A gradual increase in the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen.

A precipitous drop in the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen.

A stable level of oxygen saturation in hemoglobin.

An increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Increase in the red blood cell concentration in the blood; in COPD, the body attempts to improve oxygen-carrying capacity by producing increasing amounts of red blood cells.

Decrease in the red blood cell concentration in the blood; often seen in anemia.

A condition characterized by low levels of hemoglobin in the blood.

An increase in white blood cell count, often indicating infection.

A chronic, reversible dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles

A chronic, irreversible dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles that results from the destruction of muscles and elastic connective tissue

A condition characterized by the complete obstruction of the airways

An acute inflammation of the bronchi leading to excessive mucus production

A chronic condition characterized by persistent cough and fever.

A heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation; defined by history of symptoms such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough that vary over time and in intensity.

A condition that primarily affects the skin, causing rashes and irritation.

A viral infection that leads to inflammation of the lungs and difficulty breathing.

Positioning the patient to allow drainage from all lobes of the lungs and airways.

Administering medication to relieve respiratory distress.

Performing chest compressions to clear the airways.

Using a nebulizer to deliver medication directly to the lungs.

A device that delivers liquid medications through nebulization.

A compact, portable inspiratory flow–driven inhaler that delivers dry-powder medications into the patient’s lungs.

An inhaler that requires a prescription for use only in hospitals.

A type of inhaler that uses pressurized gas to deliver medication.

Increase in oxygen supply to the tissues and cells.

Decrease in oxygen supply to the tissues and cells.

Normal oxygen levels in the tissues and cells.

Oxygen toxicity in the tissues and cells.

A genetic disorder resulting from deficiency of alpha1-antitrypsin, a protective agent for the lung; increases patient’s risk for developing panacinar emphysema even in the absence of smoking.

A viral infection that causes lung inflammation and damage.

An autoimmune disease that primarily affects the liver and kidneys.

A nutritional deficiency leading to respiratory problems.

Increase in arterial oxygen tension in the blood.

Decrease in arterial oxygen tension in the blood.

Normal arterial oxygen tension in the blood.

Increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

A therapy used to remove bronchial secretions, improve ventilation, and increase the efficiency of the respiratory muscles; types include postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration, and breathing retraining.

A method to enhance muscle strength through resistance training and aerobic exercises.

A treatment focused on improving skin elasticity and reducing scarring after surgery.

A technique used to diagnose respiratory diseases through imaging and lab tests.

Concentration of oxygen delivered (e.g., 1.0 equals to 100% oxygen).

The percentage of carbon dioxide in the air.

The total volume of air inhaled per minute.

The ratio of nitrogen to oxygen in the atmosphere.

A disease of the airways characterized by destruction of the walls of overdistended alveoli.

A condition caused by excessive mucus production in the lungs.

An infection of the lungs caused by bacteria or viruses.

A type of lung cancer that affects the alveoli.

A test that measures blood pressure and heart rate.

Pulmonary function tests that measure specific lung volumes (e.g., FEV1, FVC) and rates (e.g., FEF25%–75%); may be measured before and after bronchodilator administration.

A procedure to assess the electrical activity of the heart.

A method to evaluate the efficiency of the digestive system.

Incomplete emptying of alveoli during expiration due to loss of lung tissue elasticity (emphysema)

Complete emptying of alveoli during expiration

Normal lung function with no air trapping

Airway dilation and increased airflow

A disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible; sometimes referred to as chronic airway obstruction or chronic obstructive lung disease.

A condition that primarily affects the heart and is characterized by high blood pressure.

An infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs.

A genetic disorder that leads to the production of thick mucus in the lungs.

Manually cupping hands over the chest wall and using vibration to mobilize secretions by mechanically dislodging viscous or adherent secretions in the lungs.

A technique involving deep breathing exercises to improve lung capacity.

A method of using medication to thin mucus in the lungs.

A procedure that involves suctioning to remove secretions from the airway.

A device that provides liquid medication through a nebulizer.

A compact, portable patient-activated pressurized medication canister that provides aerosolized medication that the patient inhales into the lungs.

A type of inhaler that requires a prescription and is only used in hospitals.

A handheld device that delivers medication in pill form.

A device used for measuring blood pressure.

A portable handheld mucous clearance device; consisting of a tube with an oscillating steel ball inside; upon expiration, high-frequency oscillations facilitate mucous expectoration.

A type of valve used in plumbing systems.

A handheld device for administering medication.

A technique involving deep tissue manipulation to relieve muscle tension.

A type of massage given by quickly tapping the chest with the fingertips or alternating the fingers in a rhythmic manner, or by using a mechanical device to assist in mobilizing lung secretions.

A method of applying heat to relax muscles and improve circulation.

A form of therapy that uses sound waves to promote healing.