Respiratory Therapist Vocabulary – Flashcards
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air hunger
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a form of respiratory distress characterized by gasping, labored breathing, or dyspnea
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accessory muscles
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any of the muscles of the neck, back, and abdomen that may assist the diaphragm and the internal and external intercostal muscles in respiration, especially in some breathing disorders or during exercise
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agonal respiration
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shallow breathing pattern that is often related to cardiac arrest and death
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apnea
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temporary absence or cessation of breathing
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airway
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the passage by which air enters and leaves the lungs
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asthma
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a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. causes the airways to spasm and swell periodically so that the airways narrow. the individual then must wheeze or gasp for air.
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atelectasis
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a collapse of lung tissue affecting part or all of one lung. this condition prevents normal oxygen absorption to healthy issues.
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auscultate
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to examine by auscultation (listening for sounds made by internal organs, as the heart and the lungs, to aid in the diagnosis of certain disorders)
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barrier device
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type of personal protective equipment designed to protect rescuers from exposure to infection when in close contact with the person needing CPR
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bulb syringe
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a device with a flexible bulb that replaces the plunger for instillation or aspiration; can be used to irrigate an external orifice
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bradypnea
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abnormal slowness of breathing
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bronchiectasis
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bronchial walls dilating irreversibly resulting in their destruction; congenital or caused by a tumor or foreign body that has been accidentally aspirated
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bronchiolitis
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acute viral infection of the small air passages of the lungs call the bronchioles (caused by respiratory syncytial virus)
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carbon dioxide
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an odorless gas, CO2, resulting from oxidation of carbon, and formed in the tissues and eliminated by the lungs
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contraindication
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any reason that a drug should not be taken, including harmful interactions with other drugs and the individual's personal sensitivity and condition
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croup
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acute partial obstruction of the upper airway, usually in young children and caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergy, or foreign body, or new growth (barking cough, hoarseness)
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croup tent
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a covering or shelter over the head and shoulders withing which a stream of medical vapor is maintained for the relief of some respiratory conditions
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cystic fibrosis
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an inherited disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, sweat glands, and male fertility; affects the body's ability to move salt and water in and out of cells
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cyanosis
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physical sign causing bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes; caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood
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diaphragm
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the musculomembranous partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities and serving as a major muscle aiding inhalation
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dyspnea
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respiratory distress that awakens patients from sleep
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epiglottis
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the thin elastic cartilagnous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing
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emphysema
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chronic respiratory disease where there is over-inflation of the air sacs in the lungs, causing a decrease in lung function, and often, breathlessness
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esophagus
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the portion of the digestive canal between the pharynx and stomach
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gag reflex
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normal reflex consisting of elevation of the palate, retraction of the tongue, and contraction of the throat muscles
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heimlich
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American surgeon who in 1974 developed the Heimlich maneuver, a technique of ejecting an obstruction from the trachea of a choking victim
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humidification
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the process of increasing the relative humidity of the atmosphere around a patient through the use of aerosol generators or steam inhalers that exert an antitussive effect
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humidifier
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machine designed to adjust the amount of moisture in the atmosphere of a room or respiratory device
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hypoxia
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insufficient levels of oxygen in blood or tissue; reduces the amount of oxygen in the brain causing such symptoms as dizziness, shortness of breath, and mental confusion
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hypoventilation
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reduced ventilation in the lungs' air sacs resulting in above normal carbon dioxide pressure
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incentive spirometer
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a breathing device that provides feedback on performance to encourage deep breathing
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intubation
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the insertion of a tube into a body canal or hollow organ, as into the trachea
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indication
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a reason to prescribe a medication or perform a treatment
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laryngectomy
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the partial or complete surgical removal of the larynx, usually as a treatment for cancer of the larynx
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larynx
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the organ of voice; the air passage between the lower pharynx and the trachea, containing the vocal cords and formed by nine cartilages
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medical aerosol
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nebulized particles suspended in a gas or in air
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MDI
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A device used to deliver a specified number of doses of a therapeutic inhalant
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nasal cannula
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a device for delivering oxygen by way of two small tubes that are inserted into the nares
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nasopharyngeal airway
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a tube inserted through a nostril, across the floor of the nose, and through the nasopharynx so that the tongue does not block air flow in an unconscious person
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non-rebreather mask
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is a device used in medical emergencies that requires oxygen therapy; requires that the patient can breathe unassisted, allows for the delivery of higher concentrations of oxygen
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oropharyngeal airway
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a tube inserted through the mouth and pharynx so that the tongue does not block air flow in an unconscious person
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oropharynx
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the pharynx between the soft palate and the epiglottis
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oxygen
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a medicinal gas used therapeutically for oxygen supplementation, containing not less than 99.0 percent, by volume, of O2
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oxygen flowmeter
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an apparatus for measuring the rate of flow of oxygen
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oxygen tank
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the heavy metal cylinder in which medical gases are compressed at high pressure; oxygen cylinder
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palpate
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to examine by feeling and pressing with the palms of the hands and the fingers
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pharynx
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the throat; the musculomembranous cavity behind the nasal cavities, mouth, and larynx, communicating with them and with the esophagus
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pleural effusion
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an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the intrapleural spaces of the lungs. It is characterized by chest pain, dyspnea, adventitious lung sounds, and nonproductive cough
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pleurisy
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an inflammation of the (pleura) membrane that surrounds and protects the lungs
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pneumonia
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an acute inflammation of the lungs
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pneumothorax
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a collection of air or gas in the chest or pleural space that causes part or all of a lung to collapse
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pulse oximeter
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a device, usually attached to the earlobe or fingertip, that measures the oxygen saturation of arterial blood
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pursed lip breathing
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technique can ease shortness of breath
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RRT
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registered respiratory therapist; has passed the advanced level written and clinical simulation examinations of the National Board for Respiratory Care
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respiration
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the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body cells
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resuscitate
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To restore consciousness, vigor, or life to
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sinusitis
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an inflammation of the sinuses, airspaces within the bones of the face
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simple face mask
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a basic disposable mask, made of clear plastic, to provide oxygen therapy for patients who are able to breathe on their own
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sputum
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mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways
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stridor
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noisy breathing in general, and to refer specifically to a high-pitched crowing sound associated with croup, respiratory infection, and airway obstruction
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stoma
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When the entire larynx must be surgically removed, an opening is surgically created in the neck so that the windpipe can be brought out to the neck; a mouthlike opening
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suction
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the aspiration of a gas or fluid by reducing air pressure over its surface
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suction catheter
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a catheter used to remove mucus and other secretions from the upper airway, trachea, and main bronchi
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tachypnea
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rapid breathing
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trachea
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the air passage extending from the larynx to the main bronchi; called also the windpipe
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tracheostomy
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the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air
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tuberculosis
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of the lungs, characterized by the coughing up of mucus and sputum, fever, weight loss, and chest pain
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Universal Distress Signal
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a signal used, or designed to be used, by persons in peril, for the purpose of summoning aid, indicating their position
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ventilation
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the exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, including inhalation and exhalation.
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venturi mask
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a type of disposable face mask used to deliver a controlled oxygen concentration to a patient
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wheeze
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to breathe with difficulty, producing a hoarse whistling sound
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yankauer suction tip
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an oral suctioning tool used in medical procedures; designed to allow effective suction without damaging surrounding tissue
