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375 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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AVPU scale
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A method of assessing the level of consciousness by determining whether the patient is awake and alert, responsive to verbal stimuli or pain, or unresponsive; used principally early in the assessment process.
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bradycardia
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A slow heart rate, less than 60 beats/min.
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crepitus
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A grating or grinding sensation caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together; also air bubbles under the skin that produce a crackling sound or crinkly feeling.
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cyanosis |
A bluish gray skin color that is caused by a reduced level of oxygen in the blood. |
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diaphoretic |
Characterized by profuse sweating. |
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diastolic pressure |
The pressure that remains in the arteries during the relaxing phase of the heart's cycle (diastole) when the left ventricle is at rest. |
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end-tidal CO2 |
The amount of carbon dioxide present in exhaled breath. |
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guarding |
Involuntary muscle contractions (spasms) of the abdominal wall in an effort to protect an inflamed abdomen; a sign of peritonitis. |
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hypertension |
Blood pressure that is higher than the normal range. |
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hypotension |
Blood pressure that is lower than the normal range. |
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jaundice |
Yellow skin or sclera that is caused by liver disease or dysfunction. |
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nasal flaring |
Flaring out of the nostrils, indicating that there is an airway obstruction. |
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labored breathing |
Breathing that requires greater than normal effort; may be slower or faster than normal and usually requires the use of accessory muscles. |
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orientation |
The mental status of a patient as measured by memory of person (name), place (current location), time (current year, month, and approximate date), and event (what happened). |
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paradoxical motion |
The motion of the portion of the chest wall that is detached in a flail chest; the motion—in during inhalation, out during exhalation—is exactly the opposite of normal chest wall motion during breathing. |
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perfusion |
Circulation of blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet current needs of the cells. |
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pertinent negatives |
Negative findings that warrant no care or intervention. |
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pulse oximetry |
An assessment tool that measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the capillary beds. |
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rales |
A crackling, rattling breath sound that signals fluid in the air spaces of the lungs; also called crackles. |
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rhonchi |
Coarse, low-pitched breath sounds heard in patients with chronic mucus in the upper airways. |
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sclera |
The tough, fibrous, white portion of the eye that protects the more delicate inner structures. |
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shallow respirations |
Respirations that are charcterized by little movement of the chest wall (reduced tidal volume) or poor chest excursion. |
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sniffing position |
An upright position in which the patient's head and chin are thrust slightly forward to keep the airway open. |
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spontaneous respirations
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Breathing that occurs with no assistance.
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stridor |
A high-pitched noise heard primarily on inspiration. |
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subcutaneous emphysema |
A characteristic crackling sensation felt on palpation of the skin, caused by the presence of air in soft tissues. |
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systolic pressure
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The increased pressure in an artery with each contraction of the ventricles (systole). |
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tachycardia |
A rapid heart rate, more than 100 beats/min. |
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tidal volume |
The amount of air (in milliliters) that is moved in or out of the lungs during one breath. |
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tripod position |
An upright position in which the patient leans forward onto two arms stretched forward and thrusts the head and chin forward. |
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two- to three-word dyspnea |
A severe breathing problem in which a patient can speak only two to three words at a time without pausing to take a breath. |
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communicable disease |
A disease that can be spread from one person or species to another. |
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Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection, that causes fever, loss of appetite, jaundice, fatigue, and altered liver function. |
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dependent lividity |
Blood settling to the lowest point of the body, causing discoloration of the skin. |
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expressed consent |
A type of consent in which a patient gives express authorization for provision of care or transport. |
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implied consent |
Type of consent in which a patient who is unable to give consent is given treatment under the legal assumption that he or she would want treatment. |
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informed consent |
Permission for treatment given by a competent patient after the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to treatment have been explained. |
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rigor mortis |
Stiffening of the body; a definitive sign of death. |
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tort |
A wrongful act that gives rise to a civil suit. |
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acetabulum |
The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly. |
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adrenergic |
Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenaline (such as adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response). The term also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine, that is, the adrenergic receptors. |
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agonal respirations |
Slow, shallow, irregular respirations or occasional gasping breaths; sometimes seen in dying patients. |
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Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels. |
alpha-adrenergic receptors |
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anaerobic metabolism
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The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the principle product is lactic acid.
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anterior distal dorsal |
The front surface of the body; the side facing you in the standard anatomic position. Farther from the trunk or nearer to the free end of the extremity. The posterior surface of the body, including the back of the hand. The part of the body or any body part nearer to the feet. Parts of the body that lie closer to the midline; also called inner structures. A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones to bones. It supports and strengthens a joint In anatomy, the back surface of the body; the side away from you in the standard anatomic position. Closer to the trunk. |
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axial skeleton |
The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, spinal column, and rib cage. |
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beta-adrenergic receptors |
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause an increase in the force of contraction of the heart, an increased heart rate, and bronchial dilation. |
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brain
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The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgment.
