ICU Flashcards
Coagulate
Clotting of blood/to go from a liquid to solid or semisolid condition.
Anti coagulate
Drugs such as cumadin or warfarin that thin the blood.
A line
A catheter inserted into an artery, and used to electronically monitor blood pressure
What procedures/hardware are used on a comminuted fracture?
Balanced suspension traction and external fixation
Dialysis
A mechanical means of filtering the fluid in the kidneys to remove impurities, excess potassium, and excess fluid. Often used for patients with renal dysfunction.
Fistula
An abnormal tubelike passage in the body tissue, it can go from organ to organ, organ to skin surface, or between vessels.
Ecg/Ekg
Electrocardiogram A graphical record of the hearts activity
Endotrachial tube (ETT)
A tube inserted through the trachia with a baloon on the end which is inflated to keep it in place. The tube is then used to help the patient to breathe.
Fowler’s position
Lying supine with knees and hips flexed.
Hyperventilation
Abnormally prolonged deep breathing
Hypoxemia
Deficient oxygenation of the blood
infusion
Introduction of fluid other than blood into a vein
INR
international normalized ratio
pt INR
normal 1:1 MD usually wants 1:2.5 for therapy.
If it is too high the pt can have a GI bleed.
Vit k is used to counteract a high pt INR
Mediastinum
The mass of tissues and organs separating the organs in front from the VC in back of the chest. It contains the heart, lungs, large vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus, lymph nodes, etc
MRI
Magnetic resonance immaging: Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create a detailed immage of the organs and tissues within the body.
NG tube
A tube that is introduced through the nose and goes to the stomach. Used for the purpose of feeding, removing fluid or gas, or to administer medication.
Oximeter
measures oxygen saturation of the blood
Patent
Open, unobstructed, or not closed
Neumothorax
A drainage system inserted into the anteriolateral chest wall
Atelectasis
A collection of air or gasses in the space of the lungs, it separates the lung from the chest wall. May interfere with normal breathing. (Maybe a deficiency of surficant in the lung)
Ventilator/respirator
A mechanical apparatus that can intermitantly or constantly assist or control ventilation
Shunt
A passage or anastamosis between two vessels. (fistula is a type of shunt)
Stoma
An opening that connects an organ to the oustide of the body, often surgically created for the colon. (colostomy) used to eliminate feces.
Schwann’s-Gann catheter
Measures pulmonary artery pressure to evaluate cardiac function. Entered through the bassilic or subclavian vein and travels to the pulmonary artery.