Medical Terminology Simplified

Use of body positioning to assist in removal of secretions from specific lobes of the

lung, bronchi, or lung cavities

Pharmacology • CHAPTER 4 139

Figure 4-12Endotracheal intubation.

postural drainage

PŎS-chur-ăl

Nose

Lungs

Throat

Intubation tube keeps airway open

Tongue

Pronunciation Help Long sound a ̄in ra ̄te e ̄in re ̄birth ı ̄in ı ̄sle o ̄in o ̄ver u ̄in u ̄nite

Short sound a ̆in a ̆lone e ̆in e ̆ver ̆ıin ı ̆t o ̆in no ̆t u ̆in cu ̆t

Pharmacology

The table below lists common drug categories used to treat urinary disorders, as well as their therapeutic actions.

Drug Category Action

bronchodilators

brŏng-kō-DĪ-lā-tŏrz

corticosteroids

kor-tĭ-kō-STĔR-oyds

nebulized mist

treatments (NMTs)

NĔB-ū-līzd

Increase airflow by dilating constricted airways through relaxation of the smooth muscles

that surround the bronchioles and bronchi

Bronchodilators are used to treat asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(COPD), and exercise-induced bronchospasm. Most bronchodilators provide metered dosages

of the medication and may employ a spacer as a reservoir for the medication. (See Fig. 4–13.)

Decrease inflammation in the airways, reducing swelling and mucus production and mak-

ing breathing easier

Corticosteroids are used to treat chronic lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma.

Produce a fine spray (nebulizer) to deliver a medication directly into the lungs (See

Fig. 4–14.)

Pronunciation Help Long sound a ̄in ra ̄te e ̄in re ̄birth ı ̄in ı ̄sle o ̄in o ̄ver u ̄in u ̄nite

Short sound a ̆in a ̆lone e ̆in e ̆ver ̆ıin ı ̆t o ̆in no ̆t u ̆in cu ̆t