Common Emergency Procedures

Question 1

Arterial Line

Answer 1

A catheter that is placed in an artery (usually in the wrist) to monitor blood pressure and arterial gasses on critical patients. Also know as an “art line.”

Question 2

Catheter

Answer 2

Plastic tube placed into the human body.

Question 3

Chest Tube

Answer 3

Large bore tube placed into the chest to remove blood from the chest cavity if present and to aid in re-expansion of a a collapsed lung.

Question 4

Dermabond

Answer 4

Skin “glue” used to repair simple lacerations that are not very deep.

Question 5

Foley Catheter

Answer 5

Catheter placed into the urethra that reaches the bladder to assist emptying the bladder and/or for measurement of renal output.

Question 6

Lumbar Puncture

Answer 6

Commonly referred to as “LP.” It is a procedure involving intrusion into the cerebrospinal space, though vertebral space of the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid. Occasionally, medication is injected.

Question 7

Procedural Sedation

Answer 7

Formerly called “conscious sedation,” or “moderate sedation.” Use of medication to bring a patient to a desired plane of anesthesia to all a procedure to occur. Unlike anesthesia used in the operating room, the patient maintains enough consciousness to follow commands.

Question 8

Reduction

Answer 8

Putting a fractured or dislocated bone back in place.

Question 9

Splint

Answer 9

Device used to immobilize an entire arm or leg, as well as a certain area on any extremity.

Question 10

Suture

Answer 10

Closing or repairing a laceration of the skin. Also refers to the material used to make this repair. It is commonly called stitches.