Review Topics for Module 3: Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology
1. How does pulse oximetry work? How do you know if the reading is accurate?
The pulse oximeter uses a cold light source that shines a light through the fingertip, making the tip appear to be red.
2. Understand how to assess oxygenation and when to use oxygen interventions
3. What factors put a patient at high risk for respiratory infection?
4. Be able to describe the following words describing breath sounds and/or know what problems they indicate and/or lung anatomy they correspond to:
a. Adventitious
b. Stridor
c. Crackles
d. Wheezes
e. Rales
f. Bronchial
g. Bronchial vesicular
h. Vesicular
5. Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology
a. Diaphragm
b. Intercostal muscles
c. Lungs
d. Trachea
e. Alveoli
f. Surfactant
g. Larynx
h. Epiglottis
i. Bronchi
j. Bronchioles
6. Memorize the names of different breathing patterns:
a. Tachypnea
b. Bradypnea
c. Eupnea
d. Apneustic
e. Kussmaul’s respirations
f. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
g. Biot’s respirations
h. Apnea
7. Describe the following respiratory disorders and explain the differences between them ( basic information about causes, risk factors, s/sx, nursing interventions, and treatment):
a. Respiratory infection/pneumonia
b. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
c. Asthma
8. Understand the basics about medications commonly used for respiratory problems:
a. Albuterol
b. Ipratropium
c. Prednisone (or other steroid medications)
General Test Preparation:
9. Be ready to do some dosage calculations…
10. How will you prioritize care between multiple patients with respiratory and/or urinary/renal problems?
11. What should you consider when delegating care to nursing assistants?