GLOSSARY OF HELPFUL TERMS
While you are in the Emergency Department , you may hear medical terms that are unfamiliar or confusing . Some of the most common ones are explained below :
• Arterial blood gas ( ABG ) – a blood test used to help the health care team measure how well the patient is breathing
• Arterial Line ( A-line ) – a tube placed in an artery , usually in the leg or arm , that measures blood pressure . Blood for lab work can also be obtained from the A-line .
• Central venous line – a type of IV placed into a large vein in the neck , chest , or leg by the doctor . It allows fluids / meds / blood products to be given quickly , blood tests / labs to be obtained , and monitoring of the central venous pressure ( CVP ).
• Cervical collar ( Aspen collar ) – used for neck and head injuries to prevent spinal cord damage
• Chest tube – a tube placed into the chest to remove air or fluid from around the lungs
• Delirium – confusion due to physical illness that normally lasts only for a short time
• Endotracheal tube ( ETT ) – a tube placed in the windpipe ( trachea ) to keep the patient ’ s airway open and to provide a means for mechanical ventilation . This tube can be placed in the mouth ( OETT ) or in the nose ( NETT ). The patient will not be able to talk , eat , or drink when an ETT is in place .
• Foley catheter – a tube that drains urine
• Oral / nasal gastric tubes ( OGT / NGT ) – used to remove fluid and gas from the stomach to prevent vomiting . These tubes may also be used for tube feedings and giving medications .
• Oxygen saturation ( O2 sat ) – the amount of oxygen in the patient ’ s blood . Normal is greater than 90 %.
• Paralytics – drugs that prevent the patient from being able to move
• Peripheral intravenous line ( PIV or IV ) – a small tube placed in a vein by a nurse , usually in the arm , that allows fluids , medications , and blood to be given
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy ( PEG ) – a feeding tube surgically placed into the stomach
• Restraints – soft wrist or ankle bands used for patient safety
• Sedation – drugs that relieve stress and help the patient relax
• Tracheotomy ( trach ) – a procedure in which a tube is passed through a surgical incision on the neck and into the windpipe ( trachea ). It is normally used when the patient is expected to be on a ventilator for a long time . It also helps to wean the ventilator .
• Tube feedings – liquid food given to the patient through a feeding tube
• Ventilator ( vent ) – a machine used to help the patient breathe www . uabmedicine . org 5