Pulmonary Toilet? Huh???

TazziRN, RN · Mar 21, 2007

Yes, it's a common term. It means things like chest percussion, cough and deep breathing, etc.

kukukajoo, LPN · Mar 21, 2007

She was using it with spirometry. I had never heard the term before.

Anyone know how it became known as that?

allnurses Guide · Mar 21, 2007

The first time I heard it was in nursing school too. Lots of new and funny terms. Like S-O-B . . . . and CABG - pronounced cabbage.

steph

maolin · Mar 21, 2007

You're flushing the crud out of the lungs - hence, toileting.

Ariesbsn · Mar 21, 2007

Kukukajoo,

One definition for toilet is the bathroom fixture you pee in, which is probably why you are flabbergasted, and most likely has nothing to do with the phrase pulmonary toilet.

Another definition for toilet, according to dictionary.com, is "the act or process of dressing or grooming oneself." Although that definition isn't listed as archaic, it certainly isn't used much any more. However, my guess would be that is where the "toilet" in "pulmonary toilet" comes into play. So, anything to groom/care for the lungs would count. In addition to what TazziRN told you, I was also taught that turning and suctioning (if applicable) were part of pulmonary toilet.

allnurses Guide · Mar 21, 2007

Ah yes, remember "toilette water"?

The word "toilet" came to be used in English along with other French fashions (first noted 1681)[citation needed]. It originally referred to the whole complex of operations of hairdressing and body care that centered at a dressing table covered to the floor with cloth (toile) and lace, on which stood a mirror, which might also be draped in lace: the ensemble was a toilette.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilet

steph;)

gr8rnpjt, RN · Mar 21, 2007

Pulmonary Toileting usually includes chest p.t. and nebulizer treatments as well. Pt's who have congested lungs from bilateral pneumonia or other lung problems that are not responding are usually ordered "agressive" pulmonary toilet.

rngreenhorn · Mar 21, 2007

Not to be confused with "automic flush" which like the "automic wedgy" is used by many a bully in the American school yard as well as fraternity brothers in hasing rituals.

Also not to be confused with "circling the drain" which is used by many ER and ICU nurses to describe a "not so healthy" patient getting ready to clock out.

WolfpackRed · Mar 21, 2007

Not to be confused with "automic flush" which like the "automic wedgy" is used by many a bully in the American school yard as well as fraternity brothers in hasing rituals.
Also not to be confused with "circling the drain" which is used by many ER and ICU nurses to describe a "not so healthy" patient getting ready to clock out.

a.k.a "crumping"

I have heard that term tossed around instead of "circling the drain"

DDRN4me · Mar 21, 2007

Good , agressive pulmonary toilet often helps a crumping patient

kukukajoo, LPN · Mar 21, 2007

So glad to see the humor on here! It is most welcome today!

Thanks for making me smile!!

Oh and thanks for 'splainin toilet!! Up here in NH we still use it some- we go buy toiletries and stuff. Glad I haven't had a crumping patient today!