Term | Definition |
telemetry unit | "step down" from ICU |
stethoscope | A device that amplifies sound, used by doctors and other health-care professionals to listen to the heart and to take blood pressure |
endotracheal tube | A device that is inserted into the airways of a client about to receive a general anesthetic |
sphygmomanometer | A device used to take blood pressure |
height and weight | anthropometric measurements |
suctioning | Applying negative pressure to remove mucus, phlegm and other seretions from airways |
physiotherapist | Assesses patients, devise deep breathing excercises |
arterial blood gases | Assessment done on a client to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood |
sputum specimens | Consists of mucous secretions, not saliva, from the airways, lung or throat |
pacemaker | Electronic device that regulates the heartbeat |
oxygen therapy | For clients who, for any reason do not have enough oxygen in their blood |
temperature | Heat is produced by the body as it uses the food needed to maintain normal body functions |
vital signs | Important measurements of the body's state of health |
pulse oximetry | Method used by nurses and respiratory therapists to determine oxygen levels in red blood cells in the arterial blood |
"call the arrest" | Notify the appropriate people |
respiration | One full cycle of breathing |
thoracocentesis | Procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs and the wall of the chest |
nurse | Provide ongoing assessment and feedback about a client's oxygenation status |
extubate | Remove the endotracheal tube |
inhalation therapy | Selected medications to be delivered by a mask to the client, often to treat asthma |
essential hypertension | The cause of the increased pressure is idiopathic |
blood pressure | The force that the blood exerts on the arterial walls |
secondary hypertension | The symptoms are always associated with disease, such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, or disease of the adrenal glands |
telemetry monitor | Traces hearts activity, readout displayed on small screen |
humidifiers | Used for clients who are experiencing respiratory difficulties |
pulse | When the heart contracts it forces blood throughout the body by way of blood vessels |
crash cart | A cart carrying the supplies needed for immediate treatment of a heart attack |
congestive heart failure | A condition in which a weakened heart is unable to pump all of the blood out of the lungs each time it beats. Blood pools at the bottom of the lungs, interfering with breathing |
emphysema | A disease characterized by gradual destruction of the alveoli, which fuse to form larger air spaces. Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through these larger air sacs is inadequate |
asthma | A disease that affects the air passages in the lung, causing wheezing and shortness of breath |
atrial fibrillation | An abnormality of heart rhythm in which chambers of the heart no longer beat in synchrony, with the atrium beating much faster than the ventricles. The heart rate is fast and irregular |
pneumonia | An acute infection of the tissues of the lung |
trachestomy | An artificial airway through an incision in the trachea |
chronic obstructive lung disease/
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Any chronic lung condition in which the flow of expired air is slowed down |
atherosclerosis | Arteriosclerosis because of deposits of fat in arterial walls |
cerebral vascular accident | Damage to the brain that occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is diminished or occluded completely |
myocardial infarct | Damage to the heart caused by a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, cutting off blood supply to a part of the heart |
dyspnea | difficulty breathing |
hypertension/high blood pressure | Excessive force of the blood against the vessel walls as the heart pumps it through the body |
bradycardia | Extremely slow heart beat |
arteriosclerosis | Hardening of the arteries, reduces blood flow |
hypoxia | Insufficient oxygen in blood or tissue |
deep suctioning | Introducing the suction catheter into the lower trachea and bronchi |
hemorhage | Loss of a large amount of blood |
arrhythmia | Loss of normal rhythm of the heartbeat |
rhonchi/wheezes | Musical-pitched sounds produced by air passing through narrowed bronchi, heard on auscultation of the lungs |
postural drainage | Positioning the client with the head lower than the body so that gravity can help drain the mucus and secretions |
vibrations | Rapid movements of flattened hands over the client's chest to move secretions |
crepitation/crackles | Sounds produced by air passing over airway secretions |
endotracheal suctioning | Suctioning through an artificial airway known as a tracheostomy |
oropharyngeal suctioning | Suctioning with a catheter through the mouth to reach the mouth only or the mouth and the back of the throat |
nasopharngeal suctioning | Suctioning with a catheter through the nose to reach the mouth and throat |
diastolic pressure | The pressure of the vascular walls when the heart is relaxing |
systolic pressure | The pressure of the vascular walls when the heart is contracting |
clapping/percussion | Using cupped hands to gently but firmly strike affected regions of the chest to move secretions |