Chapter 27: Cardiopulmonary Procedures

Artifact

Additional electrical activity picked up by the electric cardiograph that interferes with the normal appearance of the ECG cycles

Atherosclerosis

Build up of fibrous plaques of fatty deposits and cholesterol on the inner walls of an artery that causes narrowing obstruction and hardening of the artery

Baseline

The flat horizontal line that separates the various waves of the ECG cycle

Cardiac cycle

One complete heartbeat

Dysrthythmia

an irregular heart rate or rhythm also termed arrhythmia

ECG cycle

The graphic representation of the cardiac cycle

Electrocardiogram

The graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart

Electrocardiograph

The instrument used to record the electrical activity of the heart

Electrode

A device placed on the skin that picks up electrical impulses given off by the heart

Electrolyte

A substance that facilitates transmission of the hearts, electrical impulses

Flow rate

The number of liters of oxygen per minute that comes out of an oxygen delivery system

Hypoxemia

A decrease in the oxygen saturation of the blood

Hypoxia

A reduction in the oxygen supply to the tissues of the body

Interval

The length of one or more waves and a segment

Ischemia

Deficiency of blood in a body part

Normal sinus rhythm

Refers to an ECG that is within normal limits

Oxygen therapy

The administration of supplemental oxygen that concentrations greater than room air to treat or prevent Hypoxemia

Peak expiratory flow rate

The maximum volume of air that can be exult when the patient blows into a peak flow meter as forcefully and as rapidly as possible

Segment

The portion of the ECG between two waves

Spirometer

an instrument that measures how much air is exhaled by the lungs and how fast it is exhaled

Spirometry

Measurement of an individuals breathing capacity by means of a spirometer

Wheezing

A continuous, high-pitched whistling Music sound heard practically during exhalation and sometimes during inhalation