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cerebrum |
The largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the "gray matter"; made up of several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality. |
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chordae tendineae |
Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting. |
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cricoid cartilage |
A firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx. |
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diastole |
The relaxation, or period of relaxation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles. |
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dorsal respiratory group (DRG) |
A portion of the medulla oblongata where the primary respiratory pacemaker is found. |
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endocrine system |
The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones. |
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hypoxic drive |
A "backup system" to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood. |
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hydrostatic pressure |
The pressure of water against the walls of its container. |
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Hering-Breuer reflex |
A protective mechanism that terminates inhalation, thus preventing overexpansion of the lungs. |
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inspiratory reserve volume |
The amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation; the amount of air that can be inhaled in addition to the normal tidal volume. |
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labored breathing |
Breathing that requires greater than normal effort; may be slower or faster than normal and usually requires the use of accessory muscles. |
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ligament |
A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones to bones. It supports and strengthens a joint. |
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minute volume |
The amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs per minute minus the dead space. Also called minute ventilation. |
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norepinephrine |
A neurotransmitter and drug sometimes used in the treatment of shock; produces vasoconstriction through its alpha-stimulator properties. |
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parasympathetic nervous system
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A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system, involved in control of involuntary, vegetative functions, mediated largely by the vagus nerve through the chemical acetylcholine.
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pneumotaxic (pontine) center |
A portion of the pons that assists in creating shorter, faster respirations. |
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pons |
An organ that lies below the midbrain and above the medulla and contains numerous important nerve fibers, including those for sleep, respiration, and the medullary respiratory center. |
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residual volume |
The air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration. |
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skeletal muscle |
Muscle that is attached to bones and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary, muscle. |
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smooth muscle |
Involuntary muscle; it constitutes the bulk of the gastrointestinal tract and is present in nearly every organ to regulate automatic activity. |
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stroke volume (SV) |
The volume of blood pumped forward with each ventricular contraction. |
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synovial fluid |
The small amount of liquid within a joint used as lubrication. |
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tidal volume
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The amount of air (in milliliters) that is moved in or out of the lungs during one breath.
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ventral respiratory group (VRG) |
A portion of the medulla oblongata that is responsible for modulating breathing during speech. |
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palmar grasp |
An infant reflex that occurs when something is placed in the infant's palm; the infant grasps the object. |
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sucking reflex |
An infant reflex in which the infant starts sucking when his or her lips are stroked. |
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anxious-avoidant attachment
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A bond between an infant and his or her parent or caregiver in which the infant is repeatedly rejected and develops an isolated lifestyle that does not depend on the support and care of others. |
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moro reflex |
An infant reflex in which, when an infant is caught off guard, the infant opens his or her arms wide, spreads the fingers, and seems to grab at things. |
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rooting reflex |
An infant reflex that occurs when something touches an infant's cheek, and the infant instinctively turns his or her head toward the touch. |
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enteral medications |
Medications that enter the body through the digestive system. |
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A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into a nostril. |
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per os (PO) |
Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral. |
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activated charcoal
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An oral medication that binds and adsorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses. Charcoal is ground into a very fine powder that provides the greatest possible surface area for binding medications that have been taken by mouth; it is carried on the EMS unit. |
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agonal respirations |
Slow, shallow, irregular respirations or occasional gasping breaths; sometimes seen in dying patients. |
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apnea |
Absence of spontaneous breathing. |
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aspiration |
In the context of airway, the introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs. |
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ataxic respirations |
Irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern. |
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continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) |
A method of ventilation used primarily in the treatment of critically ill patients with respiratory distress; can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation. |
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dyspnea |
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. |
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gastric distention |
A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation. |
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hypercarbia |
Increased carbon dioxide level in the bloodstream.
