Emt-B

Front 1

advanced life support (ALS) - 1

Back 1

Advanced lifesaving procedures, some of which are now being provided by the EMT-B.

Front 2

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) - 1

Back 2

Comprehensive legislation that is designed to protect individuals with disabilities against discrimination.

Front 3

automated external defibrillator (AED) - 1

Back 3

A device that detects treatable life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia) and delivers the appropriate electrical shock to the patient.

Front 4

continuous quality improvement (CQI) - 1

Back 4

A system of internal and external reviews and audits of all aspects of an EMS system.

Front 5

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) - 1

Back 5

A system that assists dispatchers in selecting appropriate units to respond to a particular call for assistance and in providing callers with vital instructions until the arrival of EMS crews.

Front 6

emergency medical services (EMS) - 1

Back 6

A multidisciplinary system that represents the combined efforts of several professionals and agencies to provide prehospital emergency care to the sick and injured.

Front 7

emergency medical technician (EMT) - 1

Back 7

A medical professional who is trained and certified/licensed by his or her state to provide emergency life support prior to or with more advanced medical providers.

Front 8

EMT-Basic (EMT-B) - 1

Back 8

An EMT who has training in basic life support, including automated external defibrillation, use of a definitive airway adjunct, and assisting patients with certain medications.

Front 9

EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) - 1

Back 9

An EMT who has training in specific aspects of advanced life support, such as IV (intravenous) therapy, interpretation of cardiac rhythms and defibrillation, and orotracheal intubation.

Front 10

EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P) - 1

Back 10

An EMT who has extensive training in advanced life support, including IV (intravenous) therapy, pharmacology, cardiac monitoring, and other advanced assessment and treatment skills.

Front 11

first responder - 1

Back 11

The first trained individual, such as a police officer, fire fighter, lifeguard, or other rescuer, to arrive at the scene of an emergency to provide initial medical assistance.

Front 12

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - 1

Back 12

Federal legislation passed in 1996. Its main effect in EMS is in limiting availability of patients'' health care information and penalizing violations of patient privacy.

Front 13

intravenous (IV) therapy - 1

Back 13

The delivery of medication directly into a vein.

Front 14

medical control - 1

Back 14

Physician instructions that are given directly by radio or cell phone (online/direct) or indirectly by protocol/guidelines (off-line/indirect), as authorized by the medical director of the service program.

Front 15

medical director - 1

Back 15

The physician who authorizes or delegates to the EMT the authority to provide medical care in the field.

Front 16

primary service area (PSA) - 1

Back 16

The designated area in which the EMS service is responsible for the provision of prehospital emergency care and transportation to the hospital.

Front 17

quality control - 1

Back 17

The responsibility of the medical director to ensure that the appropriate medical care standards are met by EMT-Bs on each call.

Front 18

body substance isolation (BSI) - 2

Back 18

An infection control concept and practice that assumes that all body fluids are potentially infectious.

Front 19

burnout - 2

Back 19

A condition of chronic fatigue and frustration that results from mounting stress over time.

Front 20

carrier - 2

Back 20

An animal or person who is infected with and may transmit an infectious disease but may not display any symptoms of it; also known as a vector.

Front 21

communicable disease - 2

Back 21

Any disease that can be spread from person to person, or from animal to person.

Front 22

contagious disease - 2

Back 22

An infectious disease that is capable of being transmitted from one person to another.

Front 23

contamination - 2

Back 23

The presence of infectious organisms on or in objects such as dressings, water, food, needles, wounds, or a patient''s body.

Front 24

cover and concealment - 2

Back 24

The tactical use of an impenetrable barrier to conceal EMS personnel and protect them from projectiles (eg, bullets, bottles, rocks).

Front 25

critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) - 2

Back 25

A confidential peer group discussion of a severely stressful incident that usually occurs within 24 to 72 hours of the incident.

Front 26

critical incident stress management (CISM) - 2

Back 26

A process that confronts the responses to critical incidents and defuses them, directing the emergency services personnel toward physical and emotional equilibrium.

Front 27

designated officer - 2

Back 27

The individual in the department who is charged with the responsibility of managing exposures and infection control issues.

Front 28

direct contact - 2

Back 28

Exposure or transmission of a communicable disease from one person to another by physical contact.

Front 29

exposure - 2

Back 29

A situation in which a person has had contact with blood, body fluids, tissues, or airborne particles in a manner that suggests that disease transmission may occur.

Front 30

exposure control plan - 2

Back 30

A comprehensive plan that helps employees to reduce their risk of exposure to or acquisition of communicable diseases.

Front 31

general adaptation syndrome - 2

Back 31

The body''s three-stage response to stress. First, stress causes the body to trigger an alarm response, followed by a stage of reaction and resistance, and then recovery, or if the stress is prolonged, exhaustion.

Front 32

hepatitis - 2

Back 32

Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection, that causes fever, loss of appetite, jaundice, fatigue, and altered liver function.

Front 33

herpes simplex - 2

Back 33

Infections caused by human herpesviruses 1 and 2, characterized by small blisters whose location depend on the type of virus. Type 2 results in blisters on the genital area, while type 1 results in blisters in nongenital areas.

Front 34

HIV infection - 2

Back 34

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Front 35

Host - 2

Back 35

The organism or individual that is attacked by the infecting agent.

Front 36

indirect contact - 2

Back 36

Exposure or transmission of disease from one person to another by contact with a contaminated object (vehicle).

Front 37

infection - 2

Back 37

The abnormal invasion of a host or host tissues by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, with or without signs or symptoms of disease.

Front 38

infection control - 2

Back 38

Procedures to reduce transmission of infection among patients and health care personnel.

Front 39

infectious disease - 2

Back 39

A disease that is caused by infection, in contrast to one caused by faulty genes, metabolic or hormonal disturbances, trauma, or something else.

Front 40

meningitis - 2

Back 40

An inflammation of the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord; it is usually caused by a virus or a bacterium.

Front 41

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - 2

Back 41

The federal regulatory compliance agency that develops, publishes, and enforces guidelines concerning safety in the workplace.

Front 42

pathogen - 2

Back 42

A microorganism that is capable of causing disease in a susceptible host.

Front 43

personal protective equipment (PPE) - 2

Back 43

Protective equipment that OSHA requires to be made available to the EMT. In the case of infection risk, PPE blocks entry of an organism into the body.

Front 44

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - 2

Back 44

A delayed stress reaction to a prior incident. This delayed reaction is often the result of one or more unresolved issues concerning the incident.

Front 45

SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) - 2

Back 45

Potentially life-threatening viral infection that usually starts with flu-like symptoms.

Front 46

transmission - 2

Back 46

The way in which an infectious agent is spread: contact, airborne, by vehicles, or by vectors.

Front 47

tuberculosis - 2

Back 47

A chronic bacterial disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that usually affects the lungs but can also affect other organs such as the brain or kidneys.

Front 48

universal precautions - 2

Back 48

Protective measures that have traditionally been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use in dealing with objects, blood, body fluids, or other potential exposure risks of communicable disease.

Front 49

virulence - 2

Back 49

The strength or ability of a pathogen to produce disease.

Front 50

abandonment - 3

Back 50

Unilateral termination of care by the EMT-B without the patient''s consent and without making provisions for transferring care to another medical professional with skills at the same level or higher.

Front 51

advance directive - 3

Back 51

Written documentation that specifies medical treatment for a competent patient should the patient become unable to make decisions; also called a living will.

Front 52

assault - 3

Back 52

Unlawfully placing a patient in fear of bodily harm.

Front 53

battery - 3

Back 53

Touching a patient or providing emergency care without consent.

Front 54

certification - 3

Back 54

A process in which a person, an institution, or a program is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain predetermined standards to provide safe and ethical care.

Front 55

competent - 3

Back 55

Able to make rational decisions about personal well-being.

Front 56

consent - 3

Back 56

Permission to render care.

Front 57

dependent lividity - 3

Back 57

Blood settling to the lowest point of the body, causing discoloration of the skin.

Front 58

DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders - 3

Back 58

Written documentation by a physician giving permission to medical personnel not to attempt resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest.

Front 59

duty to act - 3

Back 59

A medicolegal term relating to certain personnel who either by statute or by function have a responsibility to provide care.

Front 60

emergency - 3

Back 60

A serious situation, such as injury or illness, that threatens the life or welfare of a person or group of people and requires immediate intervention.

Front 61

emergency medical care - 3

Back 61

Immediate care or treatment.

Front 62

expressed consent - 3

Back 62

A type of consent in which a patient gives express authorization for provision of care or transport.

Front 63

forcible restraint - 3

Back 63

The act of physically preventing an individual from any physical action.

Front 64

Good Samaritan laws - 3

Back 64

Statutory provisions enacted by many states to protect citizens from liability for errors and omissions in giving good faith emergency medical care, unless there is wanton, gross, or willful negligence.

Front 65

implied consent - 3

Back 65

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.

Front 66

informed consent - 3

Back 66

Permission for treatment given by a competent patient after the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to treatment have been explained.

Front 67

medicolegal - 3

Back 67

A term relating to medical jurisprudence (law) or forensic medicine.

Front 68

negligence - 3

Back 68

Failure to provide the same care that a person with similar training would provide.

Front 69

precedence - 3

Back 69

Basing current action on lessons, rules, or guidelines derived from previous similar experiences.

Front 70

putrefaction - 3

Back 70

Decomposition of body tissues.

Front 71

rigor mortis - 3

Back 71

Stiffening of the body after death.

Front 72

standard of care - 3

Back 72

Written, accepted levels of emergency care expected by reason of training and profession; written by legal or professional organizations so that patients are not exposed to unreasonable risk or harm.

Front 73

abdomen - 4

Back 73

The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.

Front 74

abduction - 4

Back 74

Motion of a limb away from the midline.

Front 75

acetabulum - 4

Back 75

The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.

Front 76

Adam''s apple - 4

Back 76

The firm prominence in the upper part of the larynx formed by the thyroid cartilage.

Front 77

adduction - 4

Back 77

Motion of a limb toward the midline.

Front 78

agonal respirations - 4

Back 78

Slow, gasping respiration, sometimes seen in dying patients.

Front 79

alveoli - 4

Back 79

The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

Front 80

anatomic position - 4

Back 80

The position of reference in which the patient stands facing you, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.

Front 81

angle of Louis - 4

Back 81

A ridge on the sternum that lies at the level where the second rib is attached to the sternum; provides a constant and reliable bony landmark on the anterior chest wall.

Front 82

anterior - 4

Back 82

The front surface of the body; the side facing you in the standard anatomic position.

Front 83

anterior superior iliac spines - 4

Back 83

The bony prominences of the pelvis (ilium) at the front on each side of the lower abdomen just below the plane of the umbilicus.

Front 84

aorta - 4

Back 84

The principal artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.

Front 85

apex (apices) - 4

Back 85

The pointed extremity of a conical structure.

Front 86

appendix - 4

Back 86

A small tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

Front 87

arteriole - 4

Back 87

The smallest branch of an artery leading to the vast network of capillaries.

Front 88

atrium - 4

Back 88

One of two (right and left) upper chambers of the heart. The right atrium receives blood from the vena cava and delivers it to the right ventricle. The left atrium receives blood from pulmonary veins and delivers it to the left ventricle.

Front 89

autonomic nervous system - 4

Back 89

The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily.

Front 90

ball-and-socket joint - 4

Back 90

A joint that allows internal and external rotation as well as bending.

Front 91

biceps - 4

Back 91

The large muscle that covers the front of the humerus.

Front 92

bilateral - 4

Back 92

A body part that appears on both sides of the midline.

Front 93

bile ducts - 4

Back 93

Ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine.

Front 94

blood pressure (BP) - 4

Back 94

The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.

Front 95

brachial artery - 4

Back 95

The major vessel in the upper extremity that supplies blood to the arm.

Front 96

brain - 4

Back 96

The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgment.

Front 97

brain stem - 4

Back 97

The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respirations.

Front 98

capillary vessels - 4

Back 98

The fine end-divisions of the arterial system that allow contact between cells of the body tissues and the plasma and red blood cells.

Front 99

carotid artery - 4

Back 99

The major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain.

Front 100

carpometacarpal joint - 4

Back 100

The joint between the wrist and the metacarpal bones; the thumb joint.

Front 101

cecum - 4

Back 101

The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.

Front 102

central nervous system (CNS) - 4

Back 102

The brain and spinal cord.

Front 103

cerebellum - 4

Back 103

One of the three major subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the "little brain"; coordinates the various activities of the brain, particularly fine body movements.

Front 104

cerebrum - 4

Back 104

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.

Front 105

cervical spine - 4

Back 105

The portion of the spinal column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.

Front 106

circulatory system - 4

Back 106

The complex arrangement of connected tubes, including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, that moves blood, oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular waste throughout the body.

Front 107

clavicle - 4

Back 107

The collarbone; it is lateral to the sternum and medial to the scapula.

Front 108

coccyx - 4

Back 108

The last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tailbone.

Front 109

connecting nerves - 4

Back 109

Nerves that connect the sensory and motor nerves in the spinal cord.

Front 110

costal arch - 4

Back 110

A bridge of cartilage that connects the ends of the sixth through tenth ribs with the lower portion of the sternum.

Front 111

costovertebral angle - 4

Back 111

An angle that is formed by the junction of the spine and the tenth rib.

Front 112

cranium - 4

Back 112

The area of the head above the ears and eyes; the skull. The cranium contains the brain.

