29 Respiratory Care VOCAB

Blood pH

• A measure of how acidic or basic the blood is; helps determine how well the lungs and kidneys are working.

• A measure of blood pressure in the arteries.

• A measure of the amount of oxygen in the blood.

• A measure of the blood's glucose levels.

Respiratory therapy technicians

• Professionals who assist respiratory therapists in providing care, though the role is being phased out.

• Individuals who perform surgeries related to respiratory issues.

• Technicians who manage medical equipment in operating rooms.

• Nurses specialized in respiratory care.

National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

• An organization that provides certification and specialty credentials for respiratory therapists.

• A regulatory body for medical doctors.

• A non-profit organization focused on public health education.

• A government agency overseeing respiratory therapy practices.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

• A respiratory therapist who has passed advanced exams and is recognized as having higher-level training and expertise.

• A healthcare professional who only provides basic respiratory care.

• A technician who operates respiratory equipment without formal training.

• A nurse specializing in respiratory therapy without additional certification.

Oxygen or oxygen mixtures

• Medical gases given to patients to help them breathe better.

• A type of food supplement for athletes.

• A chemical used in industrial processes.

• A recreational drug for relaxation.

Polysomnography

• A type of sleep study that helps diagnose breathing problems during sleep, like sleep apnea.

• A method for measuring brain activity during wakefulness.

• A technique used to assess the quality of daytime sleep.

• A procedure for evaluating heart function during sleep.

Cardiopulmonary disorders

• Diseases that affect the heart and lungs, often causing difficulty with breathing and circulation.

• Conditions that primarily affect the digestive system and metabolism.

• Infections that target the skin and soft tissues.

• Neurological disorders that impact motor functions.

Chest physiotherapy

• A treatment to help remove mucus from the lungs, often involving chest tapping or vibration.

• A method to strengthen the heart muscles through exercise.

• A technique to improve flexibility in the spine and joints.

• A procedure to diagnose lung diseases using imaging techniques.

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

• A professional who has passed an entry-level exam in respiratory care and is certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

• A healthcare provider specializing in physical therapy for respiratory patients.

• A nurse who has additional training in respiratory care.

• A technician who operates medical equipment for respiratory therapy.

Ventilators

• Machines that help patients breathe by moving air in and out of their lungs when they cannot do so on their own.

• Devices used to monitor heart rates in patients.

• Tools for administering medication directly into the bloodstream.

• Equipment used for physical therapy and rehabilitation.