Respiratory Therapy Exam Review

Flashcards for respiratory therapy concepts and terms from lecture notes.

Endotracheal intubation

A medical procedure in which a tube is placed in the trachea to secure an airway.

Colorimetric capnography

A method for confirming endotracheal tube placement by detecting the presence of CO2.

APGAR score

A scoring system to evaluate the physical condition of a newborn based on Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, and Respiration.

Bronchiectasis

A chronic condition characterized by the abnormal dilation of the bronchi, leading to increased sputum production and risk of infection.

Airway clearance therapy

Techniques used to help patients clear mucus from the lungs.

Inspiratory pressure

The pressure delivered to the patient's airways during mechanical ventilation to assist breathing.

Auto-PEEP

A condition where positive pressure remains in the lungs at the end of exhalation due to incomplete expiration.

Pneumothorax

A medical condition in which air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse.

Hemoximetry

A blood test used to measure carboxyhemoglobin levels in cases of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Pleural effusion

The accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural cavity around the lungs.

Vocal fremitus

The vibration felt on the chest wall when a person vocalizes, used to assess lung condition.

Vital capacity

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after taking the deepest inhalation.

Sedation

The process of calming a patient using medications before a procedure.

Biologic indicator

A device used to monitor the effectiveness of sterilization processes.

SpO2

A measure of the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, expressed as a percentage.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

A type of non-invasive ventilation that maintains a steady air pressure to keep airways open.

Inhalation challenge test

A test that uses specific triggers to assess the hyperreactivity of a patient's airway.

Intravenous (IV) line

A thin tube placed in a vein to give medications, fluids, or nutrition.

End-tidal CO2

The concentration of CO2 in exhaled air, typically measured to assess ventilation.

Spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)

A test to determine a patient's readiness to be weaned from mechanical ventilation.