Front 113

cricoid cartilage - 4

Back 113

A firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx.

Front 114

cricothyroid membrane - 4

Back 114

A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx.

Front 115

deep - 4

Back 115

Further inside the body and away from the skin.

Front 116

dermis - 4

Back 116

The inner layer of the skin, containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.

Front 117

diaphragm - 4

Back 117

A muscular dome that forms the undersurface of the thorax, separating the chest from the abdominal cavity. Contraction of the diaphragm (and the chest wall muscles) brings air into the lungs. Relaxation allows air to be expelled from the lungs.

Front 118

diastole - 4

Back 118

The relaxation, or period of relaxation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles.

Front 119

digestion - 4

Back 119

The processing of food that nourishes the individual cells of the body.

Front 120

distal - 4

Back 120

Structures that are farther from the trunk or nearer to the free end of the extremity.

Front 121

dorsal - 4

Back 121

The posterior surface of the body, including the back of the hand.

Front 122

dorsalis pedis artery - 4

Back 122

The artery on the anterior surface of the foot between the first and second metatarsals.

Front 123

endocrine system - 4

Back 123

The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones.

Front 124

enzymes - 4

Back 124

Protein catalysts designed to speed up the rate of specific biochemical reactions.

Front 125

epidermis - 4

Back 125

The outer layer of skin that acts as a watertight protective covering.

Front 126

epiglottis - 4

Back 126

A thin, leaf-shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food or liquid from entering.

Front 127

esophagus - 4

Back 127

A collapsible tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach; contractions of the muscle in the wall of the esophagus propel food and liquids through it to the stomach.

Front 128

extend - 4

Back 128

To straighten

Front 129

extension - 4

Back 129

The straightening of a joint.

Front 130

fallopian tube - 4

Back 130

Long, slender tube that extends from the uterus to the region of the ovary on the same side, and through which the ovum passes from ovary to uterus.

Front 131

fascia - 4

Back 131

A sheet or band of tough fibrous connective tissue; lies deep under the skin and forms an outer layer for the muscles.

Front 132

femoral artery - 4

Back 132

The principal artery of the thigh, a continuation of the external iliac artery. It supplies blood to the lower abdominal wall, external genitalia, and legs. It can be palpated in the groin area.

Front 133

femoral head - 4

Back 133

The proximal end of the femur, articulating with the acetabulum to form the hip joint.

Front 134

femur - 4

Back 134

The thighbone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body.

Front 135

flex - 4

Back 135

To bend

Front 136

flexion - 4

Back 136

The bending of a joint.

Front 137

floating ribs - 4

Back 137

The eleventh and twelfth ribs, which do not attach to the sternum through the costal arch.

Front 138

foramen magnum - 4

Back 138

A large opening at the base of the skull through which the brain connects to the spinal cord.

Front 139

Fowler''s position - 4

Back 139

The position in which the patient is sitting up with the knees bent.

Front 140

gallbladder - 4

Back 140

A sac on the undersurface of the liver that collects bile from the liver and discharges it into the duodenum through the common bile duct.

Front 141

genital system - 4

Back 141

The male and female reproductive systems.

Front 142

greater trochanter - 4

Back 142

A bony prominence on the proximal lateral side of the thigh, just below the hip joint.

Front 143

hair follicles - 4

Back 143

The small organs in the skin that produce hair.

Front 144

heart - 4

Back 144

A hollow muscular organ that receives blood from the veins and propels it into the arteries.

Front 145

heart rate (pulse) - 4

Back 145

The wave of pressure that is created by the heart''s contracting and forcing blood out the left ventricle and into the major arteries.

Front 146

hinge joints - 4

Back 146

Joints that can bend and straighten but cannot rotate; they restrict motion to one plane.

Front 147

humerus - 4

Back 147

The supporting bone of the upper arm.

Front 148

hypoxic drive - 4

Back 148

Backup system to control respirations when oxygen levels fall.

Front 149

iliac crest - 4

Back 149

The rim, or wing, of the pelvic bone.

Front 150

ilium - 4

Back 150

One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.

Front 151

inferior - 4

Back 151

The part of the body, or any body part, nearer to the feet.

Front 152

inferior vena cava - 4

Back 152

One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the lower extremities and the pelvic and the abdominal organs into the heart.

Front 153

inguinal ligament - 4

Back 153

The tough, fibrous ligament that stretches between the lateral edge of the pubic symphysis and the anterior superior iliac spine.

Front 154

involuntary muscle - 4

Back 154

Muscle over which a person has no conscious control. It is found in many automatic regulating systems of the body.

Front 155

ischium - 4

Back 155

One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.

Front 156

joint (articulation) - 4

Back 156

The place where two bones come into contact.

Front 157

joint capsule - 4

Back 157

The fibrous sac that encloses a joint.

Front 158

kidneys - 4

Back 158

Two retroperitoneal organs that excrete the end products of metabolism as urine and regulate the body''s salt and water content.

Front 159

large intestine - 4

Back 159

The portion of the digestive tube that encircles the abdomen around the small bowel, consisting of the cecum, the colon, and the rectum. It helps regulate water and eliminate solid waste.

Front 160

lateral - 4

Back 160

Parts of the body that lie farther from the midline. Also called outer structures.

Front 161

ligament - 4

Back 161

A band of the fibrous tissue that connects bones to bones. It supports and strengthens a joint.

Front 162

liver - 4

Back 162

A large solid organ that lies in the right upper quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; it produces bile, stores sugar for immediate use by the body, and produces many substances that help regulate immune responses.

Front 163

lumbar spine - 4

Back 163

The lower part of the back, formed by the lowest five nonfused vertebrae; also called the dorsal spine.

Front 164

lumbar vertebrae - 4

Back 164

Vertebrae of the lumbar spine.

Front 165

mandible - 4

Back 165

The bone of the lower jaw.

Front 166

manubrium - 4

Back 166

The upper quarter of the sternum.

Front 167

mastoid process - 4

Back 167

The prominent bony mass at the base of the skull about 1" posterior to the external opening of the ear.

Front 168

maxillae - 4

Back 168

The upper jawbones that assist in the formation of the orbit, the nasal cavity, and the palate, and lodge the upper teeth.

Front 169

medial - 4

Back 169

Parts of the body that lie closer to the midline; also called inner structures.

Front 170

metabolism - 4

Back 170

The sum of all the physical and chemical processes of living organisms; the process by which energy is made available for the uses of the organism.

Front 171

midaxillary line - 4

Back 171

An imaginary vertical line drawn through the middle of the axilla (armpit), parallel to the midline.

Front 172

midclavicular line - 4

Back 172

An imaginary vertical line drawn through the middle portion of the clavicle and parallel to the midline.

Front 173

midline - 4

Back 173

An imaginary vertical line drawn from the middle of the forehead through the nose and the umbilicus (navel) to the floor.

Front 174

motor nerves - 4

Back 174

Nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body.

Front 175

mucous membranes - 4

Back 175

The lining of body cavities and passages that communicate directly or indirectly with the environment outside the body.

Front 176

mucus - 4

Back 176

The opaque, sticky secretion of the mucous membranes that lubricates the body openings.

Front 177

musculoskeletal system - 4

Back 177

The bones and voluntary muscles of the body.

Front 178

myocardium - 4

Back 178

Heart muscle.

Front 179

nasopharynx - 4

Back 179

The part of the pharynx that lies above the level of the roof of the mouth, or soft palate.

Front 180

nervous system - 4

Back 180

The system that controls virtually all activities of the body, both voluntary and involuntary.

Front 181

occiput - 4

Back 181

The most posterior portion of the skull.

Front 182

orbit - 4

Back 182

The bony eye socket.

Front 183

oropharynx - 4

Back 183

A tubular structure that extends vertically from the back of the mouth to the esophagus and trachea.

Front 184

ovary - 4

Back 184

A female gland that produces sex hormones and ova (eggs).

Front 185

palmar - 4

Back 185

The front region of the hand.

Front 186

pancreas - 4

Back 186

A flat, solid organ that lies below the liver and the stomach; it is a major source of digestive enzymes and produces the hormone insulin.

Front 187

parietal regions - 4

Back 187

The areas between the temporal and occiput regions of the cranium.

Front 188

patella - 4

Back 188

The kneecap; a specialized bone that lies within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle.

Front 189

perfusion - 4

Back 189

The flow of blood through body tissues and vessels.

Front 190

peripheral nervous system - 4

Back 190

The part of the nervous system that consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves. These peripheral nerves may be sensory nerves, motor nerves, or connecting nerves.

Front 191

peristalsis - 4

Back 191

The wave-like contraction of smooth muscle by which the ureters or other tubular organs propel their contents.

Front 192

pinna - 4

Back 192

The external, visible part of the ear.

Front 193

plantar - 4

Back 193

The bottom of the foot.

Front 194

plasma - 4

Back 194

A sticky, yellow fluid that carries the blood cells and nutrients and transports cellular waste material to the organs of excretion.

Front 195

platelets - 4

Back 195

Tiny, disk-shaped elements that are much smaller than the cells; they are essential in the initial formation of a blood clot, the mechanism that stops bleeding.

Front 196

pleura - 4

Back 196

The serous membrane covering the lungs and lining the thoracic cavity, completely enclosing a potential space known as the pleural space.

Front 197

pleural space - 4

Back 197

The potential space between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. It is described as "potential" because under normal conditions, the lungs fill this space.

Front 198

posterior - 4

Back 198

The back surface of the body; the side away from you in the standard anatomical position.

Front 199

posterior tibial artery - 4

Back 199

The artery just posterior to the medial malleolus; supplies blood to the foot.

Front 200

priapism - 4

Back 200

A continuous and painful erection of the penis caused by certain spinal injuries and some diseases.

Front 201

prone position - 4

Back 201

The position in which the body is lying face down.

Front 202

prostate gland - 4

Back 202

A small gland that surrounds the male urethra where it emerges from the urinary bladder; it secretes a fluid that is part of the ejaculatory fluid.

Front 203

proximal - 4

Back 203

Structures that are closer to the trunk.

Front 204

pubic symphysis - 4

Back 204

A hard bony prominence that is found in the midline in the lowermost portion of the abdomen.

Front 205

pubis - 4

Back 205

One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.

Front 206

pulmonary artery - 4

Back 206

The major artery leading from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs; it carries oxygen-poor blood.

Front 207

pulmonary veins - 4

Back 207

The four veins that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.

Front 208

pulse - 4

Back 208

The wave of pressure created as the heart contracts and forces blood out the left ventricle and into the major arteries.

Front 209

quadrants - 4

Back 209

The way to describe the sections of the abdominal cavity. Imagine two lines intersecting at the umbilicus dividing the abdomen into four equal areas.

Front 210

radial artery - 4

Back 210

The major artery in the forearm; it is palpable at the wrist on the thumb side.

Front 211

radius - 4

Back 211

The bone on the thumb side of the forearm.

Front 212

rectum - 4

Back 212

The lowermost end of the colon.

Front 213

red blood cells - 4

Back 213

Cells that carry oxygen to the body''s tissues; also called erythrocytes.

Front 214

renal pelvis - 4

Back 214

A cone-shaped collecting area that connects the ureter and the kidney.

Front 215

respiratory system - 4

Back 215

All the structures of the body that contribute to the process of breathing, consisting of the upper and lower airways and their component parts.

Front 216

retroperitoneal - 4

Back 216

Behind the abdominal cavity.

Front 217

sacrum - 4

Back 217

One of three bones (sacrum and two pelvic bones) that make up the pelvic ring; consists of five fused sacral vertebrae.

Front 218

salivary glands - 4

Back 218

The glands that produce saliva to keep the mouth and pharynx moist.

Front 219

scalp - 4

Back 219

The thick skin covering the cranium, which usually bears hair.

Front 220

scapula - 4

Back 220

The shoulder blade.

Front 221

sebaceous glands - 4

Back 221

Glands that produce an oily substance called sebum, which discharges along the shafts of the hairs.

Front 222

semen - 4

Back 222

Seminal fluid ejaculated from the penis and containing sperm.

Front 223

seminal vesicles - 4

Back 223

Storage sacs for sperm and seminal fluid, which empty into the urethra at the prostate.

Front 224

sensory nerves - 4

Back 224

The nerves that carry sensations of touch, taste, heat, cold, pain, or other modalities from the body to the central nervous system.

Front 225

shock position - 4

Back 225

The position that has the head and torso (trunk) supine and the lower extremities elevated 6" to 12". This helps to increase blood flow to the brain; also referred to as the modified Trendelenburg''s position.

Front 226

shoulder girdle - 4

Back 226

The proximal portion of the upper extremity, made up of the clavicle, the scapula, and the humerus.

Front 227

skeletal muscle - 4

Back 227

Muscle that is attached to bones and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary, muscle.

Front 228

skeleton - 4

Back 228

The framework that gives us our recognizable form; also designed to allow motion of the body and protection of vital organs.

Front 229

small intestine - 4

Back 229

The portion of the digestive tube between the stomach and the cecum, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Front 230

smooth muscle - 4

Back 230

Nonstriated, involuntary muscle; it constitutes the bulk of the gastrointestinal tract and is present in nearly every organ to regulate automatic activity.

Front 231

somatic nervous system - 4

Back 231

The part of the nervous system that regulates activities over which there is voluntary control.

Front 232

spinal cord - 4

Back 232

An extension of the brain, composed of virtually all the nerves carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It lies inside of, and is protected by, the spinal canal.

