Respiratory System Therapeutic Procedures

Question 1

Aerosol Therapy

Answer 1

Medication suspended in a mist intended for inhalation. Delivered by a ‘nebulizer,’ which provides the mist for a period of time while the patient breathes, or a ‘metered-dose inhaler’ (MDI), which delivers a single puff of mist

Question 2

Endotracheal Intubation

Answer 2

Placing of a tube through the mouth, through the glottis, and into the trachea to create a patent airway

Question 3

Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB)

Answer 3

Method for assisting patients in breathing using a mask connected to a machine that produces an increased positive thoracic pressure

Question 4

Nasal Cannula

Answer 4

Two-pronged plastic device for delivering oxygen into the nose; one prong is inserted into each naris

Question 5

Postural Drainage

Answer 5

Drainage of secretions from the bronchi by placing the patient in a position that uses gravity to promote drainage. Used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis

Question 6

Supplemental Oxygen Therapy

Answer 6

Providing a patient with additional concentration of oxygen to improve oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Oxygen may be provided by a mask or nasal cannula

Question 7

Ventilator

Answer 7

Machine that provides artificial ventilation for a patient unable to breathe on his or her own. Also called a ‘respirator.’

Question 8

Bronchoplasty

Answer 8

Surgical repair of a bronchus

Question 9

Laryngectomy

Answer 9

Surgical removal of the larynx

Question 10

Laryngoplasty

Answer 10

Surgical repair of the larynx

Question 11

Lobectomy

Answer 11

Surgical removal of a lobe of a lung

Question 12

Pleurectomy

Answer 12

Surgical removal of the pleura

Question 13

Pleurocentesis

Answer 13

Procedure involving insertion of a needle into the pleural space to withdraw fluid; may be a treatment for excess fluid accumulating or to obtain fluid for diagnostic examination

Question 14

Rhinoplasty

Answer 14

Surgical repair of the nose

Question 15

Thoracentesis

Answer 15

Surgical puncture of the chest wall for the removal of fluids. Also called ‘thoracocentesis.’

Question 16

Thoracostomy

Answer 16

Insertion of a tube into the chest cavity for the purpose of draining off fluid or air. Also called ‘chest tube.’

Question 17

Thoracotomy

Answer 17

To cut into the chest cavity

Question 18

Tracheotomy

Answer 18

Surgical procedure often performed in an emergency that creates an opening directly into the trachea to allow the patient to breathe easier; also called ‘tracheostomy.’

Question 19

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Answer 19

Emergency treatment provided by persons trained in CPR and given to patients when their respirations and heart stop. CPR provides oxygen to the brain, heart, and other vital organs until medical treatment can restore a normal heart and pulmonary function

Question 20

Heimlich Maneuver

Answer 20

Technique for removing a foreign body from the trachea or pharynx by exerting diaphragmatic pressure. Named for Harry Heimlich, a U.S. thoracic surgeon

Question 21

Percussion

Answer 21

Use of the fingertips to tap on a surface to determine the condition beneath the surface. Determined in part by the feel of the surface as it is tapped and the sound generated