respiratory care


care

 [kār] the services rendered by members of the health professions for the benefit of a patient. See also treatment" >treatment.acute care see acute care.admission care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as facilitating entry of a patient into a health care facility.adult day care a health care service provided for adults with a disability or illness who need partial or supplemental care and companionship during the day, when family members are working or otherwise unable to stay at home with a disabled relative. Among the services that may be offered at an adult day care center are nursing services (e.g., medication administration and health monitoring); nutritional and health education, health counseling; physical, speech, and occupational therapy; and socialization.ambulatory care health services or acute care services that are provided on an outpatient basis.amputation care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the promotion of physical and psychological healing after amputation" >amputation of a body part.bed rest care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of comfort and safety and prevention of complications for a patient unable to get out of bed. See also bed rest.bladder care activities and interventions designed to maintain urinary bladder function, including bladder retraining, catheter change, and catheter irrigation.bowel care activities and interventions designed to maintain bowel function, including enema, bowel training, diet, and medication.bowel incontinence care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of bowel continence and maintenance of perianal skin integrity.bowel incontinence care: encopresis in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of bowel continence in children.cardiac care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the limitation of complications resulting from an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand for a patient with symptoms of impaired cardiac function.cardiac care: acute in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the limitation of complications for a patient recently experiencing an episode of an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand resulting in impaired cardiac function.cardiac care: rehabilitative in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the promotion of maximal functional activity level for a patient who has suffered an episode of impaired cardiac functon which resulted from an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand.cast care activities and interventions designed to protect and maintain an immobilized body part, including relief of pain, pressure or constriction of circulation. See also hazards of immobility.cast care: maintenance in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as care of a cast after the drying period.cast care: wet in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as care of a new cast during the drying period.cesarean section care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the preparation and support of a patient delivering a baby by cesarean section" >cesarean section.circulatory care: arterial insuficiency in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of arterial circulation.circulatory care: mechanical assist device in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as temporary support of the circulation through the use of mechanical devices or pumps.circulatory care: venous insufficiency in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of venous circulation.contact lens care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the prevention of eye injury and lens damage by proper use of contact lenses.continuing care the level of care in the health care system that consists of ongoing care of the physically handicapped, mentally retarded, emotionally retarded, and those suffering from chronic incapacitating illness.cord care specialized care of the remnants of a newborn's umbilical cord" >umbilical cord until it falls off, consisting of cleaning and precautions to prevent infection. Cleansing protocols continue until the site is completely healed.critical care intensive care.culture-specific care those assistive, supportive, or facilitative acts toward or for an individual or group with evident or anticipated needs that are congruent with the values and lifestyles of an individual, family, or group of a specific culture, as used in the cultural care diversity and universality theory.day care/respite in the omaha system, the providing by an individual or institution of supervision for a dependent child or adult in the abscence of the usual caregiver or parent.developmental care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as structuring the environment and providing care in response to the behavioral cues and states of the preterm infant.direct care the provision of services to a patient that require some degree of interaction between the patient and the health care provider. Examples include assessment, performing procedures, teaching, and implementation of a care plan.dying care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of physical comfort and psychological peace in the final phase of life. See also dying.ear care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as prevention or minimization of threats to ear or hearing.embolus care: peripheral in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as limitation of complications for a patient experiencing, or at risk for, occlusion of peripheral circulation. See also embolus.embolus care: pulmonary in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as limitation of complications for a patient experiencing, or at risk for, occlusion of pulmonary circulation. See also embolus.emergency care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as providing life-saving measures in life-threatening situations. See also emergency.episodic care interventions aimed at patient cure or restoration to previous level of functioning.eye care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the prevention or minimization of threats to eye or visual integrity.family-centered maternity care a pattern of caring for infants and their families used by Health and Welfare Canada. It is characterized by a great deal of flexibility and parental choice, and health care professionals are encouraged to individualize care. Breast feeding and rooming in are encouraged and grandparent and sibling visits are permitted.foot care see foot care.hair care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the promotion of neat, clean, and attractive hair.health care see health care system.high-risk pregnancy care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as identification and management of a high-risk pregnancy to promote healthy outcomes for mother and baby.home health care see home health care.incision site care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as cleansing, monitoring, and promotion of healing in a wound that is closed with sutures, clips, or staples.indirect care services that are related to patient care but do not require interaction between the health care provider and the patient. Examples include charting and scheduling.infant care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the provision of developmentally appropriate family-centered care to the child under one year of age.intensive care the care of seriously ill patients in a special hospital unit; see intensive care unit. Called also critical care.intrapartal care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the monitoring and management of stages one and two of the birth process. See labor.intrapartal care: high-risk delivery in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as assisting vaginal birth of multiple or malpositioned fetuses.kangaroo care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promoting closeness between parent and physiologically