7/2017
Words do have meaning, if you can get them right.
Sure, words change with local usage and slang. For instance, the term “feminazi”, coined by Rush Limbaugh in the 1990s (IIRC), made it to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary within 1 year. “Bra”, abbreviated from Brazier was a brand name, like “Tylenol” for acetaminophen. So, I shouldn’t be surprised that my words change. For instance, consider the following.
Bipac. Should be Bipap for binasal (meaning both nostrils) positive airway pressure, a machine used to treat a variety of respiratory disorders.
Blood gasket. Should be blood gas, a blood test to measure the partial pressure of certain gases dissolved in the bloodstream like oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Stats. Should be sats, an abbreviation of the word saturation or the amount of a gas dissolved in a liquid.
Bamboo bag. Should be Ambu bag, a proprietary name of a self inflating bag valve arrangement used to provide breaths to a patient that is no longer breathing on their own.
Now, don’t go critical on me here. I’m not making fun of my patients, implying them ignorant or something. These terms were used by medical staff.
As I’ve said before, sometimes I feel there is no hope.
From your grumpy Uncle/Brother Dave.
Weary.