Chapter 3: Respiratory System

Self Test

Answers

1. The brain is most sensitive to levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. If this is raised it suggests that ventilation is inadequate and for this reason the brain automatically increases ventilation if C02 levels increase. For this reason hyperventilation prior to breath holding dive is particularly dangerous as the diver may loose consciousness before he has a warning of ventilatory inadequacy.
2. The vocal cords which are situated in the larynx are the narrowest part of the airway. For this reason, any peculiar noise produced by a subject accompanied by hoarseness suggests there is a problem here which if uncontrolled can become a life threatening crises. Any whistling sound made during breathing in and out related to circumstances known as stridor. To relieve this intubation or surgical airway may require to be done.
3. Barotrauma can result in respiratory problems due to the simple fact that the lung may collapse if gas collects in the pleural cavity. This collects under pressure (tension pneumothorax). This can compress the heart and impair its action.
4. If this matter is recognised by the following findings of deviation of the trachea away from the site of injury, reduced air entry on the affected side and increased percussion note on the affected side. Emergency drainage of the chest on the affected side should be carried out to relieve this.
5. This is where the lung responds to injury by flooding with fluid which makes breathing difficult. The treatment for this is to sit the subject up, give oxygen and give ventilatory support where required.
6. The hazards are that the normal structure of the airway may be lost due to the tongue and jaw falling backwards and obstructing it. Protective reflexes such, as cough may be lost. The subject may inhale vomit if not placed in the proper recovery position.