Lpn Nursing Essay

L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S
On completion of this chapter, the learner will be
able to:
1 Describe the structures and functions of the upper and
lower respiratory tracts.
2 Describe ventilation, perfusion, diffusion, shunting, and
the relationship of pulmonary circulation to these
processes.
3 Discriminate between normal and abnormal breath
sounds.
4 Use assessment parameters appropriate for determining
the characteristics and severity of the major symptoms
of respiratory dysfunction.
5 Identify the nursing implications of procedures used for
diagnostic evaluation of respiratory function.
G L O S S A R Y
apnea: temporary cessation of breathing
bronchophony: abnormal increase in clarity of transmitted
voice sounds
bronchoscopy: direct examination of larynx, trachea, and
bronchi using an endoscope
cilia: short hairs that provide a constant whipping motion that
serves to propel mucus and foreign substances away from
the lung toward the larynx
compliance: measure of the force required to expand or
inflate the lungs
crackles: soft, high-pitched, discontinuous popping sounds
during inspiration caused by delayed reopening of the
airways
diffusion: exchange of gas molecules from areas of high
concentration to areas of low concentration
dyspnea: labored breathing or shortness of breath
egophony: abnormal change in tone of voice that is heard
when auscultating lungs
fremitus: vibrations of speech felt as tremors of chest wall
during palpation
hemoptysis: expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract
hypoxemia: decrease in arterial oxygen tension in the blood
hypoxia: decrease in oxygen supply to the tissues and cells
obstructive sleep apnea: temporary absence of breathing during
sleep secondary to transient upper airway obstruction
orthopnea: inability to breathe easily except in an upright
position
oxygen saturation: percentage of hemoglobin that is bound
to oxygen
physiologic dead space: portion of the...