Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the respiratory system?
What is the role of the medulla oblongata in breathing?
It regulates the mechanism of breathing.
Negative pressure in the lungs helps air to enter during breathing.
True
What does ABG stand for?
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What occurs during the process of inspiration?
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The ________ prevents aspiration.
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Which of the following is a common cause of anterior epistaxis?
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What is the condition when carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood?
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Study Notes
Oxygenation and Ventilation
- Aim: Maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood to support cellular life.
- Primary function: Provide oxygen for tissue metabolism and remove carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism.
Regulation of Breathing
- Controlled by the brain structures: medulla oblongata, pons, hypothalamus, and sympathetic nervous system.
Secondary Functions of the Respiratory System
- Facilitates sense of smell and produces speech.
- Maintains acid-base balance and body water levels.
- Helps regulate heat balance during respiration.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Values
- PaO2: Normal range is 96-100%.
- PCO2: Normal range is 35-45 mmHg.
- pH: Normal range is 7.35 - 7.45; indicates acidosis (↓pH, ↑CO2) and alkalosis (↑pH, ↓CO2).
- HCO2: Normal range is 22-26 mEq/L.
Mechanisms of Breathing
- Negative Pressure: Lungs create a vacuum allowing environmental air to enter.
- Positive Pressure: Occurs due to external factors (e.g., wounds) allowing air to enter the lungs.
Physiologic Changes During Inspiration
- Oxygen-rich air travels from the environment through the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles to the alveoli.
- Diaphragm descends, pushing abdominal organs down and forward, enlarging the chest cavity.
Physiologic Changes During Expiration
- Carbon dioxide is expelled from the respiratory system.
- Intercostal muscles and diaphragm relax, returning to the resting position.
- Rib cage assumes a dome-shaped configuration during relaxation.
Upper Respiratory Tract Anatomy
- Extends from the nose to the epiglottis, consisting of:
- Nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx (voice box), and epiglottis (prevents aspiration).
Functions of the Upper Respiratory Tract
- Transport gases to/from lower airways and filter/humidify inspired gases.
- Protects lower airways against foreign bodies and microorganisms.
Lower Respiratory Tract Anatomy
- Extends from the base of the neck to the diaphragm, including:
- Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, lungs, and thoracic cage.
Functions of the Lower Respiratory Tract
- Enables gas exchange by transporting gases in and out of the lungs.
- Promotes mucociliary function to clear mucus and debris.
Upper Airway Disorders: Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)
- Definition: Hemorrhage from the nose.
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Types of Bleeding:
- Anterior bleeding: Visible blood flow; more common.
- Posterior bleeding: Suspected if patient frequently swallows blood.
Causes of Epistaxis
-
Local Factors:
- Trauma from blows or injuries.
- Dryness leading to crust formation—prevented by nasal lubricants and humidifiers.
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Systemic Factors:
- Conditions such as hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, nasal polyps, cancer, or bleeding disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia, dengue).
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Description
This quiz focuses on the critical concepts of oxygenation and ventilation in the context of medical-surgical nursing. It covers the respiratory system and the mechanisms of breathing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the blood to support cellular life. Test your knowledge on these essential respiratory functions!
