Respiratory Therapy Exam Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from respiratory therapy lecture notes, designed to aid in exam preparation.

Colorimetric Capnography

A method used to confirm tracheal intubation by detecting CO2 presence.

APGAR Score

A scoring system used to assess the health of newborns, specifically their appearance, pulse, grimace response, activity, and respiration.

Bronchiectasis

A condition characterized by the abnormal dilation of the bronchi, leading to chronic cough and difficulty clearing secretions.

Exercise-Induced Asthma

A condition where physical exertion triggers bronchoconstriction and asthma symptoms.

Auto-PEEP

A situation in mechanical ventilation where the pressure does not return to baseline, indicating air trapping.

Lidocaine HCl

A topical anesthetic used to reduce airway reflexes during bronchoscopy procedures.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air enters the pleural space, leading to lung collapse and respiratory distress.

Pulmonary Function Test

A test that measures lung function, including ventilation and gas exchange capabilities.

Hemoximeter (CO-oximeter)

A device used to accurately measure various forms of hemoglobin saturation, including carboxyhemoglobin for assessing smoke inhalation.

FIO2

Fraction of inspired oxygen; the concentration of oxygen in the gas mixture being inhaled.

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; a mode of mechanical ventilation that maintains a constant pressure in the airways during breathing.

Suctioning

The removal of secretions from the airway using a suction catheter to improve airflow and oxygenation.

Thoracentesis

A procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space to alleviate dyspnea or diagnose pleural effusion.

Multidisciplinary Team

A group of healthcare professionals from diverse fields working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.

Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT)

A test to assess a patient's readiness for extubation by evaluating their ability to breathe without ventilatory support.

Inhaled Bronchodilator Therapy

A treatment to open airways and improve breathing in patients with obstructive lung diseases.

Pulse Oximetry

A non-invasive method to measure the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

A type of lung infection that occurs in people who are on mechanical ventilation.

Tracheomalacia

A condition where the tracheal wall is weakened, leading to airway collapse and obstruction.

Residual Volume

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a forced exhalation.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Mucus Plug

A blockage of the airway by thick mucus, which can lead to atelectasis and impaired gas exchange.

Dornase Alfa (Pulmozyme)

A mucolytic agent used to treat thick secretions in cystic fibrosis patients.

PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure)

A mode used in mechanical ventilation to prevent airway collapse and improve oxygenation by maintaining pressure in the airways.

Dapping

When damped waveforms are displayed on a ventilator indicating resistance or obstruction.