Chapter 27 Medical Expenses

Ambu bug

a self-refilling bag-valve-mask unit used for artificial respiration that is effective for ventilating and oxygenating intubated patients. Acronym for artificial manual breathing unit.

basic life support (BLS)

a number of emergency procedures needed to ensure a person’s immediate survival. Procedures include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, controlling bleeding, treatment of shock and poisoning, stabilization of injuries, and basic first aid.

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

the application of manual chest compressions and ventilations to patients who are not breathing or do not have a pulse, a part of basic life support.

code

A term used in healthcare settings to indicate an emergency situation and to summon the trained team to the scene.

intraosseous

Within bone, route for delivery of fluids and medications through a needle inserted into the marrow of certain bones

nasopharyngeal airway tube (NPA)

A soft, flexible tube that is inserted in the nose and provides a patent airway; also known a nasal trumpet.

necrosis

Tissue death

patent

Open

pocket face mask

A device used to deliver a rescue breath.

pruritus

Itching

recovery position

A position on the person’s side that helps to keep the airway open and clear.

rescue breathing

Life-saving maneuver to resuscitate a person who has stopped breathing. the rescuer forces air into the victim’s mouth, nose, or stoma, from a laryngectomy.

retractions

The sucking in of tissues between the intercostal spaces and neck due to respiratory distress; classic sign of severe asthma.

standard of care

the level and type of care an ordinary, prudent healthcare professional with the same training and experience in a similar practice would have provided under a similar situation

triaging flow map

A written flow map triage decision; based on answers to questions, the person moves through the map until a triage decision is made

triage

To sort out and classify the injured; used in the military and emergency settings to determine the priority of a patient to be treated

vasoconstriction

Contraction of the muscles, causing narrowing of the inside of the tube of the vessel.