Front 233

sternocleidomastoid muscles - 4

Back 233

The muscles on either side of the neck that allow movement of the head.

Front 234

sternum - 4

Back 234

The breastbone.

Front 235

striated muscle - 4

Back 235

Muscle that has characteristic stripes, or striations, under the microscope; voluntary, or skeletal, muscle.

Front 236

subcutaneous tissue - 4

Back 236

Tissue, largely fat, that lies directly under the dermis and serves as an insulator of the body.

Front 237

superficial - 4

Back 237

Closer to or on the skin.

Front 238

superior - 4

Back 238

The part of the body, or any body part, nearer to the head.

Front 239

superior vena cava - 4

Back 239

One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the upper extremities, head, neck, and chest into the heart.

Front 240

supine position - 4

Back 240

The position in which the body is lying face up.

Front 241

sweat glands - 4

Back 241

The glands that secrete sweat, located in the dermal layer of the skin.

Front 242

systole - 4

Back 242

The contraction, or period of contraction, of the heart, especially that of the ventricles.

Front 243

temporal regions - 4

Back 243

The lateral portions on each side of the cranium.

Front 244

temporomandibular joint - 4

Back 244

The joint where the mandible meets with the temporal bone of the cranium just in front of each ear.

Front 245

testicle - 4

Back 245

A male genital gland that contains specialized cells that produce hormones and sperm.

Front 246

thoracic cage - 4

Back 246

The chest or rib cage.

Front 247

thoracic spine - 4

Back 247

The 12 vertebrae that lie between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. One pair of ribs is attached to each of the thoracic vertebrae.

Front 248

thorax - 4

Back 248

The chest cavity that contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels (the aorta and the two venae cavae).

Front 249

thyroid cartilage - 4

Back 249

A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx; the Adam''s apple.

Front 250

tibia - 4

Back 250

The shinbone, the larger of the two bones of the lower leg.

Front 251

topographic anatomy - 4

Back 251

The superficial landmarks of the body that serve as guides to the structures that lie beneath them.

Front 252

torso - 4

Back 252

The trunk without the head and limbs.

Front 253

trachea - 4

Back 253

The windpipe; the main trunk for air passing to and from the lungs.

Front 254

Trendelenburg''s position - 4

Back 254

The position in which the body is supine with the head lower than the feet.

Front 255

triceps - 4

Back 255

The muscle in the back of the upper arm.

Front 256

ulna - 4

Back 256

The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb.

Front 257

ulnar artery - 4

Back 257

One of the major arteries of the forearm; it can be palpated at the wrist on the ulnar side (at the base of the fifth finger).

Front 258

ureter - 4

Back 258

A small, hollow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Front 259

urethra - 4

Back 259

The canal that conveys urine from the bladder to outside the body.

Front 260

urinary bladder - 4

Back 260

A sac behind the pubic symphysis made of smooth muscle that collects and stores urine.

Front 261

urinary system - 4

Back 261

The organs that control the discharge of certain waste materials filtered from the blood and excreted as urine.

Front 262

vagina - 4

Back 262

The outermost cavity of a woman''s reproductive system; the lower part of the birth canal.

Front 263

vasa deferentia - 4

Back 263

The spermatic duct of the testicles; also called vas deferens.

Front 264

ventral - 4

Back 264

The anterior surface of the body.

Front 265

ventricle - 4

Back 265

One of two (right and left) lower chambers of the heart. The left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium (upper chamber) and delivers blood to the aorta. The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it into the pulmonary artery.

Front 266

vertebrae - 4

Back 266

The 33 bones that make up the spinal column.

Front 267

voluntary muscle - 4

Back 267

Muscle that is under direct voluntary control of the brain and can be contracted or relaxed at will; skeletal, or striated, muscle.

Front 268

white blood cells - 4

Back 268

Blood cells that play a role in the body''s immune defense mechanisms against infection; also called leukocytes.

Front 269

xiphoid process - 4

Back 269

The narrow, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum.

Front 270

zygomas - 4

Back 270

The quadrangular bones of the cheek, articulating with the frontal bone, the maxillae, the zygomatic processes of the temporal bone, and the great wings of the sphenoid bone.

Front 271

auscultation - 5

Back 271

A method of listening to sounds within an organ with a stethoscope.

Front 272

AVPU scale - 5

Back 272

Used to assess level of consciousness; recorded as being alert, verbally responsive, responsive to pain, or unresponsive.

Front 273

blood pressure (BP) - 5

Back 273

The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.

Front 274

bradycardia - 5

Back 274

Slow heart rate, less than 60 beats/min.

Front 275

capillary refill - 5

Back 275

The ability of the circulatory system to restore blood to the capillary system; evaluated by using a simple test.

Front 276

chief complaint - 5

Back 276

The reason a patient called for help. Also, the patient''s response to questions such as "What''s wrong?" or "What happened?"

Front 277

conjunctiva - 5

Back 277

The delicate membrane lining the eyelids and covering the exposed surface of the eye.

Front 278

cyanosis - 5

Back 278

A bluish-gray skin color that is caused by reduced levels of oxygen in the blood.

Front 279

diaphoretic - 5

Back 279

Characterized by profuse sweating.

Front 280

diastolic pressure - 5

Back 280

The pressure that remains in the arteries during the relaxing phase of the heart''s cycle (diastole) when the left ventricle is at rest.

Front 281

hypertension - 5

Back 281

Blood pressure that is higher than the normal range.

Front 282

hypotension - 5

Back 282

Blood pressure that is lower than the normal range.

Front 283

jaundice - 5

Back 283

A yellow skin or sclera color that is caused by liver disease or dysfunction.

Front 284

labored breathing - 5

Back 284

Breathing that requires visibly increased effort; characterized by grunting, stridor, and use of accessory muscles.

Front 285

OPQRST - 5

Back 285

An abbreviation for key terms used in evaluating a patient''s signs and symptoms: onset, provocation or palliation, quality, region/radiation, severity, and timing of pain.

Front 286

perfusion - 5

Back 286

The circulation of oxygenated blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the cells'' current needs.

Front 287

pulse - 5

Back 287

The wave of pressure created as the heart contracts and forces blood out the left ventricle and into the major arteries.

Front 288

pulse oximetry - 5

Back 288

An assessment tool that measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the capillary beds.

Front 289

SAMPLE history - 5

Back 289

A brief history of a patient''s condition to determine signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, pertinent past history, last oral intake, and events leading to the injury or illness.

Front 290

sclera - 5

Back 290

The white portion of the eye.

Front 291

signs - 5

Back 291

Objective findings that can be seen, heard, felt, smelled, or measured.

Front 292

sniffing position - 5

Back 292

An unusually upright position in which the patient''s head and chin are thrust slightly forward

Front 293

spontaneous respirations - 5

Back 293

Breathing in a patient that occurs with no assistance.

Front 294

stridor - 5

Back 294

A harsh, high-pitched, barking inspiratory sound often heard in acute laryngeal (upper airway) obstruction.

Front 295

symptoms - 5

Back 295

Subjective findings that the patient feels but that can be identified only by the patient.

Front 296

systolic pressure - 5

Back 296

The increased pressure along an artery with each contraction (systole) of the ventricles.

Front 297

tachycardia - 5

Back 297

Rapid heart rhythm, more than 100 beats/min.

Front 298

tidal volume - 5

Back 298

The amount of air that is exchanged with each breath.

Front 299

tripod position - 5

Back 299

An upright position in which the patient leans forward onto two arms stretched forward and thrusts the head and chin forward.

Front 300

vasoconstriction - 5

Back 300

Narrowing of a blood vessel.

Front 301

vital signs - 5

Back 301

The key signs that are used to evaluate the patient''s overall condition, including respirations, pulse, blood pressure, level of consciousness, and skin characteristics.

Front 302

backboard - 6

Back 302

A device that is used to provide support to a patient who is suspected of having a hip, pelvic, spinal, or lower extremity injury. Also called a spine board, trauma board, or longboard.

Front 303

basket stretcher - 6

Back 303

A rigid stretcher commonly used in technical and water rescues that surrounds and supports the patient yet allows water to drain through holes in the bottom. Also called a Stokes litter.

Front 304

diamond carry - 6

Back 304

A carrying technique in which one EMT-B is located at the head end, one at the foot end, and one at each side of the patient; each of the two EMT-Bs at the sides uses one hand to support the stretcher so that all are able to face forward as they walk.

Front 305

direct ground lift - 6

Back 305

A lifting technique that is used for patients who are found lying supine on the ground with no suspected spinal injury.

Front 306

emergency move - 6

Back 306

A move in which the patient is dragged or pulled from a dangerous scene before initial assessment and care are provided.

Front 307

extremity lift - 6

Back 307

A lifting technique that is used for patients who are supine or in a sitting position with no suspected extremity or spinal injuries.

Front 308

flexible stretcher - 6

Back 308

A stretcher that is a rigid carrying device when secured around a patient but can be folded or rolled when not in use.

Front 309

portable stretcher - 6

Back 309

A stretcher with a strong rectangular tubular metal frame and rigid fabric stretched across it.

Front 310

power grip - 6

Back 310

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.

Front 311

power lift - 6

Back 311

A lifting technique in which the EMT-B''s back is held upright, with legs bent, and the patient is lifted when the EMT-B straightens the legs to raise the upper body and arms.

Front 312

rapid extrication technique - 6

Back 312

A technique to move a patient from a sitting position inside a vehicle to supine on a backboard in less than 1 minute when conditions do not allow for standard immobilization.

Front 313

scoop stretcher - 6

Back 313

A stretcher that is designed to be split into two or four sections that can be fitted around a patient who is lying on the ground or other relatively flat surface; also called a split litter.

Front 314

stair chair - 6

Back 314

A lightweight folding device that is used to carry a conscious, seated patient up or down stairs.

Front 315

wheeled ambulance stretcher - 6

Back 315

A specially designed stretcher that can be rolled along the ground. A collapsible undercarriage allows it to be loaded into the ambulance. Also called the cot or an ambulance cot.

Front 316

Agonal respirations - 7

Back 316

Occasional gasping breaths that occur after the heart has stopped.

Front 317

airway - 7

Back 317

The upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx, which includes the nose, mouth, and throat.

Front 318

American Standard System - 7

Back 318

A safety system for gas cylinders (e.g. Oxygen), designed to prevent the accidental attachment of a regulator to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas.

Front 319

apnea - 7

Back 319

A period of not breathing.

Front 320

aspiration - 7

Back 320

The introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs.

Front 321

ataxic respirations - 7

Back 321

Irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern.

Front 322

bag-valve-mask (BVM) device - 7

Back 322

A device with a one-way valve and a face mask attached to a ventilation bag; when attached to a reservoir and connected to oxygen, it delivers more than 90% supplemental oxygen.

Front 323

barrier device - 7

Back 323

A protective item, such as a pocket mask with a valve that limits exposure to a patient's body fluids.

Front 324

bilateral - 7

Back 324

A body part or condition that appears on both sides of the midline.

Front 325

compliance - 7

Back 325

The ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation.

Front 326

cricoid pressure - 7

Back 326

Pressure on the cricoid cartilage; applied to occlude the esophagus in order to inhibit gastric distention and regurgitation of vomitus in the unconscious patient.

Front 327

diffusion - 7

Back 327

A process in which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front 328

dyspnea - 7

Back 328

Difficulty breathing.

Front 329

exhalation - 7

Back 329

The passive part of the breathing process in which the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles relax, forcing air out of the lungs.

Front 330

gag reflex - 7

Back 330

A normal reflex mechanism that causes retching; activated by touching the soft palate or the back of the throat.

Front 331

gastric distention - 7

Back 331

A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation.

Front 332

head tilt-chin lift maneuver - 7

Back 332

A combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not used for trauma patients.

Front 333

hypoxia - 7

Back 333

A dangerous condition in which the body tissue and cells do not have enough oxygen.

Front 334

hypoxic drive - 7

Back 334

A condition in which chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood stimulate the respiratory drive; seen in patients with chronic lung diseases.

Front 335

inhalation - 7

Back 335

The active muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs.

Front 336

ischemia - 7

Back 336

A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients.

Front 337

jaw-thrust maneuver - 7

Back 337

Technique to open the airway by placing fingers behind the angle of the jaw and bringing the jaw forward; used for patients who may have a cervical spine injury.

Front 338

labored breathing - 7

Back 338

Breathing that requires greater than normal effort; may be slower or faster then normal and usually requires the use of accessory muscles.

Front 339

metabolism - 7

Back 339

The biochemical processes that result in production of energy from nutrients within the cells.

Front 340

mild airway obstruction - 7

Back 340

Occurs when a foreign body partially obstructs the patient's airway. The patient is able to move adequate amounts of air, but also experiences some degree of respiratory distress.

Front 341

minute volume - 7

Back 341

The volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute; calculated by multiplying tidal volume and respiratory rate.

Front 342

nasal cannula - 7

Back 342

An oxygen-delivery device in which oxygen flows through two small tubelike prongs that fit into the patient's nostrils; delivers 24%-44% supplemental oxygen at a rate of 1-6 liters/minute.

Front 343

nasopharyngeal (nasal) airway - 7

Back 343

Airway adjunct inserted into the nostril of a conscious patient who is unable to maintain the airway patency independently.

Front 344

non-rebreathing mask - 7

Back 344

A combination mask and oxygen reservoir bag system that is the preferred way to give oxygen in the prehospital setting; delivers up to 90% inspired oxygen at a rate of 10-15 liters/minute. It prevents inhaling the exhaled gases (Carbon dioxide).

