Diaphragm - answer✔fibromuscular structure that separates the lungs from the lower
abdominal organs. Essential for respiration.
Phrenic Nerve - answer✔Carries impulses to the diaphragm from the brain.
Pleura - answer✔Fibrous sac that surrounds the lungs. Visceral pleura lubricates and nourishes
the lungs. Parietal pleura protects the lungs from injury.
Physiology of inspiration - answer✔diaphragm contracts expanding the volume of the thorax
which decreases the pressure below atmospheric pressure (oxygen moves from high to low
pressure)
Physiology of exhalation - answer✔diaphragm shortens back to original length, causing the
chest cavity to return to its original size, and air is expelled through the nose.
Factors that control respiratory rate - answer✔Serum CO2 levels (hypercapnia), pH level, motor
neurons in cerebral cortex for voluntary control, and the pons and medulla for involuntary
control
How to assess the respiratory system - answer✔1. Inspection (rate and rhythm)
2. Palpation (Trachea and chest rise)
3. Auscultation (breath sounds)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Kussmaul breathing - answer✔very deep, rapid breathing that is associated with diabetic
ketoacidosis and kidney failure; also known as air hunger
Apnea - answer✔absence of breathing
Hyperpnea - answer✔excessive breathing
Cheyene-Stokes breathing - answer✔a distinct pattern of breathing characterized by quickening
and deepening respirations followed by a period of apnea
Apneustic breathing - answer✔Characterized by prolonged inspirations unrelieved by attempts
to exhale, which indicates trauma to the pons.
Signs of respiratory distress - answer✔use of accessory muscle of respiration, pursed lips,
flaring of nasal alar, tachypnea, cyanosis, evidence of shock
Tachypnea - answer✔rapid breathing
Cyanosis - answer✔bluish discoloration of the skin
Special considerations for pediatric airways - answer✔Smaller mouths and nasal cavities that
are more prone to obstruction. Infant tracheas are narrower, softer, and more flexible. infants
are obligate nasal breathers and depend on the diaphragm for breathing.
Features of effective assisted ventilation - answer✔Chest rises with each ventilation,
respiratory rate becomes normal, heart rate picks up and stabilizes, and the skin color
improves.
Head-tilt and chin-lift - answer✔A way to remove airway blockage once a cervical spinal injury
has been ruled out. Opens the pharynx by displacing the tongue. Push down on the patient's
forehead to tilt the head backward and push the mandible upwards.
Jaw thrust - answer✔Used if head or neck injury is suspected to open the airway. EMS provider
stands at the head of the stretcher and lifts the mandible until the incisors in the lower jaw are
higher than the ones in the higher jaw.
Hard suction catheter - answer✔Used to remove fluids from the oral cavity of an unresponsive
patient. Can also be used for pediatric patients. This catheter is hard and rigid.
Soft suction catheter - answer✔Used for suctioning the nasopharynx in conscious patients.
How to suction - answer✔1. Inspect the device
2. Switch on the suction unit and assess the function
3. Attach appropriate catheter (rigid or soft)
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