3.4 Glossary

Module 3 Glossary

From Pharmacology for Nurses, Ch 23 and Nursing Pharmacology, Ch 5

Allergies: Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance and makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t.

Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings.

Asthma: condition in which airways narrow and swell, causing wheezing and difficulty breathing

Chronic bronchitis: long-term inflammation of the bronchi, causing severe coughing spells

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems; includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis; also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder

Cyanotic: A bluish or purplish discoloration (as of skin) due to deficient oxygenation of the blood.

Diffusion: spontaneous exchange of gases between the alveoli, capillaries, and lungs

Emphysema: gradual damage of alveoli that causes shortness of breath

Gas exchange: The process at the alveoli level where blood is oxygenated and carbon dioxide, the waste product of cellular respiration, is removed from the body.

Histamine: compound released by cells in response to allergy or inflammatory reactions

Hypoxemia: lack of oxygen in the tissues and organs

Laryngitis: inflammation of the larynx

Olfactory: relating to the sense of smell

Oxygenation: process that involves the absorption of oxygen throughout the body

Pallor: A deficiency of color especially of the face; paleness.

Paradoxical effect: An effect that is opposite to what is expected.

Perfusion: blood flow to tissues and organs

Pharyngitis: inflammation of the pharynx; also known as a sore throat

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working

Respiratory rate: The total number of breaths, or respiratory cycles, that occur each minute. A child under 1 year of age has a normal respiratory rate between 30 and 60 breaths per minute, but by the time a child is about 10 years old, the normal rate is closer to 18 to 30. By adolescence, the normal respiratory rate is similar to that of adults, 12 to 18 breaths per minute.

Rhinitis: inflammation and swelling of mucous membranes in the nose

Sinus cavities: four air-filled, interconnected cavities located between the eyes and nose; produce and circulate mucus

Sinusitis: infection of the lining of the sinuses

Sputum: Matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs that is composed of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (such as bacteria) in diseased states.

Ventilation: process of moving air into and out of the lungs

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