Front 345

oropharyngeal (oral) airway - 7

Back 345

Airway adjunct inserted into the mouth to keep the tongue from blocking the upper airway and to facilitate suctioning the airway.

Front 346

patent - 7

Back 346

Open, clear of obstruction.

Front 347

pneumothorax - 7

Back 347

A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space.

Front 348

recovery position - 7

Back 348

A side-lying position used to maintain a clean airway in unconscious patients without injuries who are breathing inadequately.

Front 349

retractions - 7

Back 349

Movements in which the skin pulls in around the ribs during inspiration.

Front 350

Sellick maneuver - 7

Back 350

A technique that is used to prevent gatric distention in which pressure is applied to the cricoid cartilage; also referred to as cricoid pressure.

Front 351

severe airway obstruction - 7

Back 351

Occurs when a foreign body completely obstructs the patient's airway. Patients cannot breathe, talk or cough.

Front 352

stoma - 7

Back 352

An opening through the skin and into an organ or other structure; a stoma in the neck connects that trachea directly to the skin.

Front 353

suction catheter - 7

Back 353

A hollow, cylindrical device used to remove fluid from the patient's airway.

Front 354

tidal volume - 7

Back 354

The amount of air moved in or out of the lungs during one breath.

Front 355

tonsil tips - 7

Back 355

Large, semi-rigid suction tips recommended for suctioning the pharynx; also called Yankauer tips.

Front 356

ventilation - 7

Back 356

Exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, spontaneously by the patient or with assistance from another person, such as an EMT-B.

Front 357

accessory muscles - 8

Back 357

The secondary muscles of respiration.

Front 358

AVPU - 8

Back 358

A method of assessing a patient's level of consciousness by determining whether a patient is Awake and alert, responsive to verbal stimulus or pain, or Unresponsive; used principally in the initial assessment.

Front 359

body substance isolation (BSI) - 8

Back 359

An infection control concept and practice that assumes that all body fluids are potentially infectious.

Front 360

breath sounds - 8

Back 360

An indication of air movement in the lungs, usually assessed with a stethoscope.

Front 361

capillary refill - 8

Back 361

A test that evaluates distal circulatory system function by squeezing (blanching) blood from an area such as a nail bed and watching the speed of its return after releasing the pressure.

Front 362

chief complaint - 8

Back 362

the reason a patient called for help; also the patient's response to general questions such as "What's wrong?" or "What happened?"

Front 363

coagulate - 8

Back 363

To form a clot to plug an opening in an injured blood vessel and stop bleeding.

Front 364

conjunctiva - 8

Back 364

The delicate membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the exposed surface of the eye.

Front 365

crepitus - 8

Back 365

A grating or grinding sensation cause by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together; also air bubbles under the skin that produce a crackling sound or crinkly feeling.

Front 366

cyanosis - 8

Back 366

Bluish-gray skin color that is caused by reduced oxygen levels in the blood.

Front 367

DCAP-BTLS - 8

Back 367

A mnemonic for assessment in which each area of the body is evaulated for Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures/Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, and Swelling.

Front 368

detailed physical exam - 8

Back 368

The part of the assessment process in which a detailed area-by-area exam is performed on patients whose problems cannot be readily identified or when more specific information is needed about problems identified in the focused history and physical exam.

Front 369

focused history and physical exam - 8

Back 369

The part of the assessment process in which the patient's major complaints or any problems that are immediately evident are further and more specifically evaluated.

Front 370

frostbite - 8

Back 370

Damage to tissues as a result of exposure to cold; frozen or partially frozen body parts.

Front 371

general impression - 8

Back 371

The overall initial impression that determines the priority for patient care; based on the patient's surroundings, the mechanism of injury, signs and symptoms, and the chief compliant.

Front 372

Golden Hour - 8

Back 372

The time from injury to definitive care, during which treatment of shock or traumatic injuries should occur because survival is best.

Front 373

guarding - 8

Back 373

Involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of the abdominal wall in an effort to protect the inflamed abdomen; a sign of peritonitis.

Front 374

hypothermia - 8

Back 374

A condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) after exposure to a cold environment.

Front 375

initial assessment - 8

Back 375

The part of the assessment process that helps you to identify any immediately or potentially life threatening conditions so that you can initiate lifesaving care.

Front 376

jaundice - 8

Back 376

A yellow skin color that is seen in patients with liver disease or dysfunction.

Front 377

mechanism of injury (MOI) - 8

Back 377

The way in which traumatic injuries occur; the forces that act on the body to cause damage.

Front 378

nasal flaring - 8

Back 378

Flaring out of the nostrils, indicating that there is an airway obstruction.

Front 379

nature of illness (NOI) - 8

Back 379

The general type of illness a patient is experiencing.

Front 380

ongoing assessment - 8

Back 380

The part of the assessment process in which problems are re-evaluated and responses to treatment are assessed.

Front 381

orientation - 8

Back 381

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).

Front 382

OPQRST - 8

Back 382

The six pain questions - Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time

Front 383

palpate - 8

Back 383

Examine by touch.

Front 384

paradoxical motion - 8

Back 384

The motion of the chest wall section that is detached in a flailed chest; the motion is exactly the opposite of normal motion during breathing (i.e., in during inhalation and out during exhalation.)

Front 385

rales - 8

Back 385

Crackling, rattling, breath sound that signals fluid in the air spaces of the lungs; also called crackles.

Front 386

responsiveness - 8

Back 386

The way in which a patient responds to external stimuli (sound), tactile stimuli (touch), and painful stimuli.

Front 387

retractions - 8

Back 387

Movements in which the skin pulls in around the ribs during inspiration.

Front 388

rhocni - 8

Back 388

Coarse, low-pitched breath sounds heard in patients with chronic mucus in the upper airways.

Front 389

SAMPLE history - 8

Back 389

A key brief history of a patient's condition to determine Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent past history, Last oral intake, and Events leading to the illness/injury.

Front 390

scene size-up - 8

Back 390

A quick assessment of the scene and the surroundings made to provide information about its safety and the mechanism of injury or nature of illness, before you enter and begin patient care.

Front 391

sclera - 8

Back 391

The white portion of the eye; the tough outer coat that gives protection to the delicate, light sensitive, inner layer.

Front 392

stridor - 8

Back 392

A harsh, high-pitched inspiratory sound that is often heard in acute layengeal (upper airway) obstruction; may sound like crowing and be audible without a stethoscope.

Front 393

subcutaneous emphysema - 8

Back 393

The presence of air in soft tissues, causing a characteristic crackling sensation on palpation.

Front 394

triage - 8

Back 394

The process of establishing treatment and transportation priorities according to severity of injury and medical need.

Front 395

two-to-three-word dyspnea - 8

Back 395

A sever breathing problem in which a patient can speak only two to three words at a time without pausing to take a breath.

Front 396

base station - 9

Back 396

Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed place.

Front 397

cellular telephone - 9

Back 397

A low-power portable radio that communicates through an interconnected series of repeaters stations called "cells."

Front 398

channel - 9

Back 398

An assigned frequency or frequencies that are used to carry voce and/or data communications.

Front 399

dedicated line - 9

Back 399

A special telephone line that is used for special point-to-point communications; also known as a "hot line."

Front 400

duplex - 9

Back 400

The ability to transmit and receive simultaneously.

Front 401

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - 9

Back 401

the federal agency that has jurisdiction over interstate and international telephone and telegraph services and satellite communications, all of which may involve EMS activity.

Front 402

MED channels - 9

Back 402

VHF and UHF channels that the FCC has designated exclusively for EMS use.

Front 403

paging - 9

Back 403

the use of a radio signal and a voice or digital message that is transmitted to pagers ("beepers") or desktop monitor radios.

Front 404

rapport - 9

Back 404

A trusting relationship that you build with your patient.

Front 405

repeater - 9

Back 405

A special base station radio that receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency.

Front 406

scanner - 9

Back 406

A radio receiver that searches or "scans" across several frequencies until the message is completed; the process is then repeated.

Front 407

simplex - 9

Back 407

Single-frequency radio; transmissions can occur in either direction but not simultaneously in both; when one party transmits, the other can only receive, and the party that is transmitting is unable to receive.

Front 408

standing orders - 9

Back 408

Written documents, signed by the EMS system's medical director, that outline specific directions, permissions, and sometimes prohibitions regarding patient care; also called protocols.

Front 409

telemetry - 9

Back 409

A process n which electronic signals are converted into coded, audible signals; these signals can then be transmitted by radio or telephone to a receiver at the hospital with a decoder.

Front 410

UHF (ultra-high frequency) - 9

Back 410

Radio frequencies between 300 and 3,000 MHz.

Front 411

VHF (very-high frequency) - 9

Back 411

Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 MHz; the VHF spectrum is further divided into "high" and "low" bands.

Front 412

absorption - 10

Back 412

The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.

Front 413

action - 10

Back 413

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.

Front 414

activated charcoal - 10

Back 414

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.

Front 415

adsorption - 10

Back 415

The process of binding or sticking to a surface.

Front 416

aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA) - 10

Back 416

A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).

Front 417

contraindications - 10

Back 417

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate, for example, a condition in which a medication should not be given because it would not help or may actually harm a patient.

Front 418

dose - 10

Back 418

The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient''s size and age.

Front 419

epinephrine - 10

Back 419

A substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.

Front 420

gel - 10

Back 420

A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.

Front 421

generic name - 10

Back 421

The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its "trade names"); the name is not capitalized.

Front 422

hypoglycemia - 10

Back 422

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Front 423

indications - 10

Back 423

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.

Front 424

inhalation - 10

Back 424

The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs.

Front 425

intramuscular (IM) injection - 10

Back 425

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.

Front 426

intraosseous (IO) - 10

Back 426

Into the bone; a medication delivery route.

Front 427

intravenous (IV) injection - 10

Back 427

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.

Front 428

metered-dose inhaler (MDI) - 10

Back 428

A miniature spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled.

Front 429

nitroglycerin - 10

Back 429

A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing arteries to dilate; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication.

Front 430

oral - 10

Back 430

By mouth; a medication delivery route.

Front 431

oral glucose - 10

Back 431

A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Front 432

over-the-counter (OTC) medications - 10

Back 432

Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription.

Front 433

oxygen - 10

Back 433

A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without oxygen.

Front 434

per os (PO) - 10

Back 434

Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral.

Front 435

per rectum (PR) - 10

Back 435

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.

Front 436

pharmacology - 10

Back 436

The study of the properties and effects of medications.

Front 437

polypharmacy - 10

Back 437

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis.

Front 438

prescription medications - 10

Back 438

Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician''s order.

Front 439

side effects - 10

Back 439

Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones.

Front 440

solution - 10

Back 440

A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand.

Front 441

subcutaneous (SC) injection - 10

Back 441

Injection into the tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.

Front 442

sublingual (SL) - 10

Back 442

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.

Front 443

suspension - 10

Back 443

A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.

Front 444

topical medications - 10

Back 444

Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route.

Front 445

trade name - 10

Back 445

The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized.

Front 446

transcutaneous - 10

Back 446

Through the skin; a medication delivery route.

Front 447

transdermal medications - 10

Back 447

Medications that are designed to be absorbed through the skin (transcutaneously).

Front 448

allergen - 11

Back 448

A substance that causes an allergic reaction.

Front 449

asthma - 11

Back 449

A disease of the lungs in which muscle spasm in the small air passageways and the production of large amounts of mucus with swelling of the mucus lining of the respiratory passages result in airway obstruction.

Front 450

carbon dioxide retention - 11

Back 450

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.

Front 451

chronic bronchitis - 11

Back 451

Irritation of the major lung passageways, from either infectious disease or irritants such as smoke.

Front 452

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - 11

Back 452

A slow process of dilation and disruption of the airways and alveoli, caused by chronic bronchial obstruction.

Front 453

common cold - 11

Back 453

A viral infection usually associated with swollen nasal mucous membranes and the production of fluid from the sinuses and nose.

Front 454

crackles - 11

Back 454

A crackling breath sound caused by the flow of air through liquid in the lungs; a sign of lower airway obstruction.

Front 455

croup - 11

Back 455

Infection of the airway below the level of the vocal cords, usually caused by a virus.

Front 456

diphtheria - 11

Back 456

An infectious disease in which a membrane forms, lining the pharynx; this lining can severely obstruct the passage of air into the larynx.

Front 457

dyspnea - 11

Back 457

Difficulty breathing.

Front 458

embolus - 11

Back 458

A blood clot or other substance in the circulatory system that travels to a blood vessel where it causes blockage.

Front 459

emphysema - 11

Back 459

A disease of the lungs in which there is extreme dilation and eventual destruction of pulmonary alveoli with poor exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide; it is one form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Front 460

epiglottitis - 11

Back 460

An infectious disease in which the epiglottis becomes inflamed and enlarged and may cause upper airway obstruction.

Front 461

hyperventilation - 11

Back 461

Rapid or deep breathing that lowers blood carbon dioxide levels below normal.

Front 462

hypoxia - 11

Back 462

A condition in which the body''s cells and tissues do not have enough oxygen.

Front 463

hypoxic drive - 11

Back 463

A "backup system" to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood.

Front 464

pleural effusion - 11

Back 464

A collection of fluid between the lung and chest wall that may compress the lung.

Front 465

pleuritic chest pain - 11

Back 465

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.

Front 466

pneumonia - 11

Back 466

An infectious disease of the lung that damages lung tissue.