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hypoxia
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A dangerous condition in which the body tissues and cells do not have enough oxygen. |
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hypoxic drive |
A "backup system" to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood. |
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intrapulmonary shunting |
Bypassing of oxygen-poor blood past nonfunctional alveoli to the left side of the heart. |
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mediastinum |
Space within the chest that contains the heart, major blood vessels, vagus nerve, trachea, major bronchi, and esophagus; located between the two lungs. |
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minute ventilation |
The volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute minus the dead space; calculated by multiplying tidal volume (minus dead space) and respiratory rate; also referred to as minute volume. |
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phrenic nerve |
Nerve that innervates the diaphragm; necessary for adequate breathing to occur. |
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residual volume |
The air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration. |
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Sellick maneuver |
A technique that is used with intubation in which pressure is applied on either side of the cricoid cartilage to prevent gastric distention and aspiration and allow better visualization of vocal cords; also called cricoid pressure. |
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stoma |
An opening through the skin and into an organ or other structure; a stoma in the neck connects the trachea directly to the skin. |
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stridor |
A high-pitched noise heard primarily on inspiration. |
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surfactant |
A liquid protein substance that coats the alveoli in the lungs, decreases alveolar surface tension, and keeps the alveoli expanded; a low level in a premature infant contributes to respiratory distress syndrome. |
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tension pneumothorax |
A life-threatening collection of air within the pleural space; the volume and pressure have both collasped the involved lung and caused a shift of the mediastinal structures to the opposite side. |
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tidal volume |
The amount of air (in milliliters) that is moved in or out of the lungs during one breath. |
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wheezing |
The production of whistling sounds during expiration such as occurs in asthma and bronchiolitis. |
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tracheostomy |
Surgical opening into the trachea. |
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anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock) |
An extreme, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure. |
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aneurysm |
A swelling or enlargement of part of a blood vessel, resulting from weakening of the vessel wall. |
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autonomic nervous system |
The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and sweating. |
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cardiogenic shock |
A state in which not enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body, caused by low output of blood from the heart. It can be a severe complication of a large acute myocardial infarction, as well as other conditions. |
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compensated shock
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The early stage of shock, in which the body can still compensate for blood loss. |
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decompensated shock |
The late stage of shock when blood pressure is falling. |
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distributive shock |
A condition that occurs when there is widespread dilation of the small arterioles, small venules, or both. |
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edema |
The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid between cells in body tissues, causing swelling of the affected area. |
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hypovolemic shock |
A condition in which low blood volume, due to massive internal or external bleeding or extensive loss of body water, results in inadequate perfusion. |
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irreversible shock |
The final stage of shock, resulting in death. |
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neurogenic shock |
Circulatory failure caused by paralysis of the nerves that control the size of the blood vessels, leading to widespread dilation; seen in patients with spinal cord injuries. |
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obstructive shock |
Shock that occurs when there is a block to blood flow in the heart or great vessels, causing an insufficient blood supply to the body's tissues. |
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psychogenic shock |
Shock caused by a sudden, temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain that causes fainting (syncope). |
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septic shock |
Shock caused by severe infection, usually a bacterial infection. |
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shock |
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to enable every body part to perform its function; also called hypoperfusion. |
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syncope |
A fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness, often caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. |
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meningitis |
An inflammation of the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord; it is usually caused by a virus or a bacterium. |
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tuberculosis (TB) |
A chronic bacterial disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that usually affects the lungs but can also affect other organs such as the brain and kidneys. |
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acidosis |
A pathologic condition that results from the accumulation of acids in the body. |
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adventitious breath sounds |
Abnormal breath sounds such as wheezes, rhonchi, and rales. |
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alkalosis |
The buildup of excess base (lack of acids) in the body fluids. |
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asthma |
An acute spasm of the smaller air passages, called bronchioles, associated with excessive mucus production and with swelling of the mucous lining of the respiratory passages. |
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atelectasis |
Collapse of the alveolar air spaces of the lungs. |
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bronchiolitis |
Inflammation of the bronchioles that usually occurs in children younger than 2 years and is often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. |
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carbon dioxide retention |
A condition characterized by a chronically high blood level of carbon dioxide in which the respiratory center no longer responds to high blood levels of carbon dioxide. |
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chronic bronchitis |
Irritation of the major lung passageways from infectious disease or irritants such as smoke. |
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chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
A slow process of dilation and disruption of the airways and alveoli caused by chronic bronchial obstruction. |
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croup |
An inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory system that may cause a partial airway obstruction and is characterized by a barking cough; usually seen in children. |
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diphtheria |
An infectious disease in which a membrane forms, lining the pharynx; this lining can severely obstruct the passage of air into the larynx. |
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dyspnea |
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. |
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embolus |
A blood clot or other substance in the circulatory system that travels to a blood vessel where it causes a blockage. |
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emphysema |
A disease of the lungs in which there is extreme dilation and eventual destruction of the pulmonary alveoli with poor exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide; it is one form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. |
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hyperventilation syndrome (panic attack) |
This syndrome occurs in the absence of other physical problems. The respirations of a person who is experiencing hyperventilation syndrome may be as high as 40 shallow breaths/min or as low as only 20 very deep breaths/min. |
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hypoxia |
A dangerous condition in which the body tissues and cells do not have enough oxygen. |
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hypoxic drive |
A "backup system" to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood. |
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meningococcal meningitis |
An inflammation of the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord; can be highly contagious. |
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methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) |
A bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body and is often resistant to commonly used antibiotics; can be found on the skin, in surgical wounds, in the bloodstream, lungs, and urinary tract. |
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pertussis (whooping cough) |
An airborne bacterial infection that affects mostly children younger than 6 years. Patients will be feverish and exhibit a "whoop" sound on inspiration after a coughing attack; highly contagious through droplet infection. |
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pleural effusion |
A collection of fluid between the lung and chest wall that may compress the lung. |
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pleuritic chest pain |
Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that is worsened by a deep breath or other chest wall movement; often caused by inflammation or irritation of the pleura. |
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pneumothorax |
A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space. |
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pulmonary edema |
A buildup of fluid in the lungs, usually as a result of congestive heart failure. |
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pulmonary embolism |
A blood clot that breaks off from a large vein and travels to the blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow. |
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vesicular breath sounds |
Normal breath sounds made by air moving in and out of the alveoli. |
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acute myocardial infarction (AMI) |
A heart attack; death of heart muscle following obstruction of blood flow to it. Acute in this context means "new" or "happening right now." |
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angina pectoris |
Transient (short-lived) chest discomfort caused by partial or temporary blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. |
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aortic aneurysm |
A weakness in the wall of the aorta that makes it susceptible to rupture. |
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arrhythmia |
An irregular or abnormal heart rhythm. |
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asystole |
The complete absence of any electrical cardiac activity, appearing as a straight or almost straight line on an ECG strip. |
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atherosclerosis |
A disorder in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside the walls of the blood vessels, forming plaque, which eventually leads to partial or complete blockage of blood flow. |
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cardiac output |
A measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate. |
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congestive heart failure (CHF) |
A disorder in which the heart loses part of its ability to effectively pump blood, usually as a result of damage to the heart muscle and usually resulting in a backup of fluid into the lungs. |
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dependent edema |
Swelling in the part of the body closest to the ground, caused by collection of fluid in the tissues; a possible sign of congestive heart failure. |
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dissecting aneurysm |
A condition in which the inner layers of an artery, such as the aorta, become separated, allowing blood (at high pressures) to flow between the layers. |
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ischemia |
A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow; potentially reversible because permanent injury has not yet occurred. |
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thromboembolism |
A blood clot that has formed within a blood vessel and is floating within the bloodstream. |
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aneurysm |
A swelling or enlargement of part of a blood vessel, resulting from weakening of the vessel wall. |
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aphasia |
The inability to understand and/or produce speech. |
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aura |
A sensation experienced prior to a seizure; serves as a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur. |
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cerebrovascular accident (CVA) |
An interruption of blood flow to the brain that results in the loss of brain function. Also called a stroke. |
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dysarthria |
Slurred speech. |
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embolus |
A blood clot or other substance in the circulatory system that travels to a blood vessel where it causes a blockage. |
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febrile seizures |
Seizures that result from sudden high fevers, particularly in children. |
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generalized seizure |
A seizure characterized by severe twitching of all of the body's muscles that may last several minutes or more; formerly known as a grand mal seizure. |
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hemiparesis |
Weakness on one side of the body. |
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hemorrhagic stroke |
One of the two main types of stroke; occurs as a result of bleeding inside the brain. |
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incontinence |
Loss of bowel and/or bladder control; may be the result of a generalized seizure. |
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ischemia |
A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow; potentially reversible because permanent injury has not yet occurred. |
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ischemic stroke |
One of the two main types of stroke; occurs when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is cut off by a blockage (eg, a clot) inside a blood vessel. |
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postictal state |
A period following a seizure that lasts between 5 and 30 minutes; characterized by labored respirations and some degree of altered mental status. |
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status epilepticus |
A condition in which seizures recur every few minutes or last more than 30 minutes. |
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thrombosis |
A blood clot, either in the arterial or venous system. |
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tonic-clonic seizure |
A type of seizure that features rhythmic back-and-forth motion of an extremity and body stiffness. |
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transient ischemic attack (TIA) |
A disorder of the brain in which brain cells temporarily stop working because of insufficient oxygen, causing strokelike symptoms that resolve completely within 24 hours of onset. |
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acute abdomen |
A condition of sudden onset of pain within the abdomen, usually indicating peritonitis; immediate medical or surgical treatment is necessary. |
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cystitis |
Inflammation of the bladder. |
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cholecystitis |
Inflammation of the gallbladder. |
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diverticulitis |
Bulging out of intestinal rings in small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls, creating abdominal discomfort. |
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emesis |
Vomiting. |
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guarding |
Involuntary muscle contractions (spasms) of the abdominal wall in an effort to protect an inflamed abdomen; a sign of peritonitis. |
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hernia |
The protrusion of a loop of an organ or tissue through an abnormal body opening. |
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ileus |
Paralysis of the bowel, arising from any one of several causes; stops contractions that move material through the intestine. |
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peritoneum |
The membrane lining the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and covering the abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum). |
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referred pain |
Pain felt in an area of the body other than the area where the cause of pain is located. |
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uremia |
Severe kidney failure resulting in the buildup of waste products within the blood. Eventually brain functions will be impaired. |
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aplastic crisis |
A condition in which the body stops producing red blood cells; typically caused by infection. |
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diabetes mellitus |
A condition in which the body stops producing red blood cells; typically caused by infection. |
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diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) |
A form of hyperglycemia in uncontrolled diabetes in which certain acids accumulate when insulin is not available. |
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hemolytic crisis |
A rapid destruction of red blood cells that occurs faster than the body's ability to create new cells. |
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hyperglycemic crisis |
A state of unconsciousness resulting from several problems, including ketoacidosis, dehydration because of excessive urination, and hyperglycemia. |
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hypoglycemic crisis |
Severe hypoglycemia resulting in changes in mental status. |
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insulin |
A hormone produced by the islets of Langerhans (endocrine gland located throughout the pancreas) that enables glucose in the blood to enter cells; used in synthetic form to treat and control diabetes mellitus.
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Kussmaul respirations |
Deep, rapid breathing; usually the result of an accumulation of certain acids when insulin is not available in the body. |
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polydipsia |
Excessive thirst that persists for long periods, despite reasonable fluid intake; often the result of excessive urination. |
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polyphagia |
Excessive eating; in diabetes, the inability to use glucose properly can cause a sense of hunger. |
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polyuria |
The passage of an unusually large volume of urine in a given period; in diabetes, this can result from the wasting of glucose in the urine. |
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sickle cell disease |
A hereditary disease that causes normal, round red blood cells to become oblong, or sickle shaped. |
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splenic sequestration crisis |
An acute, painful enlargement of the spleen caused by sickle cell disease. |
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type 1 diabetes
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The type of diabetic disease that typically develops in childhood and requires synthetic insulin for proper treatment and control. The type of diabetic disease that typically develops in later life and often can be controlled through diet and oral medications. |
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vaso-occlusive crisis |
Ischemia and pain caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells that obstruct blood flow to a portion of the body. |
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histamines |
Substances released by the immune system in allergic reactions that are responsible for many of the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as vasodilation. |
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urticaria |
Small spots of generalized itching and/or burning that appear as multiple raised areas on the skin; hives. |
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wheal |
A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin resulting from an insect bite or allergic reaction. |
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delirium tremens (DTs) |
A severe withdrawal syndrome seen in alcoholics who are deprived of ethyl alcohol; characterized by restlessness, fever, sweating, disorientation, agitation, and seizures; can be fatal if untreated. |
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hematemesis |
Vomiting blood. |
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hypnotic |
A sleep-inducing effect or agent. |
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opioids |
Any drug or agent with actions similar to morphine. |
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vomitus |
Vomited material.
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organic brain syndrome |
Temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain, caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic functioning of brain tissue. |
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agitated delirium |
A condition of disorientation, confusion, and possible hallucinations coupled with purposeless, restless physical activity. |
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bacterial vaginosis |
An overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina; characterized by itching, burning, or pain, and possibly a "fishy" smelling discharge. |
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cervix |
Narrowest portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. |
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pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) |
An infection of the fallopian tubes and the surrounding tissues of the pelvis. |
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perineum |
The area of skin between the vagina and the anus. |
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arterial air embolism |
Air bubbles in the arterial blood vessels. |
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coup-contrecoup injury |
Dual impacting of the brain into the skull; coup injury occurs at the point of impact; contrecoup injury occurs on the opposite side of impact, as the brain rebounds. |
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Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score |
An evaluation tool used to determine level of consciousness, which evaluates and assigns point values (scores) for eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, which are then totaled; effective in helping predict patient outcomes. |
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multisystem trauma |
Trauma that affects more than one body system. |
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penetrating trauma |
Injury caused by objects, such as knives and bullets, that pierce the surface of the body and damage internal tissues and organs. |
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Revised Trauma Score (RTS) |
A scoring system used for patients with head trauma. |
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trauma score |
A score that relates to the likelihood of patient survival with the exception of a severe head injury. It calculates a number from 1 to 16, with 16 being the best possible score. It takes into account the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, respiratory rate, respiratory expansion, systolic blood pressure, and capillary refill. |
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tympanic membrane |
The eardrum; a thin, semitransparent membrane in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations to the internal ear by means of auditory ossicles. |
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contusion
|
A bruise from an injury that causes bleeding beneath the skin without breaking the skin. |
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ecchymosis |
Bruising or discoloration associated with bleeding within or under the skin. |
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epistaxis |
A nosebleed. |
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hematemesis |
Vomited blood. |
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hematoma |
A mass of blood in the soft tissues beneath the skin. |
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hemoptysis |
Coughing up blood. |
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hemorrhage |
Bleeding. |
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hypoperfusion |
A condition that occurs when the level of tissue perfusion decreases below that needed to maintain normal cellular functions; also called shock. |
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melena |
Black, foul-smelling, tarry stool containing digested blood. |
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vasoconstriction |
Narrowing of a blood vessel, such as with hypoperfusion or cold extremeties. |
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abrasion |
Loss or damage of the superficial layer of skin as a result of a body part rubbing or scraping across a rough or hard surface. |
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avulsion |
An injury in which soft tissue is torn completely loose or is hanging as a flap. |
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compartment syndrome |
Swelling in a confined space that produces dangerous pressure; may cut off blood flow or damage sensitive tissue. |
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crush syndrome |
Significant metabolic derangement that develops when crushed extremities or body parts remain trapped for prolonged periods. This can lead to renal failure and death. |
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crushing injury |
An injury that occurs when a great amount of force is applied to the body. |
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evisceration |
The displacement of organs outside of the body. |
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fascia |
The fiberlike connective tissue that covers arteries, veins, tendons, and ligaments. |
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laceration |
A jagged, open wound. |
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mucous membranes |
The lining of body cavities and passages that communicate directly or indirectly with the environment outside the body. |
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occlusive dressings |
A dressing made of Vaseline-impregnated gauze, aluminum foil, or plastic that protects a wound from air and bacteria. |
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rabid |
Describes an animal that is infected with rabies. |
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rule of nines |
A system that assigns percentages to sections of the body, allowing calculation of the amount of skin surface involved in the burn area. |
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anisocoria |
Naturally occurring uneven pupil size. |
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blowout fracture |
A fracture of the orbit or of the bones that support the floor of the orbit. |
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conjunctiva |
The delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eye. |
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eustachian tube |
A branch of the internal auditory canal that connects the middle ear to the oropharynx. |
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globe |
The eyeball. |
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lacrimal glands |
The glands that produce fluids to keep the eye moist; also called tear glands. |
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pinna |
The external, visible part of the ear. |
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retinal detachment |
Separation of the retina from its attachments at the back of the eye. |
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subcutaneous emphysema |
A characteristic crackling sensation felt on palpation of the skin, caused by the presence of air in soft tissues. |
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tragus |
The small, rounded, fleshy bulge that lies immediately anterior to the ear canal. |
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tympanic membrane |
The eardrum; a thin, semitransparent membrane in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations to the internal ear by means of auditory ossicles. |
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anterograde (posttraumatic) amnesia |
Inability to remember events after an injury. |
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basilar skull fractures |
Usually occur following diffuse impact to the head (such as falls, motor vehicle crashes); generally result from extension of a linear fracture to the base of the skull and can be difficult to diagnose with a radiograph (x-ray). |
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Battle's sign |
Bruising behind an ear over the mastoid process that may indicate a skull fracture. |
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cerebral edema |
Swelling of the brain. |
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epidural hematoma |
An accumulation of blood between the skull and the dura mater. |
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intracerebral hematoma |
Bleeding within the brain tissue (parenchyma) itself; also referred to as an intraparenchymal hematoma. |
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linear skull fractures |
Account for 80% of skull fractures; also referred to as nondisplaced skull fractures; commonly occur in the temporal-parietal region of the skull; not associated with deformities to the skull. |
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meninges |
Three distinct layers of tissue that surround and protect the brain and the spinal cord within the skull and the spinal canal. |
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raccoon eyes |
Bruising under the eyes that may indicate a skull fracture. |
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retrograde amnesia |
The inability to remember events leading up to a head injury. |
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subarachnoid hemorrhage |
Bleeding into the subarachnoid space, where the cerebrospinal fluid circulates. |
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subdural hematoma |
An accumulation of blood beneath the dura mater but outside the brain. |
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subluxation |
A partial or incomplete dislocation. |
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traumatic brain injury (TBI) |
A traumatic insult to the brain capable of producing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and vocational changes. |
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cardiac tamponade (pericardial tamponade) |
Compression of the heart as the result of buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output. |
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closed chest injury |
An injury to the chest in which the skin is not broken, usually caused by blunt trauma. |
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commotio cordis |
A blunt chest injury caused by a sudden, direct blow to the chest that occurs only during the critical portion of a person's heartbeat. |
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flail chest |
A condition in which two or more ribs are fractured in two or more places or in association with a fracture of the sternum so that a segment of the chest wall is effectively detached from the rest of the thoracic cage. |
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flutter valve |
A one-way valve that allows air to leave the chest cavity but not return; formed by taping three sides of an occlusive dressing to the chest wall, leaving the fourth side open as a valve. |
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hemopneumothorax |
The accumulation of blood and air in the pleural space of the chest. |
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hemothorax |
A collection of blood in the pleural cavity. |
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open pneumothorax |
An open or penetrating chest wall wound through which air passes during inspiration and expiration, creating a sucking sound; also referred to as a sucking chest wound. |
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paradoxical motion |
The motion of the portion of the chest wall that is detached in a flail chest; the motion—in during inhalation, out during exhalation—is exactly the opposite of normal chest wall motion during breathing. |
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pneumothorax |
A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space. |
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pulmonary contusion |
Injury or bruising of lung tissue that results in hemorrhage. |
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spontaneous pneumothorax |
A pneumothorax that occurs when a weak area on the lung ruptures in the absence of major injury, allowing air to leak into the pleural space. |
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sucking chest wound |
An open or penetrating chest wall wound through which air passes during inspiration and expiration, creating a sucking sound. See also open pneumothorax. |
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tachypnea |
Increased respiratory rate. |
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tension pneumothorax |
A life-threatening collection of air within the pleural space; the volume and pressure have both collasped the involved lung and caused a shift of the mediastinal structures to the opposite side. |
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traumatic asphyxia |
A pattern of injuries seen after a severe force is applied to the chest, forcing blood from the great vessels back into the head and neck. |
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flank |
The posterior region below the margin of the lower rib cage. |
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Kehr sign |
Left shoulder pain caused by blood in the peritoneal cavity. |
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peritoneal cavity |
The abdominal cavity. |
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hollow organs
|
Structures through which materials pass, such as the stomach, small intestines, large intestines, ureters, and bladder. Solid masses of tissue where much of the chemical work of the body takes place (eg, the liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys). |
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dislocation |
Disruption of a joint in which ligaments are damaged and the bone ends are completely displaced. |
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fracture
|
A break in the continuity of a bone. A fracture in which bone fragments are separated from one another and not in anatomic alignment. A simple crack in the bone that has not caused the bone to move from its normal anatomic position; also called a hairline fracture. Any break in a bone in which the overlying skin has been damaged. A fracture in which the skin is not broken. |
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hematuria
|
Blood in the urine. |
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retroperitoneal space
|
The space between the abdominal cavity and the posterior abdominal wall, containing the kidneys, certain large vessels, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. |
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sprain |
A joint injury involving damage to supporting ligaments, and sometimes partial or temporary dislocation of bone ends. Stretching or tearing of a muscle; also called a muscle pull. |
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bends |
Common name for decompression sickness. |
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breath-holding syncope |
Loss of consciousness caused by a decreased breathing stimulus. |
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decompression sickness |
A painful condition seen in divers who ascend too quickly, in which gas, especially nitrogen, forms bubbles in blood vessels and other tissues; also called "the bends." |
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diving reflex |
Slowing of the heart rate caused by submersion in cold water. |
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heat exhaustion |
A form of heat injury in which the body loses significant amounts of fluid and electrolytes because of heavy sweating; also called heat prostration or heat collapse. |
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heatstroke |
A life-threatening condition of severe hyperthermia caused by exposure to excessive natural or artificial heat, marked by warm, dry skin; severely altered mental status; and often irreversible coma. |
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hyperthermia
|
A condition in which the body core temperature rises to 101°F (38.3°C) or more. A condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C), usually as a result of prolonged exposure to cool or freezing temperatures. |
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respiration |
The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. |
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turgor |
The ability of the skin to resist deformation; tested by gently pinching skin on the forehead or back of the hand. |
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abruptio placenta |
A premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. |
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Apgar score |
A scoring system for assessing the status of a newborn that assigns a number value to each of five areas of assessment. |
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bloody show |
A small amount of blood at the vagina that appears at the beginning of labor and may include a plug of pink-tinged mucus that is discharged when the cervix begins to dilate. |
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breech presentation |
A delivery in which the buttocks come out first. |
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eclampsia |
Seizures (convulsions) resulting from severe hypertension in a pregnant woman. |
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ectopic pregnancy |
A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. |
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endometrium |
The lining of the inside of the uterus. |
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fetal alcohol syndrome |
A condition of infants who are born to women who consume alcohol during pregnancy; characterized by growth and physical problems, mental retardation, and a variety of congenital abnormalities. |
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gestational diabetes |
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before pregnancy. |
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lightening |
A sensation felt by a pregnant patient when the fetus positions itself for delivery. |
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limb presentation |
A delivery in which the presenting part is a single arm, leg, or foot. |
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meconium |
A dark green material in the amniotic fluid that can indicate distress or disease in the newborn; the meconium can be aspirated into the infant's lungs during delivery; the infant's first bowel movement. |
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multigravida
|
A woman who has had previous pregnancies. A woman who is experiencing her first pregnancy. |
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nuchal cord |
An umbilical cord that is wrapped around the infant's neck. |
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placenta previa |
A condition in which the placenta develops over and covers the cervix. |
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preeclampsia |
A condition of late pregnancy that involves headache, visual changes, and swelling of the hands and feet; also called pregnancy-induced hypertension. |
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prolapse of the umbilical cord |
A situation in which the umbilical cord comes out of the vagina before the infant. |
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spina bifida |
A development defect in which a portion of the spinal cord or meninges may protrude outside of the vertebrae and possibly even outside of the body, usually at the lower third of the spine in the lumbar area. |
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supine hypotensive syndrome |
Low blood pressure resulting from compression of the inferior vena cava by the weight of the pregnant uterus when the mother is supine. |
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vertex presentation |
A delivery in which the head comes out first. |
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apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) |
An event that causes unresponsiveness, cyanosis, and apnea in an infant, who then resumes breathing with stimulation. |
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blanching |
Turning white. |
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grunting |
An "uh" sound heard during exhalation; reflects the child's attempt to keep the alveoli open; a sign of increased work of breathing. |
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nares |
An "uh" sound heard during exhalation; reflects the child's attempt to keep the alveoli open; a sign of increased work of breathing. |
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Neisseria meningitides
|
A form of bacterial meningitis characterized by rapid onset of symptoms, often leading to shock and death. |
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pediatric assessment triangle (PAT) |
A structured assessment tool that allows you to rapidly form a general impression of the infant or child without touching him or her; consists of assessing appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to the skin. |
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pertussis (whooping cough) |
An airborne bacterial infection that affects mostly children younger than 6 years. Patients will be feverish and exhibit a "whoop" sound on inspiration after a coughing attack; highly contagious through droplet infection. |
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shaken baby syndrome |
A syndrome seen in abused infants and children; the patient has been subjected to violent, whiplash-type shaking injuries inflicted by the abusing individual that may cause coma, seizures, and increased intracranial pressure due to tearing of the cerebral veins with consequent bleeding into the brain. |
