Respiratory Therapist Vocabulary | Essential
Terminology for NBRC TMC & CRT/RRT Exam Prep
This document compiles essential vocabulary and key terms relevant
to respiratory therapy practice and licensure exams, including the
NBRC TMC, CRT, and RRT. It covers respiratory care procedures,
equipment, pharmacology, diagnostics, ventilation concepts, and
pathophysiology terminology. Ideal for students and professionals
seeking a quick-reference glossary or reinforcing foundational
knowledge for exam success.
1. air hunger: a form of respiratory distress characterized by gasping, labored
breathing, or dyspnea
2. accessory muscles: any of the muscles of the neck, back, and abdomen that
may assist the diaphragm and the internal and external intercostal muscles in
respiration, especially in some breathing disorders or during exercise
3. agonal respiration: shallow breathing pattern that is often related to cardiac
arrest and death
4. apnea: temporary absence or cessation of breathing
5. airway: the passage by which air enters and leaves the lungs
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, 6. asthma: a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. causes the airways to
spasm and swell periodically so that the airways narrow. the individual then
must wheeze or gasp for air.
7. atelectasis: a collapse of lung tissue affecting part or all of one lung. this
condition prevents normal oxygen absorption to healthy issues.
8. auscultate: to examine by auscultation (listening for sounds made by internal
organs, as the heart and the lungs, to aid in the diagnosis of certain disorders)
9. barrier device: type of personal protective equipment designed to protect
rescuers from exposure to infection when in close contact with the person needing
CPR
10. bulb syringe: a device with a flexible bulb that replaces the plunger for
instillation or aspiration; can be used to irrigate an external orifice
11. bradypnea: abnormal slowness of breathing
12. bronchiectasis: bronchial walls dilating irreversibly resulting in their
destruction; congenital or caused by a tumor or foreign body that has been
accidentally aspirated
13. bronchiolitis: acute viral infection of the small air passages of the lungs call
the bronchioles (caused by respiratory syncytial virus)
14. carbon dioxide: an odorless gas, CO2, resulting from oxidation of carbon,
and formed in the tissues and eliminated by the lungs
15. contraindication: any reason that a drug should not be taken, including
harmful interactions with other drugs and the individual's personal sensitivity and
condition
16. croup: acute partial obstruction of the upper airway, usually in young children
and caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergy, or foreign body, or new growth
(barking cough, hoarseness)
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Terminology for NBRC TMC & CRT/RRT Exam Prep
This document compiles essential vocabulary and key terms relevant
to respiratory therapy practice and licensure exams, including the
NBRC TMC, CRT, and RRT. It covers respiratory care procedures,
equipment, pharmacology, diagnostics, ventilation concepts, and
pathophysiology terminology. Ideal for students and professionals
seeking a quick-reference glossary or reinforcing foundational
knowledge for exam success.
1. air hunger: a form of respiratory distress characterized by gasping, labored
breathing, or dyspnea
2. accessory muscles: any of the muscles of the neck, back, and abdomen that
may assist the diaphragm and the internal and external intercostal muscles in
respiration, especially in some breathing disorders or during exercise
3. agonal respiration: shallow breathing pattern that is often related to cardiac
arrest and death
4. apnea: temporary absence or cessation of breathing
5. airway: the passage by which air enters and leaves the lungs
1/7
, 6. asthma: a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. causes the airways to
spasm and swell periodically so that the airways narrow. the individual then
must wheeze or gasp for air.
7. atelectasis: a collapse of lung tissue affecting part or all of one lung. this
condition prevents normal oxygen absorption to healthy issues.
8. auscultate: to examine by auscultation (listening for sounds made by internal
organs, as the heart and the lungs, to aid in the diagnosis of certain disorders)
9. barrier device: type of personal protective equipment designed to protect
rescuers from exposure to infection when in close contact with the person needing
CPR
10. bulb syringe: a device with a flexible bulb that replaces the plunger for
instillation or aspiration; can be used to irrigate an external orifice
11. bradypnea: abnormal slowness of breathing
12. bronchiectasis: bronchial walls dilating irreversibly resulting in their
destruction; congenital or caused by a tumor or foreign body that has been
accidentally aspirated
13. bronchiolitis: acute viral infection of the small air passages of the lungs call
the bronchioles (caused by respiratory syncytial virus)
14. carbon dioxide: an odorless gas, CO2, resulting from oxidation of carbon,
and formed in the tissues and eliminated by the lungs
15. contraindication: any reason that a drug should not be taken, including
harmful interactions with other drugs and the individual's personal sensitivity and
condition
16. croup: acute partial obstruction of the upper airway, usually in young children
and caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergy, or foreign body, or new growth
(barking cough, hoarseness)
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