Front 467

pneumothorax - 11

Back 467

A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space.

Front 468

pulmonary edema - 11

Back 468

A buildup of fluid in the lungs, usually as a result of congestive heart failure.

Front 469

pulmonary embolism - 11

Back 469

A blood clot that breaks off from a large vein and travels to the blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow.

Front 470

rhonchi - 11

Back 470

Coarse, low-pitched breath sounds heard in patients with chronic mucus in the upper airways.

Front 471

severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) - 11

Back 471

Potentially life-threatening viral infection that usually starts with flu-like symptoms.severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) - 11;;;Potentially life-threatening viral infection that usually starts with flu-like symptoms.

Front 472

stridor - 11

Back 472

A harsh, high-pitched, crowing inspiratory sound, such as the sound often heard in acute laryngeal (upper airway) obstruction.

Front 473

wheezing - 11

Back 473

A whistling breath sound caused by air traveling through narrowed air passages within the bronchioles; a sign of lower airway obstruction.

Front 474

acute myocardial infarction (AMI) - 12

Back 474

Heart attack; death of heart muscle following obstruction of blood flow to it. Acute in this context means "new" or "happening right now."

Front 475

angina pectoris - 12

Back 475

Transient (short-lived) chest discomfort caused by partial or temporary blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

Front 476

anterior - 12

Back 476

The front surface of the body; the side facing you in the standard anatomic position.

Front 477

aorta - 12

Back 477

The principal artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.

Front 478

aortic valve - 12

Back 478

The one-way valve that lies between the left ventricle and the aorta. It keeps blood from flowing back into the left ventricle after the left ventricle ejects its blood into the aorta. One of four heart valves.

Front 479

arrhythmia - 12

Back 479

An irregular or abnormal heart rhythm.

Front 480

asystole - 12

Back 480

Complete absence of heart electrical activity.

Front 481

atherosclerosis - 12

Back 481

A disorder in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside the walls of blood vessels, forming plaque, which eventually leads to partial or complete blockage of blood flow and the formation of clots that can break off and embolize.

Front 482

atrium - 12

Back 482

Upper chamber of the heart.

Front 483

bradycardia - 12

Back 483

Slow heart rate, less than 60 beats/min.

Front 484

cardiac arrest - 12

Back 484

A state in which the heart fails to generate an effective and detectable blood flow; pulses are not palpable in cardiac arrest, even if muscular and electrical activity continues in the heart.

Front 485

cardiogenic shock - 12

Back 485

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.

Front 486

congestive heart failure (CHF) - 12

Back 486

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.

Front 487

coronary artery - 12

Back 487

A blood vessel that carries blood and nutrients to the heart muscle.

Front 488

defibrillate - 12

Back 488

To shock a fibrillating (chaotically beating) heart with specialized electrical current in an attempt to restore a normal rhythmic beat.

Front 489

dependent edema - 12

Back 489

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 (CHF).

Front 490

dilation - 12

Back 490

Widening of a tubular structure such as a coronary artery.

Front 491

infarction - 12

Back 491

Death of a body tissue, usually caused by interruption of its blood supply.

Front 492

inferior - 12

Back 492

The part of the body, or any body part, nearer to the feet.

Front 493

ischemia - 12

Back 493

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.

Front 494

lumen - 12

Back 494

The inside diameter of an artery or other hollow structure.

Front 495

myocardium - 12

Back 495

Heart muscle.

Front 496

occlusion - 12

Back 496

Blockage, usually of a tubular structure such as a blood vessel.

Front 497

perfusion - 12

Back 497

The flow of blood through body tissues and vessels.

Front 498

posterior - 12

Back 498

The back surface of the body; the side away from you in the standard anatomic position.

Front 499

superior - 12

Back 499

The part of the body, or any body part, nearer to the head.

Front 500

syncope - 12

Back 500

A fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness, often caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain.

Front 501

tachycardia - 12

Back 501

Rapid heart rhythm, more than 100 beats/min.

Front 502

ventricle - 12

Back 502

One of two (right and left) lower chambers of the heart. The left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium (upper chamber) and delivers blood to the aorta. The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it into the pulmonary artery.

Front 503

ventricular fibrillation - 12

Back 503

Disorganized, ineffective twitching of the ventricles, resulting in no blood flow and a state of cardiac arrest.

Front 504

ventricular tachycardia (VT) - 12

Back 504

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.

Front 505

absence seizure - 13

Back 505

Seizure that may be characterized by a brief lapse of attention in which the patient may stare and does not respond. Also known as petit mal seizure.

Front 506

aphasia - 13

Back 506

The inability to understand or produce speech.

Front 507

arterial rupture - 13

Back 507

Rupture of a cerebral artery that may contribute to interruption of cerebral blood flow.

Front 508

atherosclerosis - 13

Back 508

A disorder in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside the walls of blood vessels, eventually leading to partial or complete blockage of blood flow.

Front 509

aura - 13

Back 509

A sensation experienced prior to a seizure; serves as a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur.

Front 510

cerebral embolism - 13

Back 510

Obstruction of a cerebral artery caused by a clot that was formed elsewhere in the body and traveled to the brain.

Front 511

cerebrovascular accident (CVA) - 13

Back 511

An interruption of blood flow to the brain that results in the loss of brain function.

Front 512

coma - 13

Back 512

A state of profound unconsciousness from which one cannot be roused.

Front 513

coup-contrecoup brain injury - 13

Back 513

A brain injury that occurs when force is applied to the head and energy transmission through brain tissue causes injury on the opposite side of original impact.

Front 514

dysarthria - 13

Back 514

The inability to pronounce speech clearly, often due to loss of the nerves or brain cells that control the small muscles in the larynx.

Front 515

expressive aphasia - 13

Back 515

A speech disorder in which a person can understand what is being said but cannot produce the right sounds in order to speak properly.

Front 516

febrile seizures - 13

Back 516

Convulsions that result from sudden high fevers, particularly in children.

Front 517

generalized seizure - 13

Back 517

Seizure characterized by severe twitching of all the body''s muscles that may last several minutes or more; also known as a grand mal seizure.

Front 518

hemiparesis - 13

Back 518

Weakness on one side of the body.

Front 519

hemorrhagic stroke - 13

Back 519

One of the two main types of stroke; occurs as a result of bleeding inside the brain.

Front 520

hypoglycemia - 13

Back 520

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Front 521

incontinence - 13

Back 521

Loss of bowel and bladder control due to a generalized seizure.

Front 522

infarcted cells - 13

Back 522

Cells in the brain that die as a result of loss of blood flow to the brain.

Front 523

ischemia - 13

Back 523

A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients.

Front 524

ischemic stroke - 13

Back 524

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.

Front 525

postictal state - 13

Back 525

Period following a seizure that lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, characterized by labored respirations and some degree of altered mental status.

Front 526

receptive aphasia - 13

Back 526

A speech disorder in which a person has trouble understanding speech but is able to speak clearly.

Front 527

seizure - 13

Back 527

Generalized, uncoordinated muscular activity associated with loss of consciousness; a convulsion.

Front 528

status epilepticus - 13

Back 528

A condition in which seizures recur every few minutes, or last more than 30 minutes.

Front 529

stroke - 13

Back 529

A loss of brain function in certain brain cells that do not get enough oxygen during a CVA. Usually caused by obstruction of the blood vessels in the brain that feed oxygen to those brain cells.

Front 530

thrombosis - 13

Back 530

Clotting of the cerebral arteries that may result in the interruption of cerebral blood flow and subsequent stroke.

Front 531

tonic-clonic - 13

Back 531

A type of seizure that features rhythmic back-and-forth motion of an extremity and body stiffness.

Front 532

transient ischemic attack (TIA) - 13

Back 532

A disorder of the brain in which brain cells temporarily stop working because of insufficient oxygen, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve completely within 24 hours of onset.

Front 533

abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) - 33

Back 533

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.

Front 534

advance directives - 33

Back 534

Written documentation that specifies medical treatment for a competent patient should the patient become unable to make decisions; also called living wills.

Front 535

aneurysm - 33

Back 535

A swelling or enlargement of a part of an artery, resulting from weakening of the arterial wall.

Front 536

arteriosclerosis - 33

Back 536

A disease that is characterized by hardening, thickening, and calcification of the arterial walls.

Front 537

atherosclerosis - 33

Back 537

A disorder in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside the walls of blood vessels, forming plaque, which eventually leads to partial or complete blockage of blood flow and the formation of clots that can break off and embolize.

Front 538

cataracts - 33

Back 538

Clouding of the lens of the eye or its surrounding transparent membranes.

Front 539

collagen - 33

Back 539

A protein that is the chief component of connective tissues and bones.

Front 540

compensated shock - 33

Back 540

The early stage of shock, in which the body can still compensate for blood loss.

Front 541

decompensated shock - 33

Back 541

The late stage of shock, when blood pressure is falling.

Front 542

delirium - 33

Back 542

A change in mental status marked by the inability to focus, think logically, and maintain attention.

Front 543

dementia - 33

Back 543

The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function.

Front 544

dyspnea - 33

Back 544

Difficulty breathing.

Front 545

elastin - 33

Back 545

A protein found in elastic tissues such as skin and artery walls.

Front 546

elder abuse - 33

Back 546

Any action on the part of an older person''s family member, caregiver, or other associated person that takes advantage of the older individual''s person, property, or emotional state; also called granny beating and parent battering.

Front 547

hypoxia - 33

Back 547

A dangerous condition in which the body tissues and cells do not have enough oxygen.

Front 548

kyphosis - 33

Back 548

A forward curling of the back caused by an abnormal increase in the curvature of the spine.

Front 549

osteoporosis - 33

Back 549

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.

Front 550

syncope - 33

Back 550

Fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness.

Front 551

vasoconstriction - 33

Back 551

Narrowing of a blood vessel.

Front 552

vasodilation - 33

Back 552

The widening of a blood vessel.

Front 553

acetabulum - 34

Back 553

The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.

Front 554

bacteremia - 34

Back 554

The presence of bacteria in the blood, whether or not a disease process is present.

Front 555

burst fractures - 34

Back 555

Compression fractures of the vertebrae that typically result from a higher energy mechanism such as a motor vehicle crash or fall from substantial height.

Front 556

central cord syndrome - 34

Back 556

A form of incomplete spinal cord injury in which some of the signals from the brain to the body are not received; results in weak or absent motor function, which is more pronounced in the upper extremities than the lower extremities.

Front 557

compression fractures - 34

Back 557

Stable spinal cord injuries in which often only the anterior third of the vertebra is collapsed. This type of fracture often results from minimal trauma, from simply bending over, rising from a chair, or sitting down forcefully.

Front 558

polypharmacy - 34

Back 558

Simultaneous use of many medications.

Front 559

seat belt-type fractures - 34

Back 559

Fractures that involve flexion, with a distraction component (energy being dispersed in two opposite directions) that causes a fracture through the entire vertebral body and bony arch; typically results from an ejection or occurs in those wearing only a lap belt without a shoulder harness.

Front 560

septicemia - 34

Back 560

The disease state that results from the presence of microorganisms or their toxic products in the bloodstream.

Front 561

stable spinal injury - 34

Back 561

A spinal injury that has a low risk of leading to permanent neurologic deficit or structural deformity.

Front 562

unstable spinal injury - 34

Back 562

A spinal injury that has a high risk of permanent neurologic deficit or structural deformity.

Front 563

guarding - 14

Back 563

Involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of the abdominal wall, an effort to protect the inflamed abdomen.

Front 564

colic - 14

Back 564

Acute, intermittent cramping abdominal pain.

Front 565

acute abdomen - 14

Back 565

A condition of sudden onset of pain within the abdomen, usually indicating peritonitis; immediate medical or surgical treatment is necessary.

Front 566

referred pain - 14

Back 566

Pain felt in an area of the body other than the area where the cause of pain is located.

Front 567

peritoneum - 14

Back 567

The membrane lining the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and covering the abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum).

Front 568

anorexia - 14

Back 568

Lack of appetite for food.

Front 569

hernia - 14

Back 569

The protrusion of a loop of an organ or tissue through an abnormal body opening.

Front 570

cystitis - 14

Back 570

Inflammation of the bladder.

Front 571

ulcer - 14

Back 571

Erosion of the stomach or intestinal lining.

Front 572

aneurysm - 14

Back 572

A swelling or enlargement of a part of an artery, resulting from weakening of the arterial wall.

Front 573

cholecystitis - 14

Back 573

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Front 574

appendicitis - 14

Back 574

Inflammation of the appendix.

Front 575

pancreatitis - 14

Back 575

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Front 576

emesis - 14

Back 576

Vomiting.

Front 577

strangulation - 14

Back 577

Complete obstruction of blood circulation in a given organ as a result of compression or entrapment; an emergency situation causing death of tissue.

Front 578

diverticulitis - 14

Back 578

Bulging out of intestinal rings in small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls, creating abdominal discomfort.

Front 579

periotonitis - 14

Back 579

Inflammation of the peritoneum.

Front 580

ileus - 14

Back 580

Paralysis of the bowel, arising from any one of several causes; stops contractions that move material through the intestine.

Front 581

closed abdominal injury - 28

Back 581

Any injury of the abdomen caused by a nonpenetrating instrument or force, in which the skin remains intact; also called blunt abdominal injury.

Front 582

evisceration - 28

Back 582

The displacement of organs outside the body.

Front 583

flank - 28

Back 583

The region of the lower rib cage.