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sniffing position |
An upright position in which the patient's head and chin are thrust slightly forward to keep the airway open. |
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central pulses |
Pulses that are closest to the core (central) part of the body where the vital organs are located; include the carotid, femoral, and apical pulses. |
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sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) |
Death of an infant or young child that remains unexplained after a complete autopsy. |
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abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) |
A condition in which the walls of the aorta in the abdomen weaken and blood leaks into the layers of the vessel, causing it to bulge. |
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ascites |
Fluid in the abdomen. |
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cataracts |
Clouding of the lens of the eye or its surrounding transparent membranes. |
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decubitus ulcers |
Also known as bedsores, they are caused by the pressure of skin against a surface for long periods. These sores can range from a pink discoloration of the skin to a deep wound that may invade into bone or organs. |
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deep venous thrombosis |
The formation of a blood clot within the larger veins of an extremity, typically following a period of prolonged immobilization. |
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delirium |
A more or less sudden change in mental status marked by the inability to focus, think logically, and maintain attention. |
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dementia |
The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function. |
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jugular vein distention |
A visual bulging of the jugular veins in the neck that can be caused by fluid overload, pressure in the chest, cardiac tamponade, or tension pneumothorax. |
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kyphosis |
A forward curling of the back caused by an abnormal increase in the curvature of the spine. |
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neuropathy |
A group of conditions in which the nerves leaving the spinal cord are damaged, resulting in distortion of signals to or from the brain. |
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osteoporosis |
A generalized bone disease, commonly associated with postmenopausal women, in which there is a reduction in the amount of bone mass leading to fractures after minimal trauma in either sex. |
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peptic ulcer disease |
An abrasion of the stomach or small intestine. |
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presbycusis |
An age-related condition of the ear that produces progressive bilateral hearing loss that is most noted at higher frequencies. |
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respiratory syncytial virus |
A highly contagious virus that causes an infection of the upper and lower respiratory system. |
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unilateral pedal edema |
Pedal edema is a swelling of the foot and ankle caused by fluid overload; unilateral would present in only one extremity. |
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|
urinary tract infection (UTI) |
Infections, usually of the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder), which occur when normal flora bacteria enter the urethra and grow. |
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cerebral palsy |
A term for a group of disorders characterized by poorly controlled body movement. |
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Down syndrome |
A genetic chromosomal defect that can occur during fetal development and that results in mental retardation as well as certain physical characteristics, such as a round head with a flat occiput and slanted, wide-set eyes. |
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diamond carry
|
A carrying technique in which one EMT is located at the head end of the stretcher or backboard, one at the foot end, and one at each side of the patient; each of the two EMTs at the sides uses one hand to support the stretcher/backboard so that all are able to face forward as they walk. |
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power grip |
A technique in which the litter or backboard is gripped by inserting each hand under the handle with the palm facing up and the thumb extended, fully supporting the underside of the handle on the curved palm with the fingers and thumb. |
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size-up |
The ongoing process of information gathering and scene evaluation to determine appropriate strategies and tactics to manage an emergency. |
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extrication |
Removal of a patient from entrapment or a dangerous situation or position, such as removal from a wrecked vehicle, industrial accident, or building collapse. |
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hazardous material |
Any substance that is toxic, poisonous, radioactive, flammable, or explosive and causes injury or death with exposure. |
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personal protective equipment (PPE) levels
|
Measures of the amount and type of protective equipment that an individual needs to avoid injury during contact with a hazardous material. |
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START triage
|
A patient sorting process that stands for Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment and uses a limited assessment of the patient's ability to walk, respiratory status, hemodynamic status, and neurologic status. |
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|
B-NICE
|
A memory device to recall the types of weapons of mass destruction: biologic, nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive. |
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lymph nodes
|
The area of the lymphatic system where infection-fighting cells are housed. |
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miosis
|
Excessively constricted pupil; often bilateral after exposure to nerve agents. |
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|
12-lead ECG
4-lead ECG |
An ECG that uses 12 leads attached to the patient's skin; these include the limb leads and chest leads. An ECG that uses 4 leads attached to the patient's skin; these include the limb leads. |
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arrhythmia
|
An irregular or abnormal heart rhythm. |
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ECG
|
Electrocardiogram; an electronic tracing of the heart's electrical activity through leads, which originate in the electrocardiograph machine and contain electrodes that attach to the patient's chest and/or limbs. |
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endotracheal intubation
|
Insertion of an endotracheal tube directly through the larynx between the vocal cords and into the trachea to maintain and protect an airway. |
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|
orotracheal intubation
|
Endotracheal intubation through the mouth. |
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phlebitis
|
Inflammation of a vein; often associated with a clot in the vein. |
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|
ventricular fibrillation
|
Disorganized, ineffective twitching of the ventricles, resulting in no blood flow and a state of cardiac arrest. |
|
|
Sellick maneuver
|
A technique that is used with intubation in which pressure is applied on either side of the cricoid cartilage to prevent gastric distention and aspiration and allow better visualization of vocal cords; also called cricoid pressure. |
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|
ventricular tachycardia
|
A rapid heart rhythm in which the electrical impulse begins in the ventricle (instead of the atrium), which may result in inadequate blood flow and eventually deteriorate into cardiac arrest. |
