Strong Regional Burn and Trauma Center

Patient & Visitor Information

Glossary of Terms Related to Burn and Trauma Treatment

Arterial Line. A catheter placed into an artery to continuously monitor blood pressure. We take blood samples from these lines to assess breathing.

Central Line. A large catheter placed into a vein in the neck or groin to deliver IV fluids and medications.

Endotracheal Tube. A tube placed into the mouth or nose, through the trachea (wind pipe), and to the lungs.The tube connects to a ventilator. Because it passes through the vocal cords (voice box), the patient will not be able to talk. The procedure for placement of the tube is called intubation.

I.V. (Intravenous Catheter). A small catheter placed into a vein to deliver fluids or medications. It must be removed and replaced every three days.

Intravenous Pump. A machine that delivers medication or fluid into a vein.

Intubation. Putting a tube into the trachea to help a patient breathe.

Monitor. A machine at the bedside that checks a patient’s heart rhythm and/or blood pressure and respiratory status.

Tracheostomy. A surgical opening in the neck into the trachea that allows us to insert a tube. The tube may be connected to a ventilator. We sometimes do this after a patient has had an endotracheal tube for a long period of time.

Tube Feedings. Liquid nutrition delivered through a feeding tube that passes through the nose and into the stomach.

Ventilator (Respirator). A machine that helps a patient breathe.