stable preterm infant by preparing the parent and providing the environment for skin-to-skin contact.kinlein care kinlein.long-term care health care services required for an extended period of time by individuals unable to fully execute activities of daily living; it can be provided by a variety of agencies in outpatient settings as well as on an inpatient basis.managed care a method of health care delivery that focuses on collaboration among and coordination of all services to avoid overlap, duplication, and delays and to reduce costs. There is an emphasis on efficacy and timeliness of interventions to prevent unnecessary delays in discharge from the hospital or agency.medical/dental care in the omaha system, diagnosis and treatment by a physician or dentist.mouth care see mouth care" >mouth care.nail care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of clean, neat, attractive nails and prevention of skin lesions related to improper care of nails.newborn care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of the neonate during the transition to extrauterine life and the subsequent period of stabilization.nursing care in the omaha system, therapeutic activities in addition to intermittent service, including private duty nursing.ostomy care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as maintenance of elimination through a stoma and care of surrounding tissue. See also ostomy.ostomy care (omaha) in the omaha system, management of elimination through artificial openings, including colostomy and ileostomy.palliative care supportive care.perineal care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as maintenance of perianal skin integrity and relief of perineal discomfort.peripherally inserted central catheter care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as insertion and maintenance of a peripherally inserted central catheter.personal care the management of hygiene, including bathing, shampooing, shaving, nail trimming, dressing, and so on.point of care the location at which patient services are delivered.postanesthesia care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as monitoring and management of the patient who has recently undergone general or regional anesthesia.postmortem care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as providing physical care of the body of an expired patient and support for the family viewing the body.postoperative care see postoperative care.postpartal care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as monitoring and management of the patient who has recently given birth.pregnancy termination care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the management of the physical and psychological needs of the woman undergoing a spontaneous or abortion" >elective abortion.prenatal care 1. care of the pregnant woman before delivery of the infant. See also pregnancy.2. in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as monitoring and management of the patient during pregnancy to prevent complications of pregnancy and promote a healthy outcome for both mother and infant.preoperative care see preoperative care.pressure ulcer care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as facilitation of healing in pressure ulcers" >pressure ulcers.preventive care the level of care in the health care system that consists of public health services and related programs such as school health education.primary care the routine outpatient care that a patient receives at first contact with the health care system.prosthesis care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the care of a removable appliance worn by a patient and the prevention of complications associated with its use. See also prosthesis.respiratory care see respiratory care.respite care 1. services provided by a health care agency that permit a primary caregiver temporary relief from caring for an ill individual.2. in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the provision of short-term care to provide relief for a family caregiver.restorative care the level of care in the health care system that consists of follow-up care and rehabilitation to an optimal functional level.secondary care 1. treatment by specialists to whom a patient has been referred by primary care facilities; see also health care system.2. acute care.self care the performance of basic activities of daily living" >activities of daily living; see also under assistance and deficit.sickness/injury care in the omaha system, the appropriate responses to illness or accidents, including first aid, taking temperature, and seeking medical care.skilled nursing care the services provided by a registered nurse in a facility" >skilled nursing facility. It currently includes observation during periods of acute or unstable illness; administration of intravenous fluids, enteral feedings, and intravenous or intramuscular medications; short-term bowel and bladder retraining; and changing of sterile dressings.skin care activities and interventions designed to maintain integrity of integument, including care of pressure ulcers and massage.skin care: topical treatments in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the application of topical substances or manipulation of devices to promote skin integrity and minimize skin breakdown.spiritual care see spiritual care.subacute care comprehensive goal-oriented inpatient care designed for a patient who has had an acute illness, injury, or exacerbation of a disease process; it is rendered either immediately after or instead of acute care hospitalization, to treat specific active or complex medical conditions or to administer any necessary technically complex medical treatments in the context of the person's underlying long-term condition.supportive care interventions that help the patient achieve comfort but do not affect the course of a disease. Called also palliative care or treatment.tertiary care the level of care in the health care system that consists of complex procedures given in a health care center that has highly trained specialists and often advanced technology.total patient care a method of organizing care of patients such that one practitioner carries out all care requirements.traction/immobilization care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of a patient who has traction and/or a stabilizing device to immobilize and stabilize a body part.tube care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of a patient with an external drainage device exiting the body.tube care: chest in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of a patient with an external water-seal drainage device exiting the chest cavity.tube care: gastrointestinal in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of a patient with a gastrointestinal tube.tube care: umbilical line in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of a newborn with an umbilical catheter.tube care: urinary in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of a patient with urinary drainage equipment.tube care: ventriculostomy/lumbar drain in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of a patient with an external cerebrospinal fluid drainage system. See also ventriculostomy and drain.urinary incontinence care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as assistance in promoting continence and maintaining perineal skin integrity. See also incontinence" >urinary incontinence.urinary incontinence care: enuresis in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of urinary continence in children.urinary retention care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as assistance in relieving bladder distention. See also retention of urine.wound care in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as prevention of wound complications and promotion of wound healing.wound care: closed drainage in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as maintenance of a pressure drainage system at the wound site.

