resp day 2 URI & Trach problems

Vocabulary flashcards covering upper respiratory tract emergencies, tracheostomy management, and head and neck cancer principles based on Chapter 26 lecture notes.

Upper Airway

Anatomical structures including the nose, pharynx, glottis, and oral cavity; impairment or obstruction in these areas directly affects all lower respiratory areas.

Epiglottitis

Swelling of the epiglottis that obstructs the airway, presenting a severe respiratory emergency.

Obturator

A tool with a rounded tip placed inside a tracheostomy outer cannula during insertion to keep the tracheostomy open and guide placement; kept at the bedside for emergency reinsertion.

Tracheostomy

A long-term artificial airway opening into the trachea that offers advantages over endotracheal tubes, such as being easier to clean, promoting better oral and bronchial hygiene, improving patient comfort, and reducing long-term vocal cord damage risk.

Tracheostomy Cuff Inflation Pressure

The pressure maintained in a tracheostomy cuff, recommended at $20\text{ to }25\text{ cm H}_2\text{O}$, to prevent tracheal mucosal necrosis and aspiration.

Minimal Occlusion Volume (MOV)

A technique used to seal the tracheostomy cuff with the minimal amount of air volume necessary to prevent air leaks and mucosal damage.

Tracheostomy Tape Changes

A nursing guideline stating that tracheostomy tapes or ties must not be changed for at least 24 hours following initial placement.

First Tracheostomy Tube Change

A procedure that must be performed by the Healthcare Provider (HCP) no sooner than 7 days after original tube placement.

Tracheostomy Dislodgement Protocol

Emergency procedure steps: call for help, assess respiratory distress, spread stoma with a hemostat, insert spare tube with obturator and lubricate, or thread tube over a suction catheter; if reinsertion fails, cover stoma with sterile gauze and ventilate with a bag-valve mask (BVM).

Fenestrated Tracheostomy Tube

A tracheostomy tube featuring an opening in the outer cannula that allows air to pass from the lungs over the vocal cords, used when trialing speech and preparing for decannulation.

Passy-Muir Valve

A one-way speaking valve attached to a tracheostomy tube that opens during inspiration and closes on expiration, redirecting air over the vocal cords to enable speech.

Decannulation

The removal of a tracheostomy tube from the trachea once the patient is hemodynamically stable, has an intact respiratory drive, adequately exchanges air, and independently expectorates.

Decannulation Stoma Closure

The natural healing process where epithelial tissue forms over the stoma in 24 to 48 hours and the opening completely closes in 4 to 5 days.

Head and Neck Cancer Etiology

Malignancies primarily originating from mucosal squamous cells, associated with smoking ($85\text{\%}$ of cases), alcohol use, HPV infection, and exposure to industrial carcinogens or radiation.

Leukoplakia and Erythroplakia

Precancerous white (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches checked on mucosal surfaces during physical assessment for head and neck cancer.

Xerostomia

Severe dry mouth, a common side effect resulting from radiation therapy in head and neck cancer treatment.

Transesophageal Puncture (Blom-Singer Prosthesis)

A surgical voice restoration technique and device used post-laryngectomy to allow patients to speak.