Respiratory System- Week 5

Chemoreceptors and Respiratory Function

• Chemoreceptors in the brain and peripheries play a crucial role in regulating respiratory function by detecting changes in CO2 and O2 levels.

Pulmonary Circulation

• The primary function of pulmonary circulation is to oxygenate deoxygenated blood and remove CO2 from the body.

Hypoventilation and Hypoxia

• Hypoventilation occurs when the lungs are unable to take in sufficient oxygen, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
• Hypoxia can be caused by a range of factors, including respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.

Pulmonary Artery and Oxygenation

• The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, where oxygenation takes place.
• Poor oxygenation is associated with a lifestyle risk factor: physical inactivity.

Alterations in Respiratory Function

• Alterations in respiratory function can be caused by conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Hyperventilation

• Hyperventilation occurs when the body responds to acid-base imbalances, anxiety, or stress by increasing breathing rate.

Respiratory Factors and Interventions

• Physiological factors affecting oxygenation include respiratory rate, tidal volume, and gas exchange in the lungs.
• Dyspnea is caused by an imbalance between the body's oxygen demand and the respiratory system's ability to meet that demand.
• Airway maintenance for patients with respiratory issues involves techniques such as suctioning and chest physiotherapy.
• Pharmacological measures used in dyspnea management include oxygen therapy.
• Non-pharmacological techniques for managing dyspnea include diaphragmatic breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.
• The purpose of chest physiotherapy is to promote lung expansion and mucus clearance.

Assessment and Diagnosis

• The presence of clubbed nails indicates chronic respiratory disease or cardiopulmonary disease.
• Tactile fremitus is used to detect vibrations in the chest wall during palpation.
• Adventitious breath sounds during auscultation may indicate respiratory disease or infection.
• Hyper-resonance upon percussion of the lungs suggests conditions such as emphysema or pneumothorax.

Breathing Techniques and Interventions

• Pursed-lip breathing is a breathing exercise recommended for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• The primary purpose of an endotracheal (ET) airway is to establish a secure airway in patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
• Suctioning is a technique used to clear secretions from the trachea.
• Chest inspection involves noting the anteroposterior diameter of the chest wall to assess symmetry and respiratory function.

Test your knowledge on the anatomy, physiology, factors affecting oxygenation, alterations in respiratory functioning, and nursing process related to the respiratory system. Includes topics like respiratory control, chemoreceptors, pulmonary circulation, and more.