Perioperative Care, IV Medications, Airway Management, Resuscitation, End of Life, and Oxygenation Flashcards

A comprehensive vocabulary set covering perioperative nursing phases, IV medication administration, airway maintenance techniques, emergency resuscitation protocols, end-of-life care stages, and respiratory oxygenation concepts.

Perioperative care

The total care a patient receives before, during, and after surgery, including preparation, assistance during the procedure, and recovery support.

Preoperative phase

The phase of surgical care that spans from the decision for surgery to the transfer of the patient to the operating room (OR).

Intraoperative phase

The phase of perioperative care occurring during the actual surgical procedure.

Postoperative phase

The phase of care extending from the patient's arrival in the recovery room to their full recovery.

Inpatient surgery

A surgical procedure that requires the patient to stay overnight or longer in the hospital.

Outpatient surgery

Also known as ambulatory surgery, where the patient undergoes a procedure and goes home the same day.

Autologous donation

A method where a patient donates their own blood ahead of time to be used if needed during or after surgery.

Intraoperative blood salvage

A process where blood is collected and reused during a surgical procedure.

Atelectasis

The collapse of part of the lung, which is often caused by shallow breathing after a surgical procedure.

Conscious sedation

Medication that relaxes a patient and reduces pain while allowing them to stay awake and respond to commands.

Emboli

A clot or object that travels through the bloodstream and has the potential to block a vessel.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms and remains in one place within a blood vessel.

Universal Protocol

A safety process established by The Joint Commission to prevent surgical errors by verifying the correct patient, procedure, and site.

Bolus administration

Also known as an IV push, it involves giving a medication quickly in a single dose directly into the bloodstream.

Central venous catheter (CVC)

A tube inserted into a large vein, such as in the chest or neck, used for long-term IV therapy or the administration of irritating medications.

Secondary infusion (piggyback)

A smaller IV bag connected to a primary line to deliver medication intermittently; it is hung higher than the primary bag.

Volume-control set

A device used to deliver small, precise, controlled amounts of IV fluid to prevent fluid overload, commonly used for children and older adults.

Antineoplastic drugs

Medications used to treat cancer by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, also known as chemotherapy.

Medication lock

Also called a saline lock, it is a short IV device that allows access to a vein without the need for continuous fluid administration.

Noncoring needle

A special needle designed to access implanted ports without damaging the device.

Airway management

The use of techniques to ensure a person's pathway for air remains open and clear for proper breathing.

Chest physiotherapy (CPT)

A set of treatments, including percussion and vibration, used to loosen and mobilize mucus from the lungs.

Inner cannula

The removable inner tube of a tracheostomy tube that is cleaned or replaced to keep the airway clear.

Obturator

A device used to guide the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which is removed immediately after the tube is in place.

Postural drainage

Positioning the body so that gravity can assist in draining mucus from different parts of the lungs.

Tracheostomy

A surgical opening made in the neck into the trachea to facilitate breathing.

Asystole

A life-threatening condition characterized by the absence of electrical activity in the heart, resulting in a flatline on a monitor.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

A portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Ventricular fibrillation

A dangerous heart rhythm where the ventricles quiver instead of pumping effectively, leading to cardiac arrest.

Heimlich maneuver

An emergency technique using subdiaphragmatic (abdominal) thrusts to clear an obstructed airway in a choking person.

Chain of Survival

A series of critical steps including early recognition, early CPR, early defibrillation, and advanced care to improve survival in cardiac emergencies.

Hospice

A philosophy of care focused on comfort and quality of life for individuals nearing the end of life, rather than seeking a cure.

Palliative care

Specialized care focused on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.

Respite care

Temporary care provided to a patient to give relief to their primary caregivers.

Brain death

The complete and irreversible loss of all brain function, legally recognized as death.

Stages of Dying

The five emotional phases identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Postmortem care

The care provided to a body after death, including cleaning, positioning, and preparing it for transfer or viewing.

Ventilation

The physical movement of air into and out of the lungs.

External respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide specifically between the lungs and the blood.

Internal respiration

The exchange of gases between the blood and the body tissues.

Pulse oximetry

A noninvasive method using a finger probe to measure the oxygen saturation ($SpO_2$) in the blood.

Hypoxemia

A condition characterized by low oxygen levels specifically in the blood.

Hypoxia

A condition characterized by low oxygen levels in the body tissues.

Incentive spirometry

A device that encourages deep breathing to help expand the lungs and prevent respiratory complications like pneumonia.

Venturi mask

An oxygen delivery device that provides a precise concentration of oxygen.

Arterial blood gas (ABG)

A blood test taken from an artery to measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels to assess lung function and acid-base balance.