during
inspiration and expiration - conducting airways are influenced by the diameter of the
airway.
Ventilation - Answer Movement of air in and out of the lungs
Functional Residual Capacity - Answer The volume remaining in the lungs after a
normal, passive exhalation
Vital Capacity - Answer The total amount of air exhaled after maximal inhalation
Tidal Volume - Answer The amount of air moved into or out of the lung - the size of each
breath
V/Q Matching - Answer The relationship between the air reaching the alveoli (ventilation)
and the blood reaching the alveoli (perfusion)
, Diffusion - Answer The movement of gases across a membrane, from a point of higher
concentration to lower concentration.
Alveolar Gas Exchange - Answer The movement of gases across the alveolar-capillary
membrane
Driving Pressure - Answer The different in concentration of gases on either side of the
alveolar-capillary membrane
Diffusion Coefficient - Answer How readily does gas diffuse across the membrane
Anatomical Surface Area - Answer How much surface area is available for diffusion to
occur
Thickness of Alveolar-Capillary Membrane - Answer The alveolar-capillary basement
membrane, also known as the blood-gas barrier
Arterial Oxygen Saturation - Answer The percentage of Hgb binding sites that are
occupied by oxygen
Arterial Oxygen Content - Answer The amount of oxygen being carried by the blood, this
includes oxygen bound to Hgb and oxygen that is dissolved in plasma.
Oxygen Hemoglobin Affinity - Answer The eat with which oxygen will bind to Hgb
Contractility - Answer The ability of the heart's myofibrils to change their strength of
contraction.
Venous Return - Answer The amount of blood returning from the body to the R-side of
the heart
Aortic Impedance - Answer The sum of external factors that resist L ventricular ejection
- i.e., valve stenosis, vasoconstriction, etc.
Preload - Answer The volume of blood in ventricular at the end of diastole
Afterload - Answer The force or the resistance against which the ventricles have to
pump in order to eject the blood.
Stroke Volume - Answer The amount of blood ejected from the heart with each
contraction.
Cardiac Output - Answer The amount of blood ejected from the heart in one minute
(heart rate x stroke volume)
Oxygen Supply - Answer 3 determinants of oxygen supply for any cell are arterial
oxygen saturation, the capacity of blood to transport oxygen, and cardiac output.
Oxygen Demand - Answer The amount of oxygen a cell requires to function
Oxygen Consumption - Answer The amount of oxygen a cell consumes in order to
