EMT Chapter 10 Flashcards

Respiratory and Metabolic Processes

• Aerobic Metabolism: Requires oxygen for energy production; contrasts with anaerobic metabolism.
• Anaerobic Metabolism: Occurs without oxygen; results in lactic acid production.
• Alveolar Minute Volume: Air volume moved through the lungs in one minute after accounting for dead space; critical for assessing ventilation.
• Alveolar Ventilation: Air reaching the alveoli for gas exchange; determined by subtracting dead space air from tidal volume.

Airway Management

• Airway: Encompasses the upper respiratory tract including the nose, mouth, and throat; vital for ventilation.
• Bag-Valve Mask (BVM): Delivers over 90% supplemental oxygen; crucial for emergency ventilation.
• Automatic Transport Ventilator (ATV): Allows preset ventilation parameters; enables EMTs to multitask during patient care.
• Barrier Device: Protective gear such as a pocket mask; limits exposure to body fluids during rescue breaths.

Patient Respiratory Patterns

• Apnea: Characterized by the absence of spontaneous breathing; indicates critical need for intervention.
• Agonal Gasps: Gasping breaths occur post-cardiac arrest; signals the need for immediate resuscitation efforts.
• Ataxic Respirations: Irregular and ineffective breath patterns; may indicate serious neurological conditions.
• Dyspnea: Presents as shortness of breath; a common symptom in respiratory distress.

Gas Exchange and Monitoring Techniques

• End-Tidal CO2: Measures carbon dioxide levels at the end of exhalation; indicates respiratory efficiency.
• Diffusion: The movement of molecules from high to low concentration areas; essential for gas exchange.
• Capnography: Noninvasive method that provides insights into ventilatory status; measures carbon dioxide concentration over time.
• External Respiration: Gas exchange in the pulmonary capillaries; critical for oxygenation of blood.

Anatomy and Physiology

• Bronchioles: Smaller subdivisions of bronchi in the lungs; regulate airflow through smooth muscle constriction or dilation.
• Carina: The anatomical landmark where the trachea bifurcates; important for endotracheal intubation.
• Glottis: Narrow portion of the airway between vocal cords; significant for airway management.

Complications and Interventions

• Gastric Distention: Excessive air in the stomach from artificial ventilation; can complicate resuscitation efforts.
• Compliance: Refers to the ability of alveoli to expand during inhalation; impacts effective ventilation.
• Dead Space: Portion of tidal volume that does not engage in gas exchange; understanding its role is important in ventilation strategies.

Reflexes and Responses

• Gag Reflex: Protective mechanism activated by stimulation in the throat; important to assess during airway management.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Strategy to maintain airway pressure; helps prevent endotracheal intubation in respiratory distress.

Focus on mastering these key terms and their implications for EMT practice, as they form the foundation for effective patient care in emergency situations.