Thorax and lungs

• What is the smallest airway in the respiratory tract?

  Terminal bronchiole
• What is the function of alveoli?


  Exchanging gases in the blood
• What are the upper airway structures?

  • Nasopharynx
  • Oropharynx
  • Larynx
• What are the functions of the larynx?


  • Warms, filters, and humidifies air
  • Helps to make sound
  • Sends air to lower airways
• What does the trachea divide into?

  Right and left mainstem bronchi
• What is the role of bronchioles?


  Divides into smaller passages
• How many clavicles are in the thorax?

  2 clavicles
• What is the function of the diaphragm?


  Primary muscle for breathing
• What are the functions of the respiratory system structures?

  • Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
  • Maintain acid-base balance
• Where do the apices of the lungs extend in front?

  About 2 cm above the clavicles
• What is the lower border of the lung at the side?

  At the eighth rib at midaxillary line
• Where do the apices of the lungs start posteriorly?

  At T1 vertebra
• Why is the posterior approach best for lung access?

  No underlying organs obstructing access
• What are early signs of hypoxia?


  Confusion, restlessness, irritability
• What does tracheal shift indicate?

  Possible collapsed lung or tumors
• What is pursed-lip breathing?


  A compensatory mechanism in COPD
• What should be observed during an interview for hypoxia signs?

  • Confusion
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Short attention span
• What is a normal capillary refill time?

  Less than 2 seconds
• What does central cyanosis indicate?

  Severe respiratory failure or shock
• What is peripheral cyanosis?

  Blue color in extremities due to poor circulation
• What does clubbing indicate?

  Long-standing lung disease
• What is the normal position of the trachea?

  Midline in the sternal notch
• What does neck vein distention indicate?

  Possible respiratory distress or air hunger
• What is the normal heart rate and rhythm?

  Regular rate and rhythm (HRRR)
• What is tachypnea?

  More than 24 breaths per minute
• What is bradypnea?

  Less than 10 breaths per minute
• What is hyperventilation associated with?


  Extreme exercise, fear, or anxiety
• What is Kussmaul breathing associated with?


  Diabetic ketoacidosis
• What does Cheyne-Stokes respiration indicate?


  Severe congestive heart failure or renal failure
• What is Biot's respiration associated with?


  Meningitis or severe brain damage
• What is air trapping in COPD?


  Difficulty in expelling air during expiration
• What are the types of abnormal chest shapes?

  • Barrel Chest: Associated with emphysema
  • Pectus Excavatum: Cave-in shape
  • Pectus Carinatum: Projecting breastbone
• What is the purpose of palpation of the chest?

  To assess chest shape and abnormalities
• What is the irregular pattern of breathing characterized by varying depth and periods of apnea called?

  Biot's respirations
• What does ataxic respiration indicate?


  Respiratory compromise
• What condition is characterized by air being trapped in the lungs during forced expiration?

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• How can chest shape affect breathing?

  It may impede breathing due to anatomical discrepancies
• What are the types of abnormal chest shapes that can affect breathing?

  • Barrel Chest: Associated with emphysema and asthma
  • Pectus Excavatum: Congenital deformity causing a concave shape
  • Pectus Carinatum: Deformed chest with a projecting breastbone
• What is the normal position of the trachea?

  Midline
• What can cause tracheal deviation?

  Tumor or thyroid enlargement