NUR 504 FINAL STUDY GUIDE OXYGENATION CRAVEN CHAPTER 26

NUR 504 FINAL STUDY GUIDE OXYGENATION CRAVEN CHAPTER 26 Oxygenation Craven Chapter 26 a. Identify individual, environmental, and pathological factors that influence oxygenation a. Body Position i. An upright position allows for the greatest ease of lung expansion ii. When lying down the abdominal contents push against the diaphragm making it more difficult to breath 1. This is more evident in people with compromised respiratory function b. Environment i. Percentage of oxygen that humans breathe (fraction of inspired oxygen concentration) is about 21% on “room air” ii. Lower oxygen at higher elevations = less oxygen available to the lungs for gas diffusion iii. How does the patient tolerate the weather they are living in? 1. Some tolerate heat and humidity well, others have difficulty breathing. 2. Chronic respiratory diseases often find breathing more difficult in humid conditions because the air is thicker iv. Air Pollution 1. Industrialized urban areas have elevated levels 2. Carbon monoxide emissions inhibit oxygen attachment to hemoglobin on the RBC 3. Pollutants increase mucus production and contribute to bronchitis and asthma 4. Second hand smoke v. Pollens and Allergens 1. Body attempts to rid itself of substances perceived as harmful by releasing chemical mediators that cause an inflammatory response 2. Almost anything can be an allergen 3. Hay fever – result of allergies confined to the nose and upper airways