respiratory

 [res´pir-ah-tor″e] pertaining to respiration.acute respiratory distress syndrome (adult respiratory distress syndrome) a group of symptoms accompanying fulminant pulmonary edema and resulting in acute respiratory failure; see also acute respiratory distress syndrome.respiratory care 1. the health care profession providing, under qualified supervision, diagnostic evaluation, therapy, monitoring, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders; it also employs educational activities to support patients and their families and to promote cardiovascular health among the general public.2. the care provided by members of this profession.3. the diagnostic and therapeutic use of medical gases and their administering apparatus, environmental control systems, humidification, aerosols, medications, ventilatory support, bronchopulmonary drainage, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and airway management.respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal (respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn (RDS)) a condition of the newborn marked by dyspnea with cyanosis, heralded by such prodromal signs as dilatation of the nares, grunting on exhalation, and retraction of the suprasternal notch or costal margins. It usually occurs in newborns who are preterm, have diabetic mothers, or were delivered by cesarean section; sometimes there is no apparent predisposing cause.

This is the major cause of death in neonates and survivors have a high risk for chronic neurologic complications. No one factor is known to cause the condition; however, prematurity and interrupted development of the surfactant" >surfactant system is thought to be the major causative factor. Surfactant is secreted by the epithelial cells of the alveoli. It acts as a detergent, decreasing the surface tension of fluids that line the alveoli and bronchioles and allowing for uniform expansion of the lung and maintenance of lung expansion. When there is an inadequate amount of surfactant, a great deal of effort is required to re-expand the alveoli with air; thus the newborn must struggle for each breath. Insufficient expansion of the alveoli results in partial or complete collapse of the lung (atelectasis). This in turn produces hypoxemia and elevated serum carbon dioxide levels.
The hypoxemia causes metabolic acidosis from increased production of lactic acid and respiratory acidosis due to the hypercapnia. The lowered pH constricts pulmonary blood vessels and inhibits intake of oxygen, thus producing more hypoxemia and interfering with the transport of substances necessary for the production of the sorely needed surfactant.Patient Care. In order to minimize the hazards of oxygen toxicity and retinopathy of prematurity" >retinopathy of prematurity, the blood gases of the newborn with respiratory distress syndrome must be carefully monitored to assess response to therapy. The goal is to administer only as much oxygen as is necessary to maintain an optimal level of oxygenation.

To improve respiratory function, intubation, suctioning of the air passages, and pressure" >continuous positive airway pressure via nasal prongs are commonly used, as well as instillation of artificial surfactant. Monitoring is conducted using monitoring" >transcutaneous oxygen monitoring or a pulse oximeter. To optimize breathing effort and facilitate air exchange, the newborn is positioned on the back with a shoulder support to keep the neck slightly extended, or on the side with the head supported. Because of the drying effect of oxygen therapy and the prohibition of oral fluids, mouth care must be given frequently to prevent drying and cracking of the lips and oral mucosa.respiratory failure a life-threatening condition in which respiratory function is inadequate to maintain the body's need for oxygen supply and carbon dioxide removal while at rest; it usually occurs when a patient with chronic airflow limitation develops an infection or otherwise suffers an additional strain on already seriously impaired respiratory functions. Inadequate or unsuccessful treatment of respiratory insufficiency from a variety of causes can lead to respiratory failure. Called also ventilatory failure.

Early symptoms include dyspnea, wheezing, and apprehension; cyanosis is rarely present. As the condition worsens the patient becomes drowsy and mentally confused and may slip into a coma. blood gas analysis is an important tool in diagnosing respiratory failure and assessing effectiveness of treatment. The condition is a medical emergency that can rapidly progress to irreversible cardiopulmonary failure and death. Treatment is concerned with improving ventilation and oxygenation of tissues, restoring and maintaining fluid balance and acid-base balance, and stabilizing cardiac function.respiratory insufficiency a condition in which respiratory function is inadequate to meet the body's needs when increased physical activity places extra demands on it. Insufficiency occurs as a result of progressive degenerative changes in the alveolar structure and the capillary tissues in the pulmonary bed, as, for example, in chronic airflow limitation and fibrosis" >pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment is essentially supportive and symptomatic. If the condition is not successfully managed it may progress to respiratory failure.respiratory therapist a health care professional skilled in the treatment and management of patients with respiratory problems, who administers respiratory care. The minimum educational requirement is an associate degree, providing knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medicine sufficient to serve as a supervisor and consultant. Those registered by the National Board for Respiratory Therapy are designated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).respiratory therapy respiratory care.respiratory therapy technician a health care professional who has completed a specialized one- or two-year educational program and who performs routine care, management, and treatment of patients with respiratory problems under the supervision of a respiratory therapist. Such programs are usually found in community colleges and are accredited by the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education.

res·pi·ra·to·ry care

(res'pir-ă-tōr-ē kār) An adjunctive form of health care intended to maintain or restore optimal respiratory function through the use of appropriate devices and techniques; respiratory care services, provided by qualified professionals under medical direction in a variety of settings, include diagnostic testing and monitoring, patient education, therapy, and rehabilitation.

respiratory care

The evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disease by respiratory therapy professionals working under a physician's supervision.See also: care

res·pi·ra·to·ry care

(res'pir-ă-tōr-ē kār) Adjunctive form of health care intended to maintain or restore optimal respiratory function through the use of appropriate devices and techniques; includes diagnostic testing and monitoring, patient education, therapy, and rehabilitation.