Respiratory System and Breathing Regulation

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What is the primary stimulus for respiration in clients with emphysema/COPD?

Decreased oxygen concentrations

What is the effect of increasing oxygen concentration on respiratory rate in clients with emphysema/COPD?

Depresses the respiratory rate

What is the location of the body's respiratory center?

Medulla oblongata and pons of the brain

What is the effect of aging on the chest wall and airways?

Become more rigid and less elastic Signup and view all the answers

Why is oxygen considered a drug in terms of administration?

It must be carefully prescribed based on individual client conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the respiratory center in the brainstem during pulmonary ventilation?

To regulate the act of breathing, including inspiration and expiration. Signup and view all the answers

How does lung compliance affect the ease of ventilation?

Lung compliance determines the expansibility or stretchability of lung tissue, making it easier or harder to ventilate the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to lung expansion without the presence of surfactant?

Lung expansion would be exceedingly difficult, and the lungs would collapse. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of oxygen is transported to the tissues as oxyhemoglobin?

97% Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the respiratory center that regulates pulmonary ventilation?

Medulla and pons of the brainstem Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for hypoventilation, and how can it be caused by diseases of the respiratory muscles?

Hypoventilation is caused by inadequate alveolar ventilation, which can be caused by diseases of the respiratory muscles that lead to slow or shallow breathing. Signup and view all the answers

How does hyperventilation increase oxygenation, and what are the methods of achieving it?

Hyperventilation increases oxygenation by increasing the number of breaths, which can be achieved through the use of a ventilator or a manual resuscitation bag. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of pulmonary function tests, and what do they measure?

Pulmonary function tests measure lung volume and capacity, and are used to assess respiratory function and oxygenation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of surfactant in the lungs, and how does it relate to lung compliance?

Surfactant is a substance that reduces the surface tension of alveolar fluid, allowing for easier expansion of the lungs and improving lung compliance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the respiratory center, and how does it regulate breathing?

The respiratory center is located in the brainstem, and it regulates breathing by controlling the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which oxygen is exchanged between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries during alveolar-capillary gas exchange?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using arterial blood in ABG analysis, and how does it relate to the pulmonary system?

Arterial blood is used in ABG analysis because it provides a more accurate reflection of gas exchange in the pulmonary system than venous blood. Signup and view all the answers

How does lung compliance impact the effort required for ventilation during pulmonary ventilation?

It reduces the effort required for ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of surfactant in facilitating lung expansion during inhalation?

It reduces the surface tension of the alveolar lining, allowing for easier expansion Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying pressure to the puncture site for at least 5 minutes after an ABG procedure, and why is this necessary?

The purpose of applying pressure is to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising, and this is necessary because a high-pressure artery is used to obtain the blood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which oxygen is transported from the lungs to the tissues?

As oxyhemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of surfactant in pulmonary ventilation, and how would impaired surfactant function affect lung compliance?

Surfactant reduces the surface tension of the alveoli, allowing for easier expansion of the lungs. Impaired surfactant function would lead to decreased lung compliance, making it harder for the lungs to expand. Signup and view all the answers

What region of the brainstem is responsible for regulating pulmonary ventilation?

The medulla oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the heart's electrical activity and the ECG, and how does this relate to oxygen transport in the body?

The ECG provides a graphic recording of the heart's electrical activity, which is necessary for the heart to pump blood effectively, thus facilitating oxygen transport throughout the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of assessing adventitious breath sounds, such as crackles, gurgles, and friction rub, in evaluating oxygenation and circulation needs?

These sounds indicate the presence of fluid or mucus in the air passages, narrowed air passages, or inflamed pleural surfaces, which can affect oxygenation and circulation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the early signs of oxygen deprivation, and how do they differ from later signs of severe oxygen deprivation?

Early signs of oxygen deprivation include tachycardia and tachypnea, while later signs of severe oxygen deprivation include confusion. Signup and view all the answers

How can conditions affecting the heart's pumping action or stroke volume impact cardiovascular function and, in turn, influence respiratory function?

Conditions that affect the heart's pumping action or stroke volume can impact cardiovascular function, leading to inadequate blood flow to organs and peripheral tissues, and altering the composition of the blood, ultimately affecting oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. Signup and view all the answers

In left-sided heart failure, how does congestion of the pulmonary vessels impact gas exchange, and what condition may result?

Congestion of the pulmonary vessels in left-sided heart failure can cause fluid to escape into the alveoli, interfering with gas exchange, and leading to a condition known as pulmonary edema. Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical signs of hypercarbia (hypercapnia), and how do they relate to respiratory function?

Clinical signs of hypercarbia include restlessness, hypertension, headache, lethargy, tremor, or elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood, indicating impaired respiratory function. Signup and view all the answers

How can chronic overwork of the heart, such as in clients with uncontrolled hypertension or extensive arteriosclerosis, contribute to heart failure?

Chronic overwork of the heart can lead to heart failure by causing the heart to become unable to keep up with the body's need for oxygen and nutrients, ultimately resulting in inadequate cardiovascular function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of bronchospasm on airways, and how do bronchodilators work to alleviate this?

Bronchospasm constricts airways, decreasing ventilation. Bronchodilators, including sympathomimetic drugs and xanthines, reduce bronchospasm, opening tight or congested airways and facilitating ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

How do anti-inflammatory medications promote oxygenation in clients with respiratory disorders?

Anti-inflammatory medications decrease edema and inflammation in the airways, allowing for better air exchange and promoting oxygenation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of expectorants in facilitating oxygenation, and how do they work?

Expectorants help 'break up' mucus, making it more liquid and easier to expectorate, facilitating oxygenation by clearing airways. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the technique of pursed-lip breathing and its benefits in alleviating dyspnea.

Pursed-lip breathing involves breathing in normally through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, blowing slowly and purposefully while tightening abdominal muscles. This technique helps alleviate dyspnea by slowing exhalation and reducing airway resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper technique for using an incentive spirometer, and how does it promote oxygenation?

To use an incentive spirometer, hold or place it in an upright position. This device promotes oxygenation by encouraging deep, sustained breaths and increasing lung capacity. Signup and view all the answers

How does the location of the respiratory center in the brainstem affect pulmonary ventilation?

The respiratory center in the brainstem regulates pulmonary ventilation by sending signals to the diaphragm and other muscles to contract and relax, controlling breathing rate and depth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of surfactant in lung compliance, and how does it affect ventilation?

Surfactant reduces the surface tension of alveolar fluid, increasing lung compliance and facilitating ventilation by allowing for easier expansion and recoil of the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

How does oxygen transport occur in the body, and what is the role of oxyhemoglobin?

Oxygen transport occurs through the bloodstream, where oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming oxyhemoglobin. Oxyhemoglobin is transported to the tissues, where oxygen is released and utilized. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased oxygen concentration on respiratory rate in clients with emphysema/COPD?

In clients with emphysema/COPD, increased oxygen concentration can decrease respiratory rate, as the body senses a decrease in oxygen demand and reduces breathing effort. Signup and view all the answers

How does lung compliance affect the ease of ventilation, and what are the implications for clients with respiratory disorders?

Lung compliance affects the ease of ventilation by determining how easily the lungs can expand and recoil. Decreased lung compliance, often seen in clients with respiratory disorders, makes ventilation more difficult and increases the work of breathing. Signup and view all the answers