Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers respiratory physiology, physical examination findings, diagnostic tests, oxygen delivery systems, and clinical procedures based on lecture notes.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

A form of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation where positive pressure is maintained through both inhalation and exhalation; primarily used for patients with sleep apnea.

BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure)

A ventilation method where inhalation and exhalation pressures are different; used to treat conditions such as CHF, COPD, and sleep apnea.

Oxyhemoglobin

A substance formed in the lungs where $PaO_2$ is high; it consists of oxygen bound to the iron of hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Bicarbonate

The form in which $70\%$ of $CO_2$ is carried in the blood.

Crepitus

A "rice krispie" feeling felt under the skin during palpation, indicating air leakage into the subcutaneous tissue.

D-Dimer

A blood test that measures fibrin degradation products; its presence indicates there is a blood clot in the body.

Barrel chest

A rounded chest shape caused by chronic trapping of air in the lungs, typically seen in obstructive disorders like COPD.

Nail Clubbing

A physical finding characterized by bulbous enlargement of the fingertips, indicative of chronic tissue hypoxia.

AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Sputum Culture

A specific diagnostic test ordered when tuberculosis is suspected; the patient should be put in isolation while waiting for results.

Normal $PaO_2$ Range

$75$–$100\,mmHg$

Normal $PaCO_2$ Range

$35$–$45\,mmHg$

Normal Blood pH Range

$7.35$–$7.45$

Normal $HCO_3$ Range

$22$–$26\,mEq/L$

Normal $O_2$ Saturation

$95\%$–$100\%$

Capnography

A diagnostic tool that measures the patient's exhaled $CO_2$ level to provide ventilation status, often used for intubated patients.

Ventilation Perfusion Scan (Lung Scan)

A procedure where fluid is injected to view blood flow to the lungs and a substance is inhaled to show how well gas moves through the lungs.

Pulmonary Angiography

An X-ray of pulmonary vessels following the IV administration of dye, used to diagnose pulmonary embolism or other pulmonary disorders.

Nasal Cannula

The most common oxygen delivery device, used for patients who breathe through their nose.

Simple Face Mask

An oxygen delivery device that provides a flow rate of $5$–$10\,L/min$ and an oxygen concentration of $40\%$–$60\%$.

Nonrebreather Mask

An oxygen delivery device with one or both vents closed to limit the mixing of room air and oxygen; it delivers an oxygen concentration of $70\%$–$100\%$.

Thoracentesis

A procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to aspirate trapped fluid.

Chest Tube for Pneumothorax (Air Removal)

A tube inserted into the upper anterior chest at the $2^{nd}$ or $4^{th}$ intercostal space.

Chest Tube for Pleural Effusion (Fluid/Blood Removal)

A tube inserted into the lower lateral chest at the $8^{th}$ or $9^{th}$ intercostal space.

Milking

A technique used to dislodge clots in chest drainage tubing that is considered somewhat safer than stripping.

Vagal Stimulation

A potential complication of suctioning that results in bradycardia and can lead to cardiac arrest.