EMT Flashcards > Chapter 11 > Flashcards

Chapter 11 Flashcards

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1
Q

aerobic metabolism

A

Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.

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2
Q

aerosol-generating procedure

A

Any airway manipulation that induces the production of aerosols that may present a risk for airborne transmission of pathogens, such as CPR.

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3
Q

agonal gasps

A

Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.

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4
Q

airway

A

The upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx, which includes the nose, mouth, and throat.

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5
Q

alveolar minute volume

A

The volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute minus the dead space; calculated by multiplying tidal volume (minus dead space) and respiratory rate.

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6
Q

alveolar ventilation

A

The volume of air that reaches the alveoli. It is determined by subtracting the amount of dead space air from the tidal volume.

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7
Q

American Standard Safety System

A

A safety system for large oxygen cylinders, designed to prevent the accidental attachment of a regulator to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas.

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8
Q

anaerobic metabolism

A

The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.

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9
Q

apnea

A

Absence of spontaneous breathing.

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10
Q

apneic oxygenation

A

A technique in which oxygen administered via a high-flow nasal cannula is left in place during an intubation attempt, allowing for continuous oxygen delivery into the airways during all phases of the procedure.

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11
Q

aspiration

A

In the context of the airway, the introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs.

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12
Q

ataxic respirations

A

Irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern.

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13
Q

automatic transport ventilator (ATV)

A

A ventilation device attached to a control box that allows the variables of ventilation to be set. It frees the EMT to perform other tasks while the patient is being ventilated.

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14
Q

bag-mask device

A

A device with a one-way valve and a face mask attached to a ventilation bag; when attached to a reservoir and connected to oxygen, it delivers more than 90% supplemental oxygen.

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15
Q

barrier device

A

A protective item, such as a pocket mask with a valve, that limits exposure to a patient’s body fluids.

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16
Q

bilateral

A

A body part or condition that appears on both sides of the midline.

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17
Q

bronchioles

A

Subdivision of the smaller bronchi in the lungs; made of smooth muscle and dilate or constrict in response to various stimuli.

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18
Q

capnography

A

A noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patient’s ventilatory status, circulation, and metabolism. It effectively measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in expired air over time.

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19
Q

capnometry

A

The use of a capnometer, a device that measures the amount of expired carbon dioxide.

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20
Q

carina

A

Point at which the trachea bifurcates (divides) into the left and right main stem bronchi.

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21
Q

chemoreceptors

A

Monitor the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH of the cerebrospinal fluid and then provide feedback to the respiratory centers to modify the rate and depth of breathing based on the body’s needs at any given time.

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22
Q

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

A

A cyclical pattern of abnormal breathing that increases and then decreases in rate and depth, followed by a period of apnea.

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23
Q

compliance

A

The ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation.

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24
Q

continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

A

A method of ventilation for patients in respiratory distress in which a tight‑fitting mask supplies continuous positive pressure to the airways to improve oxygenation and reduce the work of breathing; may help avoid endotracheal intubation.

