Respiratory Therapy Glossary

A spontaneous breathing mode where the ventilator provides a preset pressure boost to assist patient-initiated breaths.

A graphical representation plotting airway pressure against lung volume during a respiratory cycle. Used to assess lung...

Positioning a patient face-down to improve oxygenation and ventilation distribution in respiratory failure.

Pressure-regulated volume control ventilation that delivers a set tidal volume at the lowest possible pressure.

Comprehensive intervention program for patients with chronic respiratory diseases to improve physical and psychological...

Non-invasive monitoring technique that measures oxygen saturation and pulse rate using light absorption.

A ventilation technique using sustained high airway pressures to reopen collapsed alveoli and improve oxygenation.

An acid-base disorder caused by inadequate ventilation leading to carbon dioxide retention and decreased blood pH.

Ratio of carbon dioxide production to oxygen consumption, reflecting metabolic substrate utilization and respiratory eff...

The advanced-level credential for respiratory therapists who have passed both entry-level and advanced-level national ex...

Rapid shallow breathing index; a weaning parameter calculated by dividing respiratory frequency by tidal volume.

Spontaneous breathing trial used to assess a patient's readiness for ventilator discontinuation and extubation.

A mechanical ventilation mode that delivers mandatory breaths synchronized with patient effort while allowing spontaneou...

Pulmonary function test measuring lung volumes and airflow rates during forced breathing maneuvers.

Pulse oximetry measurement of oxygen saturation in peripheral blood.

A weaning assessment where patients breathe with minimal or no ventilator support to evaluate readiness for extubation.

Ventilator mode that delivers mandatory breaths synchronized with patient's inspiratory efforts while allowing spontaneo...

A T-shaped breathing circuit adapter used to provide continuous positive airway pressure or deliver oxygen to patients w...

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal, quiet breathing at rest.

Surgical opening in the front of the neck to provide an alternative airway through the trachea.

A set of evidence-based interventions implemented together to prevent ventilator-associated complications in mechanicall...

Mismatch between patient respiratory effort and ventilator-delivered breaths, resulting in ineffective or uncomfortable...

Real-time waveform displays on mechanical ventilators showing pressure, flow, and volume patterns to assess patient-vent...

The gradual process of reducing mechanical ventilatory support to restore spontaneous breathing in ventilator-dependent...