NREMT VOCABULARY {VERIFIED}

aerobic metabolism - Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen. agonal gasps - occasional, gasping breaths that occur after the heart has stopped airway - The upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx, which includes the nose, mouth, and throat. alveolar minute volume - The volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute minus the dead space; calculated by multiplying tidal volume (minus dead space) and respiratory rate. alveolar ventilation - The volume of air that reaches the alveoli. It is determined by subtracting the amount of dead space air from the tidal volume. american standard safety system - A safety system for large oxygen cylinders, designed to prevent the accidental attachment of a regulator to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas. anaerobic metabolism - The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the principle product is lactic acid. apnea - absence of spontaneous breathing aspiration - In the context of airway, the introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs. ataxic respirations - Irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern. automatic transport ventilator (ATV) - A ventilation device attached to a control box that allows the variables of ventilation to be set. It frees the EMT to perform other tasks while the patient is being ventilated. bag-valve mask (BVM) - A device with a one-way valve and a face mask attached to a ventilation bag; when attached to a reservoir and connected to oxygen, it delivers more than 90% supplemental oxygen. barrier device - A protective item, such as a pocket mask with a valve, that limits exposure to a patient's body fluids. bilateral - A body part or condition that appears on both sides of the midline. Bronchioles - Subdivision of the smaller bronchi in the lungs; made of smooth muscle and dilate or constrict in response to various stimuli. capnography - A noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patient's ventilatory status, circulation, and metabolism; effectively measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in expired air over time. Capnometry - The use of a capnometer, a device that measures the amount of expired carbon dioxide. carina - Point at which the trachea bifurcates (divides) into the left and right mainstem bronchi. Chemoreceptors - Monitor the levels of O2, CO2, and the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid and then provide feedback to the respiratory centers to modify the rate and depth of breathing based on the body's needs at any given time. compliance - The ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation. continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) - A method of ventilation used primarily in the treatment of critically ill patients with respiratory distress; can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation. dead space - The portion of the tidal volume that does not reach the alveoli and thus does not participate in gas exchange. Diffusion - the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration Dyspnea - shortness of breath, difficulty breathing end-tidal CO2 - The amount of carbon dioxide present in exhaled breath. Exhalation - The passive part of the breathing process in which the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles relax, forcing air out of the lungs. external respiration - The exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood cells in the pulmonary capillaries; also called pulmonary respiration. gag reflex - A normal reflex mechanism that causes retching; activated by touching the soft palate or the back of the throat. gastric distention - A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation. glottis - The space in between the vocal cords that is the narrowest portion of the adult's airway; also called the glottic opening. good air exchange - A term used to distinguish the degree of distress in a patient with a mild airway obstruction. With good air exchange, the patient is still conscious and able to cough forcefully, although wheezing may be heard. head tilt-chin lift maneuver - A combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not used for trauma patients. hypercarbia - Increased carbon dioxide level in the bloodstream. Hypoxia - A dangerous condition in which the body tissues and cells do not have enough oxygen. hypoxic drive - A condition in which chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood stimulate the respiratory drive; seen in patients with chronic lung diseases. Inhalation - The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs.