Respiratory Therapy Glossary

The alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, measuring the difference between alveolar and arterial oxygen partial pressures.

Laboratory test measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in arterial blood.

Acute Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient certification, indicating advanced competency in respiratory therapy f...

The administration of medications in particulate form through inhalation, requiring specific techniques and devices to e...

The opposition to airflow through the respiratory tract, measured as pressure difference per unit flow.

Diagnostic procedure that temporarily removes ventilatory support to assess a patient's spontaneous breathing drive and...

Airway pressure release ventilation; a pressure-controlled mode allowing spontaneous breathing at two different pressure...

A severe inflammatory lung condition characterized by widespread alveolar damage, increased pulmonary vascular permeabil...

Laboratory test measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in arterial blood.

A mechanical ventilation mode where the ventilator delivers a preset tidal volume for every patient-triggered or machine...

Partial or complete collapse of lung tissue, preventing normal gas exchange in affected areas.

Unintentional positive end-expiratory pressure that occurs when insufficient time is allowed for complete exhalation bef...

Manual ventilation technique using a self-inflating bag and face mask to deliver positive pressure breaths during emerge...

Lung injury caused by excessive pressure during mechanical ventilation.

A non-invasive ventilation mode that delivers two different pressure levels during inspiration and expiration.

Medication that relaxes and opens airways by reducing bronchial smooth muscle constriction.

Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure using a flexible or rigid scope to visualize the airways and perform interventions.

Continuous monitoring technique that measures and displays real-time carbon dioxide levels in exhaled breath throughout...

Mechanical techniques used to mobilize secretions and improve lung function through percussion, vibration, and postural...

In respiratory therapy, the measure of lung and chest wall distensibility, calculated as change in volume per unit chang...

Mechanical device that helps patients with weak cough reflexes clear airway secretions by providing positive and negativ...

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; non-invasive ventilatory support that maintains constant positive pressure througho...

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing, comprehensive evaluation that simultaneously assesses cardiovascular and respiratory r...

The pressure maintained in the inflatable cuff of an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube to create an airway seal.