ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATIORY FUNCTION

PREPARED BY: MR. VAL L. RAMILO

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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 assessments 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.

GLOSSARY
1. Apnea Temporary cessation of breathing 2. Bronchopony abnormal increase in clarity of transmitted voice sounds 3. Bronchoscopy direct examination of larynx, trachea and bronchi using an endoscope 4. Cilia short hairs that provide a constant whipping motion that serves to propel mucus and foreign substances away from the lung toward the larynx 5. Compliance measure of the force required to expand or inflate the lungs

6. Crackles soft, high-pitched, discontinuous popping sounds during inspiration caused by delayed reopening of the airways. 7. Diffusion Exchange of gas molecules from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. 8. Dyspnea labored breathing or shortness of breath 9. Egophony abnormal change in tone of voice that is heard when auscultating lungs

10. Fremitus Vibration of speech felt as tremors of chest wall during palpitation. 11. Hemoptysis Expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract 12. Hypoxemia Decrease in arterial