Respiratory and Perioperative Nursing Review

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to respiratory and perioperative nursing, aiming to aid in students' understanding and retention of key terms and concepts.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease characterized by chronic cough, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections.

Asthma

A respiratory condition marked by episodes of airway constriction, wheezing, and shortness of breath triggered by allergens or exercise.

Bronchodilators

Medications that relax the muscles of the airways, increasing airflow, commonly used in asthma and COPD treatments.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood clot formation, commonly used in managing venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Peripheral Nerve Block

A form of regional anesthesia that blocks sensation in a specific limb without affecting consciousness.

Epinephrine

A hormone used as a first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) that stimulates the heart and opens airways.

Informed Consent

A process by which a patient voluntarily agrees to a proposed medical procedure after understanding its risks and benefits.

Preoperative Phase

The period that begins when the decision for surgery is made and ends when the patient is transferred to the operating room.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

A condition that includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) due to blood clots.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Medications used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes.

Oxygen Saturation

A measure of the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, typically monitored using pulse oximetry.

Sputum Culture

A diagnostic test used to identify respiratory infections by growing pathogens from a patient's sputum sample.

Auscultation

A physical examination technique used to listen to the internal sounds of the body, typically for respiratory assessment.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory medications used to control inflammation in conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

Diagnostic tests that measure lung volumes and airflow to assess respiratory function.