Front 584

guarding - 28

Back 584

Involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of the abdominal wall, an effort to protect the inflamed abdomen.

Front 585

hematuria - 28

Back 585

The presence of blood in the urine.

Front 586

hollow organs - 28

Back 586

Structures through which materials pass, such as the stomach, small intestines, large intestines, ureters, and bladder.

Front 587

open abdominal injury - 28

Back 587

An injury of the abdomen caused by a penetrating or piercing instrument or force, in which the skin is lacerated or perforated and the cavity is opened to the atmosphere; also called penetrating injury.

Front 588

peritoneal cavity - 28

Back 588

The abdominal cavity.

Front 589

peritonitis - 28

Back 589

Inflammation of the peritoneum.

Front 590

solid organs - 28

Back 590

Solid masses of tissue where much of the chemical work of the body takes place (eg, the liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys).

Front 591

supine hypotensive syndrome - 28

Back 591

A drop in blood pressure caused when the heavy uterus of a supine patient in the third trimester of pregnancy obstructs the vena cava, decreasing blood return to the heart.

Front 592

acromioclavicular (A/C) joint - 29

Back 592

A simple joint where the bony projections of the scapula and the clavicle meet at the top of the shoulder.

Front 593

articular cartilage - 29

Back 593

A pearly layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints.

Front 594

calcaneus - 29

Back 594

The heel bone.

Front 595

clavicle - 29

Back 595

The collarbone; it is lateral to the sternum and medial to the scapula.

Front 596

closed fracture - 29

Back 596

A fracture in which the skin is not broken.

Front 597

compartment syndrome - 29

Back 597

Swelling in a confined space that produces dangerous pressure; may cut off blood flow or damage sensitive tissue.

Front 598

crepitus - 29

Back 598

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.

Front 599

dislocation - 29

Back 599

Disruption of a joint in which ligaments are damaged and the bone ends are completely displaced.

Front 600

displaced fracture - 29

Back 600

A fracture in which bone fragments are separated from one another and not in anatomic alignment.

Front 601

ecchymosis - 29

Back 601

Bruising or discoloration associated with bleeding within or under the skin.

Front 602

femur - 29

Back 602

The thighbone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body.

Front 603

fibula - 29

Back 603

The outer and smaller bone of the two bones of the lower leg.

Front 604

fracture - 29

Back 604

A break in the continuity of a bone.

Front 605

glenoid fossa - 29

Back 605

The part of the scapula that joins with the humeral head to form the glenohumeral joint.

Front 606

hematuria - 29

Back 606

The presence of blood in the urine.

Front 607

humerus - 29

Back 607

The supporting bone of the upper arm.

Front 608

joint - 29

Back 608

The place where two bones come into contact.

Front 609

ligament - 29

Back 609

A band of the fibrous tissue that connects bones to bones. It supports and strengthens a joint.

Front 610

nondisplaced fracture - 29

Back 610

A simple crack in the bone that has not caused the bone to move from its normal anatomic position; also called a hairline fracture.

Front 611

open fracture - 29

Back 611

Any break in a bone in which the overlying skin has been damaged.

Front 612

patella - 29

Back 612

The kneecap; a specialized bone that lies within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle.

Front 613

point tenderness - 29

Back 613

Tenderness that is sharply localized at the site of the injury, found by gently palpating along the bone with the tip of one finger.

Front 614

position of function - 29

Back 614

A hand position in which the wrist is slightly dorsiflexed and all finger joints are moderately flexed.

Front 615

pubic symphysis - 29

Back 615

A hard bony prominence that is found in the midline in the lowermost portion of the abdomen.

Front 616

radius - 29

Back 616

The bone on the thumb side of the forearm.

Front 617

reduce - 29

Back 617

Return a dislocated joint or fractured bone to its normal position; set.

Front 618

retroperitoneal space - 29

Back 618

The space between the abdominal cavity and the posterior abdominal wall, containing the kidneys, certain large vessels, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Front 619

scapula - 29

Back 619

The shoulder blade.

Front 620

sciatic nerve - 29

Back 620

The major nerve to the lower extremity; controls much of muscle function in the leg, and sensation in most of the leg and foot.

Front 621

skeletal muscle - 29

Back 621

Muscle that is attached to bones and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary, muscle.

Front 622

sling - 29

Back 622

A bandage or material that helps to support the weight of an injured upper extremity.

Front 623

splint - 29

Back 623

A flexible or rigid appliance used to protect and maintain the position of an injured extremity.

Front 624

sprain - 29

Back 624

A joint injury involving damage to supporting ligaments, and sometimes partial or temporary dislocation of bone ends.

Front 625

strain - 29

Back 625

Stretching or tearing of a muscle; also called a muscle pull.

Front 626

swathe - 29

Back 626

A bandage that passes around the chest to secure an injured arm to the chest.

Front 627

tendon - 29

Back 627

A tough, ropelike cord of fibrous tissue that attaches a skeletal muscle to a bone.

Front 628

tibia - 29

Back 628

The shinbone, the larger of the two bones of the lower leg.

Front 629

traction - 29

Back 629

Longitudinal force applied to a structure.

Front 630

ulna - 29

Back 630

The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb.

Front 631

zone of injury - 29

Back 631

The area of potentially damaged soft tissue, adjacent nerves, and blood vessels surrounding an injury to a bone or a joint.

Front 632

anterograde (posttraumatic) amnesia - 30

Back 632

Inability to remember events after an injury.

Front 633

autonomic (involuntary) nervous system - 30

Back 633

The part of the nervous system that regulates functions that are not controlled by conscious will, such as digestion and sweating.

Front 634

Battle''s sign - 30

Back 634

Bruising behind an ear over the mastoid process that may indicate skull fracture.

Front 635

brain stem - 30

Back 635

The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respirations.

Front 636

central nervous system (CNS) - 30

Back 636

The brain and spinal cord.

Front 637

cerebellum - 30

Back 637

One of the three major subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the "little brain"; coordinates the various activities of the brain, particularly fine body movements.

Front 638

cerebral edema - 30

Back 638

Swelling of the brain.

Front 639

cerebrum - 30

Back 639

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.

Front 640

closed head injury - 30

Back 640

Injury in which the brain has been injured but the skin has not been broken and there is no obvious bleeding.

Front 641

concussion - 30

Back 641

A temporary loss or alteration of part or all of the brain''s abilities to function without actual physical damage to the brain.

Front 642

connecting nerves - 30

Back 642

Nerves that connect the sensory and motor nerves in the spinal cord.

Front 643

distraction - 30

Back 643

The action of pulling the spine along its length.

Front 644

eyes-forward position - 30

Back 644

A head position in which the patient''s eyes are looking straight ahead and the head and torso are in line.

Front 645

four-person log roll - 30

Back 645

The recommended procedure for moving a patient with a suspected spinal injury from the ground to a long backboard.

Front 646

Glasgow Coma Scale - 30

Back 646

A method of evaluating level of consciousness that uses a scoring system for neurologic responses to specific stimuli.

Front 647

intervertebral disk - 30

Back 647

The cushion that lies between two vertebrae.

Front 648

involuntary activities - 30

Back 648

The actions that we do not consciously control.

Front 649

meninges - 30

Back 649

Three distinct layers of tissue that surround and protect the brain and the spinal cord within the skull and the spinal canal.

Front 650

motor nerves - 30

Back 650

Nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body.

Front 651

open head injury - 30

Back 651

Injury to the head often caused by a penetrating object in which there may be bleeding and exposed brain tissue.

Front 652

peripheral nervous system - 30

Back 652

The part of the nervous system that consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves. These peripheral nerves may be sensory nerves, motor nerves, or connecting nerves.

Front 653

raccoon eyes - 30

Back 653

Bruising under the eyes that may indicate skull fracture.

Front 654

retrograde amnesia - 30

Back 654

The inability to remember events leading up to a head injury.

Front 655

sensory nerves - 30

Back 655

The nerves that carry sensations of touch, taste, heat, cold, pain, or other modalities from the body to the central nervous system.

Front 656

somatic (voluntary) nervous system - 30

Back 656

The part of the nervous system that regulates our voluntary activities, such as walking, talking, and writing.

Front 657

voluntary activities - 30

Back 657

Actions that we consciously perform, in which sensory input or conscious thought determines a specific muscular activity.

Front 658

acidosis - 15

Back 658

A pathologic condition resulting from the accumulation of acids in the body.

Front 659

diabetes mellitus - 15

Back 659

A metabolic disorder in which the ability to metabolize carbohydrates (sugars) is impaired, usually because of a lack of insulin.

Front 660

diabetic coma - 15

Back 660

Unconsciousness caused by dehydration, very high blood glucose levels, and acidosis in diabetes.

Front 661

diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - 15

Back 661

A form of acidosis in uncontrolled diabetes in which certain acids accumulate when insulin is not available.

Front 662

glucose - 15

Back 662

One of the basic sugars; it is the primary fuel, along with oxygen, for cellular metabolism.

Front 663

hormone - 15

Back 663

A chemical substance that regulates the activity of body organs and tissues; produced by a gland.

Front 664

hyperglycemia - 15

Back 664

Abnormally high glucose level in the blood.

Front 665

hypoglycemia - 15

Back 665

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Front 666

insulin - 15

Back 666

A hormone produced by the Islets of Langerhans (an exocrine gland on the pancreas) that enables glucose in the blood to enter the cells of the body; used in synthetic form to treat and control diabetes mellitus.

Front 667

insulin shock - 15

Back 667

Unconsciousness or altered mental status in a patient with diabetes, caused by significant hypoglycemia; usually the result of excessive exercise and activity or failure to eat after a routine dose of insulin.

Front 668

Kussmaul respirations - 15

Back 668

Deep, rapid breathing; usually the result of an accumulation of certain acids when insulin is not available in the body.

Front 669

polydipsia - 15

Back 669

Excessive thirst persisting for long periods of time despite reasonable fluid intake; often the result of excessive urination.

Front 670

polyphagia - 15

Back 670

Excessive eating; in diabetes, the inability to use glucose properly can cause a sense of hunger.

Front 671

polyuria - 15

Back 671

The passage of an unusually large volume of urine in a given period; in diabetes, this can result from wasting of glucose in the urine.

Front 672

type I diabetes - 15

Back 672

The type of diabetic disease that usually starts in childhood and requires insulin for proper treatment and control.

Front 673

type II diabetes - 15

Back 673

The type of diabetic disease that usually starts in later life and often can be controlled through diet and oral medications.

Front 674

allergen - 16

Back 674

A substance that causes an allergic reaction.

Front 675

allergic reaction - 16

Back 675

The body''s exaggerated immune response to an internal or surface agent.

Front 676

anaphylaxis - 16

Back 676

An extreme, possibly life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure.

Front 677

envenomation - 16

Back 677

The act of injecting venom.

Front 678

epinephrine - 16

Back 678

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication.

Front 679

histamines - 16

Back 679

Substance released by the immune system in allergic reactions that are responsible for many of the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Front 680

leukotrienes - 16

Back 680

Chemical substances that contribute to anaphylaxis; released by the immune system in allergic reactions.

Front 681

stridor - 16

Back 681

A harsh, high-pitched, crowing inspiratory sound, such as the sound often heard in acute laryngeal (upper airway) obstruction.

Front 682

toxin - 16

Back 682

A poison or harmful substance.

Front 683

urticaria - 16

Back 683

Small spots of generalized itching and/or burning that appear as multiple raised areas on the skin; hives.

Front 684

wheal - 16

Back 684

A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin resulting from an insect bite or allergic reaction.

Front 685

wheezing - 16

Back 685

A high-pitched, whistling breath sound, characteristically heard on expiration in patients with asthma or COPD.

Front 686

addiction - 17

Back 686

A state of overwhelming obsession or physical need to continue the use of a drug or agent.

Front 687

antidote - 17

Back 687

A substance that is used to neutralize or counteract a poison.

Front 688

delirium tremens (DTs) - 17

Back 688

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.

Front 689

emesis - 17

Back 689

Vomiting.

Front 690

hallucinogens - 17

Back 690

Agents that produce false perceptions in any one of the five senses.

Front 691

hematemesis - 17

Back 691

Vomiting blood.

Front 692

hematemesis - 17

Back 692

Vomiting blood.

Front 693

hypnotic - 17

Back 693

A sleep-inducing effect or agent.

Front 694

ingestion - 17

Back 694

Swallowing; taking a substance by mouth.

Front 695

opioids - 17

Back 695

Any drug or agent with actions similar to morphine.

Front 696

poison - 17

Back 696

A substance whose chemical action could damage structures or impair function when introduced into the body.

Front 697

sedative - 17

Back 697

A substance that decreases activity and excitement.

Front 698

stimulant - 17

Back 698

An agent that produces an excited state.

Front 699

substance abuse - 17

Back 699

The misuse of any substance to produce some desired effect.

Front 700

tolerance - 17

Back 700

The need for increasing amounts of a drug to obtain the same effect.

Front 701

toxin - 17

Back 701

A poison or harmful substance.

Front 702

vomitus - 17

Back 702

Vomited material.

Front 703

air embolism - 18

Back 703

Air bubbles in the blood vessels.

Front 704

ambient temperature - 18

Back 704

The temperature of the surrounding environment.

Front 705

antivenin - 18

Back 705

A serum that counteracts the effect of venom from an animal or insect.

Front 706

bends - 18

Back 706

Common name for decompression sickness.

Front 707

bradycardia - 18

Back 707

Slow heart rate, less than 60 beats/min.

