Anatomy subcategory

Airway and Ventilation

Mnemonics for oxygen therapy, respiratory failure and ventilatory support.

Entries in Airway and Ventilation

Airway Humidification Mnemonic

Gas is fully saturated at body temperature by the time it reaches the isothermic boundary

A memory aid for how inspired gas is conditioned.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation
ARDS Physiology Mnemonic

Diffuse alveolar damage causes non-cardiogenic oedema, shunt and stiff lungs

A memory aid for the physiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation
Effects of Anaesthesia on Respiration Mnemonic

Reduced functional residual capacity, blunted drive, and atelectasis

A memory aid for the respiratory changes under general anaesthesia.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation
Muscles of Respiration Mnemonic

The diaphragm alone at rest, with accessory muscles for forced inspiration and abdominals for forced expiration

A memory aid for which muscles are used in quiet and forced breathing.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation
Non-invasive Ventilation Indications Mnemonic

CPAP for oxygenation, BiPAP for ventilation

A memory aid for when to use CPAP and when to use BiPAP.

Airway and VentilationAirway and Breathing Emergencies
Oxygen as a Drug Mnemonic

Target saturations of 94 to 98 per cent, or 88 to 92 per cent if at risk of hypercapnia

A memory aid for prescribing oxygen safely.

Respiratory and Gastrointestinal PharmacologyAirway and Ventilation
Oxygen Delivery Devices Mnemonic

From nasal cannulae to non-rebreathe and Venturi masks

A memory aid for the oxygen delivery devices and the concentrations they give.

Vital Signs and AssessmentAirway and Ventilation
Oxygen Therapy Delivery Devices Mnemonic

Variable devices depend on the patient's breathing pattern; fixed devices do not

A memory aid for fixed and variable performance oxygen devices.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation
Positive Pressure Ventilation Effects Mnemonic

It reverses the normal negative intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return

A memory aid for the physiological consequences of positive pressure ventilation.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation
Prone Positioning Physiology Mnemonic

It makes ventilation more uniform while perfusion remains relatively unchanged

A memory aid for why proning improves oxygenation.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation
Respiratory Failure Types Mnemonic

Type 1 is hypoxaemia alone; type 2 adds hypercapnia

A memory aid for distinguishing type 1 from type 2 respiratory failure.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation
Signs of Respiratory Distress Mnemonic

Rate, accessory muscles, recession, position and the ability to speak

A memory aid for recognising increased work of breathing.

Respiratory ExaminationAirway and Ventilation
Tracheal Structure Mnemonic

Sixteen to twenty C-shaped cartilages, open posteriorly and bridged by the trachealis muscle

A memory aid for the structure of the trachea and why its cartilages are incomplete.

ThoraxAirway and Ventilation
Type 1 Versus Type 2 Respiratory Failure Mnemonic

Type 1 is a gas exchange problem, type 2 a ventilation problem

A memory aid for classifying respiratory failure and its causes.

Blood Gases and Acid BaseAirway and Ventilation
Work of Breathing Mnemonic

Elastic work plus resistive work, minimised at an optimal respiratory rate

A memory aid for the components of the work of breathing.

RespiratoryAirway and Ventilation