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25
cricoid pressure (Sellick maneuver)
External pressure applied over the cricoid cartilage to compress the esophagus and help reduce gastric inflation/aspiration risk during positive‑pressure ventilation.
26
cyanosis
A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by inadequate oxygenation of the blood.
27
deoxygenated blood
Blood with a low oxygen content and comparatively higher carbon dioxide content returning to the right side of the heart.
28
diffusion
The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration (e.g., O₂/CO₂ across the alveolar‑capillary membrane).
29
direct laryngoscopy
Visualization of the airway with a laryngoscope to allow placement of an endotracheal tube.
30
endotracheal intubation
Insertion of an endotracheal tube through the larynx between the vocal cords and into the trachea to establish a definitive airway.
31
esophageal intubation
Improper placement of an advanced airway device in the esophagus rather than into the trachea.
32
exhalation (expiration)
The passive part of the breathing process in which the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, forcing air out of the lungs.
33
external respiration (pulmonary respiration)
The exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood cells in the pulmonary capillaries.
34
gag reflex
A normal reflex that causes retching when the soft palate or back of the throat is touched; helps protect the airway.
35
gastric distention
A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume or pressure during artificial ventilation.
36
glottis (glottic opening)
The space between the vocal cords; the narrowest part of the adult airway.
37
good air exchange
Term used to describe a patient with a mild airway obstruction who is moving adequate air and can cough forcefully; encourage coughing and monitor.
38
head tilt–chin lift maneuver
A combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; used when no cervical spine injury is suspected.
39
hemoglobin
The iron‑containing protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport to the tissues (and carries some carbon dioxide).
40
hemoptysis
Coughing up blood or blood‑streaked sputum.
41
hemothorax
A collection of blood in the pleural cavity.
42
hypercarbia / hypercapnia
An increased carbon dioxide level in the bloodstream.
43
hypoxia
A dangerous condition in which the tissues and cells do not receive enough oxygen.
44
hypoxic drive
A backup system to control respiration in which the body senses a drop in oxygen level rather than a rise in CO₂; can influence breathing in some patients with chronic lung disease.
45
impedance threshold device (ITD)
A valve placed between a ventilation device and the airway that limits air entry during chest recoil to create more negative intrathoracic pressure, improving venous return and circulation during CPR.
46
internal respiration
The exchange of gases between the blood and the cells of the tissues.
47
inspiration (inhalation)
The active part of breathing in which the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, causing air to enter the lungs.
48
jaw‑thrust maneuver
A technique to open the airway by lifting the jaw forward without tilting the head; used for patients with suspected cervical spine injury.
49
larynx
A complex structure of independent cartilaginous structures where the upper airway ends and the lower airway begins; also called the voice box.
50
lower airway
The portion of the respiratory system that includes the trachea, main bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli where gas exchange occurs.
51
mediastinum
The space between the lungs that contains the heart, major blood vessels, vagus nerve, trachea, main bronchi, and esophagus.
52
cellular respiration (metabolism)
The biochemical processes that produce energy from nutrients within the cells; also called metabolism.
53
minute ventilation (minute volume)
The amount of air moved in and out of the lungs per minute; tidal volume × respiratory rate.
54
mouth-to-mask ventilation
Artificial ventilation using a pocket mask with a one‑way valve; when connected to oxygen, can deliver a higher oxygen concentration than mouth‑to‑mouth.
55
nasal cannula
An oxygen‑delivery device in which oxygen flows through two small prongs that fit into the nostrils; for patients needing low‑flow supplemental oxygen.
56
nasopharynx
The part of the pharynx that is posterior to the nose; it warms, filters, and humidifies inspired air.
57
nonrebreathing mask (NRB)
A combination mask and reservoir bag system that delivers high‑concentration oxygen to breathing patients; reservoir bag must be inflated before use.
58
oropharynx
The part of the pharynx that is posterior to the oral cavity; bordered by the hard and soft palates superiorly, the cheeks laterally, and the tongue inferiorly.
59
oxygen (O₂)
A gas that makes up ~21% of room air; essential for cellular metabolism and supports combustion.
60
oxygenation
The process of loading oxygen molecules onto hemoglobin in the bloodstream by way of the lungs.
61
oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites occupied by oxygen, commonly measured noninvasively by pulse oximetry.
62
partial pressure
The amount of gas in the air or dissolved in fluid (such as blood), measured as a pressure (mm Hg).
63
parietal pleura
The membrane that lines the inside of the chest wall (thoracic cavity).
64
patent (airway)
Open and unobstructed; free of blockage.
65
phrenic nerve
The nerve that innervates the diaphragm and is essential for adequate breathing; originates in the cervical spine.
66
pin‑index safety system
A safety system for portable gas cylinders that prevents a regulator from being attached to the wrong type of cylinder.
67
poor air exchange
Findings of inadequate movement of air indicating a mild to moderate airway obstruction; may include diminished air movement and possible cyanosis.
68
positive‑pressure ventilation (PPV)
A method of artificial ventilation in which air is forced into the lungs from an external source (e.g., BVM).
69
pulmonary edema
An accumulation of fluid in the alveoli and lung tissue that impairs gas exchange.
70
pulse oximetry
A noninvasive method for monitoring oxygen saturation of hemoglobin using a sensor placed on a thin part of the body (e.g., finger).
71
respiration
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the blood (external) and between the blood and the cells (internal).
72
severe airway obstruction
A life‑threatening blockage of the airway with little or no air movement; patient cannot speak or cough effectively and may show the universal choking sign.
73
surfactant
A liquid protein substance that coats the alveoli, reduces surface tension, and helps keep the alveoli expanded for easier gas exchange.
74
tidal volume (VT)
The amount of air moved into or out of the lungs with a single breath; an indicator of breathing depth.
75
tonsils
Lymphatic tissues in the oropharynx that form a protective ring and help guard against infection.
76
ventilation
The mechanical movement of air into and out of the lungs.
77
visceral pleura
The membrane that covers the surface of the lungs.
78
vital capacity
The maximum amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a maximal inhalation.
79
ventilation/perfusion ratio (V/Q ratio)
A measure of the relationship between the amount of ventilation reaching the alveoli and the amount of perfusion (blood flow) to the alveoli.
80
residual volume
The air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation that keeps alveoli open and available for gas exchange.
81
pulse oximetry
An assessment tool that measures oxygen saturation (%SpO₂) of hemoglobin in the capillary beds using a fingertip or earlobe sensor.
82
recovery position
Side‑lying position used to help maintain a clear airway in an unconscious, breathing patient with no suspected trauma.
83
residual volume
Air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation that prevents alveolar collapse.
84
respiratory rate
Number of breaths per minute; a vital sign reflecting ventilation.
85
retractions
Inward movement of the skin between ribs, above clavicles, or at the sternum during inspiration; a sign of increased work of breathing/airway obstruction.
86
rales (crackles)
Fine crackling breath sounds caused by fluid in the alveoli/small airways; common in pulmonary edema and pneumonia.
87
rhonchi
Low‑pitched, snoring/gurgling breath sounds caused by secretions or mucus in the larger airways; may clear with coughing or suctioning.
88
stridor
High‑pitched, harsh inspiratory sound indicating upper‑airway obstruction at/below the larynx or in the trachea.
89
wheezing
High‑pitched whistling breath sound most prominent on expiration; suggests narrowing of the lower airways (asthma, bronchiolitis).
90
sniffing position
Airway position with head slightly flexed and neck extended, aligning the ear with the sternal notch to optimize glottic view/airflow.
91
stoma
A surgical opening in the neck that connects the trachea to the skin surface (as after a tracheostomy).
92
tracheostomy
Surgical procedure to create a stoma in the trachea for airway access and/or long‑term ventilation.
93
suction catheter (soft/French)
Flexible, narrow catheter used to suction the nose, mouth, and stoma; measured by French (Fr) size.
94
rigid pharyngeal suction tip (Yankauer/tonsil tip)
A rigid, curved suction device for the oropharynx; useful for removing thick secretions and preventing soft‑tissue collapse during suctioning.
95
vocal cords
White bands of muscular tissue that form the narrowest portion of the adult upper airway and vibrate to produce speech; border the glottic opening.
96
vital capacity
The maximum amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after the largest possible inhalation; reflects lung function.
97
venturi mask
A high‑flow oxygen delivery device that provides a precise, fixed FiO₂ by entraining a set amount of room air through jet nozzles.
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