Front 708

breath-holding syncope - 18

Back 708

Loss of consciousness caused by a decreased breathing stimulus.

Front 709

conduction - 18

Back 709

The loss of heat by direct contact (eg, when a body part comes into contact with a colder object).

Front 710

convection - 18

Back 710

The loss of body heat caused by air movement (eg, breeze blowing across the body).

Front 711

core temperature - 18

Back 711

The temperature of the central part of the body (eg, the heart, lungs, and vital organs).

Front 712

decompression sickness - 18

Back 712

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."

Front 713

diving reflex - 18

Back 713

Slowing of the heart rate caused by submersion in cold water.

Front 714

drowning - 18

Back 714

Death from suffocation by submersion in water.

Front 715

electrolytes - 18

Back 715

Certain salts and other chemicals that are dissolved in body fluids and cells.

Front 716

evaporation - 18

Back 716

Conversion of water or another fluid from a liquid to a gas.

Front 717

frostbite - 18

Back 717

Damage to tissues as the result of exposure to cold; frozen body parts.

Front 718

heat cramps - 18

Back 718

Painful muscle spasms usually associated with vigorous activity in a hot environment.

Front 719

heat exhaustion - 18

Back 719

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.

Front 720

heatstroke - 18

Back 720

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.

Front 721

hyperbaric chamber - 18

Back 721

A chamber, usually a small room, pressurized to more than atmospheric pressure.

Front 722

hyperthermia - 18

Back 722

A condition in which core temperature rises to 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or more.

Front 723

hypothermia - 18

Back 723

A condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) after exposure to a cold environment.

Front 724

laryngospasm - 18

Back 724

Spasm of the larynx and surrounding structures.

Front 725

near drowning - 18

Back 725

Survival, at least temporarily, after suffocation in water.

Front 726

radiation - 18

Back 726

The transfer of heat to colder objects in the environment by radiant energy, for example heat gain from a fire.

Front 727

respiration - 18

Back 727

The loss of body heat as warm air in the lungs is exhaled into the atmosphere and cooler air is inhaled.

Front 728

reverse triage - 18

Back 728

A triage process in which efforts are focused on those who are in respiratory and cardiac arrest, and different from conventional triage where such patients would be classified as deceased. Used in triaging multiple victims of a lightning strike.

Front 729

scuba - 18

Back 729

A system that delivers air to the mouth and lungs at various atmospheric pressures, increasing with the depth of the dive; stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

Front 730

turgor - 18

Back 730

The ability of the skin to resist deformation; tested by gently pinching skin on the forehead or back of the hand.

Front 731

activities of daily living (ADL) - 19

Back 731

The basic activities a person usually accomplishes during a normal day, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.

Front 732

altered mental status - 19

Back 732

A change in the way a person thinks and behaves that may signal disease in the central nervous system or elsewhere in the body.

Front 733

behavior - 19

Back 733

How a person functions or acts in response to his or her environment.

Front 734

behavioral crisis - 19

Back 734

The point at which a person''s reactions to events interfere with activities of daily living; this becomes a psychiatric emergency when it causes a major life interruption, such as attempted suicide.

Front 735

depression - 19

Back 735

A persistent mood of sadness, despair, and discouragement; may be a symptom of many different mental and physical disorders, or it may be a disorder on its own.

Front 736

functional disorder - 19

Back 736

A disorder in which there is no known physiologic reason for the abnormal functioning of an organ or organ system.

Front 737

mental disorder - 19

Back 737

An illness with psychological or behavioral symptoms and/or impairment in functioning caused by a social, psychological, genetic, physical, chemical, or biologic disturbance.

Front 738

organic brain syndrome - 19

Back 738

Temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain, caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic functioning of brain tissue.

Front 739

psychogenic - 19

Back 739

A symptom or illness that is caused by mental factors as opposed to physical ones.

Front 740

reflective listening - 19

Back 740

A technique used to gain insight into a patient''s thinking, involving repeating, in the form of a question, what the patient has said.

Front 741

abortion - 20

Back 741

The delivery of the fetus and placenta before 20 weeks; miscarriage.

Front 742

amniotic sac - 20

Back 742

The fluid-filled, baglike membrane in which the fetus develops.

Front 743

Apgar score - 20

Back 743

A scoring system for assessing the status of a newborn that assigns a number value to each of five areas of assessment.

Front 744

birth canal - 20

Back 744

The vagina and cervix.

Front 745

bloody show - 20

Back 745

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.

Front 746

breech presentation - 20

Back 746

A delivery in which the buttocks come out first.

Front 747

cervix - 20

Back 747

The lower third, or neck, of the uterus.

Front 748

crowning - 20

Back 748

The appearance of the infant''s head at the vaginal opening during labor.

Front 749

eclampsia - 20

Back 749

Seizures (convulsions) resulting from severe hypertension in a pregnant woman.

Front 750

ectopic pregnancy - 20

Back 750

A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.

Front 751

fetal alcohol syndrome - 20

Back 751

A condition of infants who are born to alcoholic mothers; characterized by physical and mental retardation and a variety of congenital abnormalities.

Front 752

fetus - 20

Back 752

The developing, unborn infant inside the uterus.

Front 753

gestational diabetes - 20

Back 753

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before pregnancy.

Front 754

limb presentation - 20

Back 754

A delivery in which the presenting part is a single arm, leg, or foot.

Front 755

meconium - 20

Back 755

A dark green material in the amniotic fluid that can indicate disease in the newborn; the meconium can be aspirated into the infant''s lungs during delivery; the baby''s first bowel movement.

Front 756

miscarriage - 20

Back 756

The delivery of the fetus and placenta before 20 weeks; spontaneous abortion.

Front 757

multigravida - 20

Back 757

A woman who has had previous pregnancies.

Front 758

multipara - 20

Back 758

A woman who has had more than one live birth.

Front 759

nuchal cord - 20

Back 759

An umbilical cord that is wrapped around the infant''s neck.

Front 760

pelvic inflammatory disease - 20

Back 760

An infection of the fallopian tubes and the surounding tissues of the pelvis.

Front 761

perineum - 20

Back 761

The area of skin between the vagina and the anus.

Front 762

placenta - 20

Back 762

The tissue attached to the uterine wall that nourishes the fetus through the umbilical cord.

Front 763

placenta abruptio - 20

Back 763

A premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus.

Front 764

placenta previa - 20

Back 764

A condition in which the placenta develops over and covers the cervix.

Front 765

preeclampsia - 20

Back 765

A condition of late pregnancy that involves headache, visual changes, and swelling of the hands and feet; also called pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Front 766

pregnancy-induced hypertension - 20

Back 766

A condition of late pregnancy that involves headache, visual changes, and swelling of the hands and feet; also called preeclampsia.

Front 767

presentation - 20

Back 767

The position in which an infant is born; the part of the infant that appears first.

Front 768

primigravida - 20

Back 768

A woman who is experiencing her first pregnancy.

Front 769

primipara - 20

Back 769

A woman who has had one live birth.

Front 770

prolapse of the umbilical cord - 20

Back 770

A situation in which the umbilical cord comes out of the vagina before the infant.

Front 771

spina bifida - 20

Back 771

A developmental 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

Front 772

supine hypotensive syndrome - 20

Back 772

Low blood pressure resulting from compression of the inferior vena cava by the weight of the pregnant uterus when the mother is supine.

Front 773

umbilical cord - 20

Back 773

The conduit connecting mother to infant via the placenta; contains two arteries and one vein.

Front 774

uterus - 20

Back 774

The muscular organ where the fetus grows, also called the womb; responsible for contractions during labor.

Front 775

vagina - 20

Back 775

A muscular distensible tube that connects the uterus with the vulva (the external female genitalia); also called the birth canal.

Front 776

blunt trauma - 21

Back 776

An impact on the body by objects that cause injury without penetrating soft tissues or internal organs and cavities.

Front 777

cavitation - 21

Back 777

A phenomenon in which speed causes a bullet to generate pressure waves, which cause damage distant from the bullet's path.

Front 778

coup-countercoup brain injury - 21

Back 778

A brain injury that occurs when force is applied to the head and energy transmission through brain tissue causes injury on the opposite side of original impact.

Front 779

deceleration - 21

Back 779

The slowing of an object.

Front 780

index of suspicion (IOS) - 21

Back 780

Awareness that unseen life-threatening injuries may exist when determining the mechanism of injury.

Front 781

kinetic injury - 21

Back 781

The energy of a moving object.

Front 782

mechanism of injury (MOI) - 21

Back 782

The forces or energy transmission applied to the body that cause injury.

Front 783

multisystem trauma patient - 21

Back 783

A patient who experienced trauma that affects more than one body system.

Front 784

penetrating trauma - 21

Back 784

Injury caused by objects, such as knives and bullets, that pierce the surface of the body and damage internal tissues and organs.

Front 785

potential energy - 21

Back 785

The product of mass, gravity, and height, which is converted into kinetic energy and results in injury, such as from a fall.

Front 786

aorta - 22

Back 786

The main artery, which receives blood from the left ventricle and delivers it to all the other arteries that carry blood to the tissues of the body.

Front 787

arterioles - 22

Back 787

The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.

Front 788

artery - 22

Back 788

A blood vessel, consisting of three layers of tissue and smooth muscle that carries blood away from the heart.

Front 789

capillaries - 22

Back 789

The small blood vessels that connect arterioles and venules; various substances pass through capillary walls, into and out of the interstitial fluid, and then on to the cells.

Front 790

coagulation - 22

Back 790

The formation of clots to plug openings in injured blood vessels and stop blood flow.

Front 791

contusion - 22

Back 791

A bruise, or echymosis.

Front 792

ecchymosis - 22

Back 792

Discoloration of the skin associated with a closed wound; bruising.

Front 793

epistaxsis - 22

Back 793

A nosebleed.

Front 794

hematoma - 22

Back 794

A mass of blood in the soft tissues beneath the skin.

Front 795

hemophilia - 22

Back 795

A congenital condition in which the patient lacks one ore more of the bloods's normal clotting factors.

Front 796

hemorrhage - 22

Back 796

Bleeding.

Front 797

hypovolemic shock - 22

Back 797

A condition in which low blood volume, due to massive internal or external bleeding or extensive loss of body water, results in inadequate perfusion.

Front 798

perfusion - 22

Back 798

Circulation of blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the current needs of the cells.

Front 799

pneumatic antishock garment (PASG) - 22

Back 799

An inflatable device that covers the legs and abdomen; used to splint the lower extremities or pelvis or to control bleeding in the lower extremities, pelvis, or abdominal cavity.

Front 800

pressure point - 22

Back 800

A point where a blood vessel lies near a bone; useful when direct pressure and elevation do not control bleeding.

Front 801

shock - 22

Back 801

A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation so that every body part can perform its function; also called hypoperfusion.

Front 802

tourniquet - 22

Back 802

The bleeding control method of last resort that occludes arterial flow; used only when all other methods have failed and the patient's life is in danger.

Front 803

veins - 22

Back 803

The blood vessels that carry blood from the tissues to the heart.

Front 804

anaphylactic shock - 23

Back 804

sever shock caused by an allergic reaction.

Front 805

anaphylaxsis - 23

Back 805

An unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction to foreign protein or other substances.

Front 806

aneurysm - 23

Back 806

A swelling or enlargement of a part of an artery, resulting from weakening of the arterial wall.

Front 807

autonomic nervous system - 23

Back 807

The part of the nervous system that regulate involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and sweating.

Front 808

cardiogenic shock - 23

Back 808

Shock caused by inadequate function of the heart, or pump failure.

Front 809

compensated shock - 23

Back 809

The early stages of shock, in which the body can still compensate for blood loss.

Front 810

cyanosis - 23

Back 810

Bluish color of the skin resulting from poor oxygenation of the circulating blood.

Front 811

decompensated shock - 23

Back 811

The late stage of shock when blood pressure is falling.

Front 812

dehydration - 23

Back 812

Loss of water from the tissues of the body.

Front 813

edema - 23

Back 813

The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid between cells in body tissues, causing swelling of the affected areas.

Front 814

homeostasis - 23

Back 814

A balance of all systems in the body.

Front 815

hypothermia - 23

Back 815

A condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95 degrees F (35 degrees C), usually as a result of prolonged exposure to cool or freezing temperatures.

Front 816

hypovolemic shock - 23

Back 816

Shock caused by fluid or blood loss.

Front 817

irreversible shock - 23

Back 817

The final stage of shock, resulting in death.

Front 818

neurogenic shock - 23

Back 818

Circulatory failure caused by paralysis of the nerves that control the size of the blood vessels, leading to widespread dilation; seen in some spinal column injuries.

Front 819

perfusion - 23

Back 819

Circulation of blood within and organ or tissue om adequate amounts to meet the cells' current needs.

Front 820

psychogenic shock - 23

Back 820

Shock caused by a sudden, temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain that causes fainting (syncope).

Front 821

sensitization - 23

Back 821

Developing a sensitivity to a substance that initially caused no allergic reaction.

Front 822

septic shock - 23

Back 822

Shock caused by severe infection, usually a bacterial infection.

Front 823

shock - 23

Back 823

A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circualtion to enable every body part to perform its function; also called hypoperfusion.

Front 824

sphicters - 23

Back 824

Circular muscles that encircle and, by contracting, constrict a duct, tube, or opening.

Front 825

syncope - 23

Back 825

Fainting.

Front 826

abrasion - 24

Back 826

Loss or damage of the superficial layer of skin as a result of a body part rubbing or scraping across a rough surface.

