Question | Answer |
telemetry unit | step down from ICU |
crash cart | cart carrying supplies for immediate treatment of a heart attack |
congestive heart failure (CHF) | condition of a weakened heart to unable to pump all of the blood out of the lungs causing blood to pool at the bottom |
stethoscope | device that amplifies sound, used to listen to the heart and take blood pressure |
endotracheal tube | device inserted into the airway of a client who is about to receive a general anesthetic |
sphygmomanometer | device used to take blood pressure |
emphysema | disease characterized by gradual destruction of the alveoli |
asthma | disease that affects the air passages in the lungs, causing wheezing and shortness of breath |
atrial fibrillation (AF) | abnormal heart rhythm in which the chambers no longer beat in synchrony (heart rate is fast and irregular) |
pneumonia | acute infection of the tissues of the lungs |
tracheostomy | artificial airway through an incision in the trachea |
height and weight | anthropometric measurments |
COLD/COPD | any chronic lung condition in which the flow of expired air is slowed down |
suctioning | negative pressure to remove mucus, phlegm or other secretions |
atherosclerosis | arteriosclerosis because of fat deposits in arterial walls |
physiotherapist | assesses patients, devise deep breathing exercises |
arterial blood gases | assessment to determine the amounts of O2 and CO2 dissolved in the blood |
sputum specimen | mucous secretions from the airways, lungs or throat |
cerebrovascular accident (CVA) | damage to the brain when blood supply is diminished or stopped completely |
myocardial infarct (MI) | damage to the heart caused by a blockage in one of the coronary arteries cutting off blood supply |
dyspnea | difficulty breathing |
pacemaker | electronic device that regulates the heartbeat |
hypertension (high blood pressure) | excessive force of the blood against the vessel walls |
bradycardia | extremely slow heartbeat |
oxygen therapy | for clients who for any reason do not have enough oxygen in their blood |
arteriosclerosis | hardening of the arteries; reduces blood flow |
temperature | heat is produced by the body as it maintains normal body functions |
vital signs | important measurements of the body's state of health |
hypoxia | insufficient oxygen in blood or tissue |
deep suctioning | using a suction catheter into the lower trachea and bronchi
(aka endotracheal suctioning) |
hemorrhage | loss of a large amount of blood |
arrhythmia | loss of normal rhythm of the heartbeat |
pulse oximetry | to determine oxygen levels in red blood cells in the arterial blood |
rhonchi/wheeze | musical-pitched sounds produced at auscultation when air passes through narrowed bronchi |
"call the arrest" | notify the appropriate people |
respiration | one full cycle of breathing |
postural drainage | positioning of the client with the head lower than the body to that gravity can help drain the mucus and secreations |
thoracentesis | procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs and the wall of the chest |
nurse | provides ongoing assessment and feedback about the client's oxygenation status |
vibrations | rapid movements of flattened hands over the client's chest to move secretions |
extubate | remove the endotracheal tube |
inhalation therapy | selected medications to be delivered by a mask, to treat asthma |
crackles/crepitation | sounds produced by air passing over airway secretions |
endotracheal suctioning | type of deep suctioning |
oropharyngeal suctioning | suctioning through the mouth to reach the mouth only or mouth and back of throat |
nasopharyngeal suctioning | suctioning through the nose to reach the mouth and throat |
essential hypertension | the cause of the increased pressure is idiopathic |
blood pressure | the force that the blood exerts on the arterial walls |
diastolic pressure | the pressure on the vascular walls when the heart is relaxing |
systolic pressure | the pressure on the vascular walls when the heart is contracting |
| the symptoms are always associated with disease, such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis or diseases of the adrenal glands |
telemetry monitor | traces heart's activity, readout displayed on small screen |
humidifiers | used for clients who are experiencing respiratory difficulties |
clapping/percussion | using cupped hands to gently but firmly strike affected regions of the chest to move secretions |
pulse | when the heart contracts it forces blood throughout the body by way of blood vessels |
ABG | arterial blood gases |
AF | atrial fibrillation |
AFB | acid-fast bacillus |
ARDS | acute respiratory distress syndrome |
BMI | body mass index |
BP | blood pressure |
CCU | chronic care unit / cardiac care unit |
CHF | congestive heart failure |
CO2 | carbon dioxide |
COLD | chronic obstructive lung disease |
COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
CSM | circulation, sensation, movement |
CVA | cardiovascular accident |
DB+C | deep breathing + coughing exercises |
DOE | dyspnea on exertion |
DPI | dry powder inhaler |
FVC | forced vital capacity |
Ht | height |
ICU | intensive care unit |
IRDS | infant respiratory distress syndrome |
MDI | metered-dose inhaler |
MI | myocardial infarct |
NMT | nebulized mist treatment |
O2 | oxygen |
PCP | pneumocystis pneumonia primary care physician |
PND | paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea |
PRN | as necessary |
PFT | pulmonary function tests |
PVA | peripheral vascular assessment |
RDS | respiratory distress syndrome |
RTT | respiratory therapist technician |
RRCP | registered respiratory care practitioner |
SIDS | sudden infant death syndrome |
SOB | shortness of breath |
SPD | sterile processing department |
TB | tuberculosis |
TIA | transient ischemic attack |
TPR | temperature, pulse, respirations |
URI | upper respiratory infection |
Wt | weight |