Respiratory System Therapeutic Procedures Flashcards
Aerosol Therapy
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
Endotracheal Intubation
Placing of a tube through the mouth, through the glottis, and into the trachea to create a patent airway
Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB)
Method for assisting patients in breathing using a mask connected to a machine that produces an increased positive thoracic pressure
Nasal Cannula
Two-pronged plastic device for delivering oxygen into the nose; one prong is inserted into each naris
Postural Drainage
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
Supplemental Oxygen Therapy
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
Ventilator
Machine that provides artificial ventilation for a patient unable to breathe on his or her own. Also called a ‘respirator.’
Bronchoplasty
Surgical repair of a bronchus
Laryngectomy
Surgical removal of the larynx
Laryngoplasty
Surgical repair of the larynx
Lobectomy
Surgical removal of a lobe of a lung
Pleurectomy
Surgical removal of the pleura
Pleurocentesis
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
Rhinoplasty
Surgical repair of the nose
Thoracentesis
Surgical puncture of the chest wall for the removal of fluids. Also called ‘thoracocentesis.’
Thoracostomy
Insertion of a tube into the chest cavity for the purpose of draining off fluid or air. Also called ‘chest tube.’
Thoracotomy
To cut into the chest cavity
Tracheotomy
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.’
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
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
Heimlich Maneuver
Technique for removing a foreign body from the trachea or pharynx by exerting diaphragmatic pressure. Named for Harry Heimlich, a U.S. thoracic surgeon
Percussion
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
