Respiratory System and Oxygenation in Nursing

10 Questions

Which gas makes up 21% of the air we breathe?

Oxygen

What is the function of surfactant in the respiratory system?

Aid lung expansion by reducing surface tension

In which part of the respiratory system does oxygen diffusion into pulmonary vessels during alveolar gas exchange?

Alveoli

What is the main role of hemoglobin in the respiratory system?

Facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide transport between tissues and lungs

What is the primary factor influencing tissue oxygen delivery?

Cardiac output

Which pressure is negative to create suction for lung expansion?

Intrapleural pressure

What is the process that involves air moving out of the lungs?

Expiration

Which part of the respiratory system includes the mouth, nose, pharynx, and larynx?

Upper respiratory system

What is impacted by factors like lung compliance and recoil?

Tidal volume

What influences pulmonary ventilation, including inspiration and expiration?

Intact CNS

Study Notes

Oxygen is a clear, odorless gas essential for cellular function, making up 21% of the air we breathe.
Respiration involves ventilation, alveolar gas exchange, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, and systemic diffusion.
The respiratory system is divided into upper (mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx) and lower (trachea, lungs, alveoli) parts.
Pulmonary ventilation includes inspiration (air into lungs) and expiration (air out of lungs), influenced by factors like clear airways and intact CNS.
Intrapleural pressure is negative to create suction for lung expansion, while intrapulmonary pressure equals atmospheric pressure during breathing.
Tidal volume is around 500ml per inspiration in healthy adults, impacted by factors like lung compliance and recoil.
Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, aiding lung expansion, critical for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.
Alveolar gas exchange involves oxygen diffusion into pulmonary vessels, while oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported between tissues and lungs by hemoglobin.
Factors affecting oxygen transport include cardiac output, red blood cell count, and exercise, influencing tissue oxygen delivery.
Alterations in respiratory function can occur due to airway obstructions, breathing pattern changes, diffusion impairments, or issues affecting oxygen transport.
Nursing assessments involve history-taking, physical exams, and diagnostic tests to evaluate respiratory status and oxygenation.
Possible nursing diagnoses include ineffective airway clearance, impaired gas exchange, and activity intolerance, among others.
Nursing interventions for oxygenation problems include promoting deep breathing, hydration, medication administration, and using devices like humidifiers and incentive spirometers.
Oxygen therapy is administered to increase oxygen in the blood, with methods including low-flow systems (cannula, masks) and high-flow systems (venturi mask, tracheostomy collar).
Other interventions like mini nebulizer therapy, endotracheal intubation, and tracheostomy may be used for respiratory support.