Front 827

avulsion - 24

Back 827

An injury in which soft tissue either is torn completely loose or is hanging as a flap.

Front 828

burn - 24

Back 828

An injury in which the soft tissue receives more energy than it can absorb without injury from thermal heat, frictional heat, toxic chemicals, electricity, or nuclear radiation.

Front 829

closed injury - 24

Back 829

Injury in which damage occurs beneath the skin or mucous membranes but the surface remains intact.

Front 830

compartment syndrome - 24

Back 830

Swelling in a confined space that produces dangerous pressure; may cut off blood flow or damage sensitive tissue.

Front 831

contamination - 24

Back 831

The presence of infective organisms or foreign bodies such as dirt, gravel, or metal.

Front 832

contusion - 24

Back 832

A bruise without a break in the skin.

Front 833

dermis - 24

Back 833

The inner layer of the skin, containing hair follicles, seat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.

Front 834

ecchymosis - 24

Back 834

Discoloration associated with a closed wound; signifies bleeding.

Front 835

epidermis - 24

Back 835

The outer layer of skin that acts as a watertight protective covering.

Front 836

evisceration - 24

Back 836

The displacement of organs outside the body.

Front 837

full-thickness burn - 24

Back 837

A burn that affects all skin layers and may affect the subcutaneous layers, muscle, bone, and internal organs, leaving the area dry, leathery, and white, dark-brown, or charred; traditionally called a third-degree burn.

Front 838

hematoma - 24

Back 838

Blood collected within the body's tissues or in a body cavity.

Front 839

incision - 24

Back 839

A sharp or smooth cut.

Front 840

laceration - 24

Back 840

A jagged open wound.

Front 841

mucous membrane - 24

Back 841

The lining of body cavities and passages that are in direct contact with the outside environment.

Front 842

occlusive dressing - 24

Back 842

Dressing made of Vaselin gauze, aluminum foil, or plastic that prevents air and liquids from entering or exiting a wound.

Front 843

open injury - 24

Back 843

An injury in which there is a break in the surface of the skin or the mucuos membrane, exposing deeper tissue to potential contamination.

Front 844

partial-thickness burn - 24

Back 844

A burn affecting the epidermis and some portion of the dermis but not he subcutaneous tissue, characterized by blisters and skin that is white to red, moist, and mottled; traditionally called a second-degree burn.

Front 845

penetrating wound - 24

Back 845

An injury resulting from a sharp pointed object.

Front 846

rabid - 24

Back 846

Describes an animal that is infected with rabies.

Front 847

Rule of Nines - 24

Back 847

A system that assigns percentages to sections of the body, allowing calculation of the amount of skin surface involved in the burn area.

Front 848

superficial burn - 24

Back 848

A burn affecting the epidermis, characterized by skin that is red but not blistered or actually burned through; traditionally called a first-degree burn.

Front 849

blowout fracture - 25

Back 849

A fracture of the orbit or of the other bones that support the floor of the orbit.

Front 850

conjunctiva - 25

Back 850

The delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eye.

Front 851

conjunctivitis - 25

Back 851

Inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Front 852

cornea - 25

Back 852

The transparent tissue layer in front of the pupil and the iris of the eye.

Front 853

globe - 25

Back 853

The eyeball.

Front 854

hyphema - 25

Back 854

Bleeding into the anterior chamber of the eye, obscuring the iris.

Front 855

iris - 25

Back 855

The muscle and surrounding tissue behind the cornea that constrict and dilate the pupil, regulating the amount of light that enters the eye; pigment in this tissue gives the eye its color.

Front 856

lacrimal glands - 25

Back 856

The glands that produce fluids to keep the eye moist; also called the tear glands.

Front 857

lens - 25

Back 857

The transparent part of the eye through which images are focused on the retina.

Front 858

optic nerve - 25

Back 858

A cranial nerve that transmits visual information to the brain.

Front 859

orbit - 25

Back 859

The bony eye socket.

Front 860

pupil - 25

Back 860

The circular opening in the middle of the iris that admits light to the back of the eye.

Front 861

retina - 25

Back 861

The light sensitive area of the eye where images are projected; a layer of cells at the back of the eye that changes the light image into electrical impulses, which are carried by the optic nerve to the brain.

Front 862

retinal detachment - 25

Back 862

Separation of the retina from its attachments a the back of the eye.

Front 863

sclera - 25

Back 863

The tough, fibrous, white portion of the eye that protects the more delicate inner structures.

Front 864

Adam's apple - 26

Back 864

The firm prominence in the upper part of the larynx formed by the thyroid cartilage.

Front 865

air embolism - 26

Back 865

The presence of air in the veins, which can lead to cardiac arrest if it enters the heart.

Front 866

avulsed - 26

Back 866

Pulled or torn away.

Front 867

cranium - 26

Back 867

The skull.

Front 868

eustachian tube - 26

Back 868

A branch of the internal auditory canal that connects the middle ear to the oropharynx.

Front 869

external auditory canal - 26

Back 869

the ear canal; leads to the timpanic membrane.

Front 870

toramen magnum - 26

Back 870

The large opening at the base of the skull through which the brain connects to the spinal cord.

Front 871

hematoma - 26

Back 871

The collection of blood on a space, tissue, or organ due to a break in the wall of a blood vessel.

Front 872

mandible - 26

Back 872

The bones of the lower jaw.

Front 873

mastoid process - 26

Back 873

The prominent bony mass at the base of the skull about 1 inch posterior to the external opening of the ear.

Front 874

maxillae - 26

Back 874

The bones that form the upper jaw on either side of the face; they contain the upper teeth and form part of the orbit of the eye, the nasal cavity, and the palate.

Front 875

occiput - 26

Back 875

The most posterior portion of the skull.

Front 876

pinna - 26

Back 876

The external, visible part of the eye.

Front 877

sternocleidomastoid muscles - 26

Back 877

The muscles on either side of the neck that allow movements of the head.

Front 878

subcutaneous emphysema - 26

Back 878

A characteristic crackling sensation felt on palpation of the skin, caused by the presence of air in soft tissues.

Front 879

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) - 26

Back 879

The joint formed where the mandible and cranium meet, just in front of the ear.

Front 880

tragus - 26

Back 880

The small, rounded, fleshy bulge that lies immediately anterior to the ear canal.

Front 881

turbinates - 26

Back 881

Layers of bone within the nasal cavity.

Front 882

tympanic membrane - 26

Back 882

The eardrum, which lies between the external and middle ear.

Front 883

myocardial contusion - 27

Back 883

A bruise of the heart muscle.

Front 884

occlusive dressing - 27

Back 884

A dressing made of Vaseline gauze, aluminum foil, or plastic that prevents air and liquids from entering or exiting a wound.

Front 885

open chest injury - 27

Back 885

An injury to the chest in which the chest wall is penetrated, by a fracture of rib or, more frequently, by an external object such as bullet or knife.

Front 886

paradoxical motion - 27

Back 886

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.

Front 887

pericardial tamponade - 27

Back 887

Compression of the heart due to a buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac.

Front 888

pericardium - 27

Back 888

The fibrous sac that surrounds the heart.

Front 889

pneumothorax - 27

Back 889

An accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity.

Front 890

pulmonary contusion - 27

Back 890

A bruise of the lung.

Front 891

spontaneous pneumothorax - 27

Back 891

A pneumothorax that occurs when a weak area on the lung ruptures in the absence of major injury, allowing air to leak in the pleural space.

Front 892

sucking chest wound - 27

Back 892

An open or penetrating chest wall wound through which air passes during inspiration and expiration, creating a sucking sound.

Front 893

tachypnea - 27

Back 893

rapid respirations.

Front 894

tension pneumothorax - 27

Back 894

An accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity that progressively increases the pressure in the chest with potentially fatal results.

Front 895

adolescents - 31

Back 895

Children between 12 to 18 years of age.

Front 896

apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) - 31

Back 896

An event that causes unresponsiveness, cyanosis, and apnea in an infant, who then resumes breathing with stimulation.

Front 897

child abuse - 31

Back 897

Any improper or excessive action that injures or otherwise harms a child or infant; includes neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Front 898

dehydration - 31

Back 898

Loss of water from the tissues of the body.

Front 899

dependent lividity - 31

Back 899

Pooling of the blood in the lower parts of the body after death.

Front 900

febrile seizure - 31

Back 900

Seizure relating to a fever.

Front 901

gastrostomy tube - 31

Back 901

A feeding tube placed directly through the wall of the abdomen; used in patients who cannot ingest liquids or solids.

Front 902

generalized tonic-clonic seizure - 31

Back 902

A seizure that features rhythmic back-and-forth motion of an extremity and body stiffness.

Front 903

hypoventilation - 31

Back 903

Reduced minute volume, either from reduced rate and/or depth of breathing.

Front 904

infancy - 31

Back 904

The first year of life.

Front 905

meningitis - 31

Back 905

An inflammation of the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord; it is usually caused by a virus or a bacterium.

Front 906

Neisseria meningitidis - 31

Back 906

A form of bacterial meningitis characterized by rapid onset of symptoms, often leading to shock and death.

Front 907

neonatal - 31

Back 907

The first month after birth.

Front 908

occiput - 31

Back 908

The most posterior portion of the skull.

Front 909

pediatrics - 31

Back 909

A specialized medical practice devoted to the care of the young.

Front 910

pneumatic antishock garment (PASG) - 31

Back 910

An inflatable device that covers the legs and abdomen; used to splint the lower extremities or pelvis or to control bleeding in the lower extremities, pelvis, or abdominal cavity.

Front 911

preschool-age - 31

Back 911

Children between 3 to 6 years of age.

Front 912

rigor mortis - 31

Back 912

Stiffening of the body; a definitive sign of death.

Front 913

school-age - 31

Back 913

Children between 6 to 12 years of age.

Front 914

shaken baby syndrome - 31

Back 914

Bleeding within the head and damage to the cervical spine of an infant who has been intentionally and forcibly shaken; a form of child abuse.

Front 915

shunt - 31

Back 915

A tube that diverts excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdomen.

Front 916

sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - 31

Back 916

Death of an infant or young child that remains unexplained after a complete autopsy.

Front 917

toddler - 31

Back 917

The period following infancy until 3 years of age.

Front 918

tracheostomy tube - 31

Back 918

A tube inserted into the trachea in children who cannot breathe on their own; passes through the neck directly into the major airways.

Front 919

anemia - 32

Back 919

A deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Front 920

apnea - 32

Back 920

A period of not breathing.

Front 921

AVPU scale - 32

Back 921

A method of assessing 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.

Front 922

blanching - 32

Back 922

Turning white.

Front 923

bradycardia - 32

Back 923

Slow heart rate, less than 60 beats/min.

Front 924

bradypnea - 32

Back 924

Slow respiratory rate; ominous sign in a child that indicates impending respiratory arrest.

Front 925

capillary refill time (CRT) - 32

Back 925

The amount of time that it takes for blood to return to the capillary bed after applying pressure to the skin or nailbed; indicates the status of end-organ perfusion; reliable in children younger than 6 years.

Front 926

central pulses - 32

Back 926

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.

Front 927

crackles - 32

Back 927

A crackling breath sound caused by the flow of air through liquid in the lungs; a sign of lower airway obstruction.

Front 928

croup - 32

Back 928

Infection of the airway below the level of the vocal cords, usually caused by a virus.

Front 929

cyanosis - 32

Back 929

A bluish-gray skin color that is caused by reduced levels of oxygen in the blood.

Front 930

end-organ perfusion - 32

Back 930

The status of perfusion to the vital organs of the body; determined by assessing capillary refill time (CRT).

Front 931

epiglottitis - 32

Back 931

An infectious disease in which the epiglottis becomes inflamed and enlarged and may cause upper airway obstruction.

Front 932

grunting - 32

Back 932

An "uh" sound heard during exhalation; reflects the child''s attempt to keep the alveoli open; a sign of increased work of breathing.

Front 933

head bobbing - 32

Back 933

The head lifts and tilts back during inspiration, then moves forward during expiration; a sign of increased work of breathing.

Front 934

meconium - 32

Back 934

A dark green material in the amniotic fluid that can cause lung disease in the newborn.

Front 935

nares - 32

Back 935

The external openings of the nostrils. A single nostril opening is called a naris.

Front 936

nasal flaring - 32

Back 936

Flaring out of the nostrils, indicating that there is an airway obstruction.

Front 937

pediatric assessment triangle (PAT) - 32

Back 937

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.

Front 938

pediatric resuscitation tape measure - 32

Back 938

A tape used to estimate an infant or child''s weight on the basis of length; appropriate drug doses and equipment sizes are listed on the tape.

Front 939

retractions - 32

Back 939

Movements in which the skin pulls in around the ribs during inspiration.

Front 940

septum - 32

Back 940

The central divider in the nose.

Front 941

sniffing position - 32

Back 941

An unusually upright position in which the patient''s head and chin are thrust slightly forward

Front 942

stridor - 32

Back 942

A harsh, high-pitched, barking inspiratory sound often heard in acute laryngeal (upper airway) obstruction.

Front 943

tachypnea - 32

Back 943

Rapid respirations.

Front 944

tenting - 32

Back 944

A condition in which the skin does not quickly return to its original shape after being pinched; indicates dehydration.

Front 945

tidal volume - 32

Back 945

The amount of air that is exchanged with each breath.

Front 946

tragus - 32

Back 946

The small, rounded, fleshy bulge that lies immediately anterior to the ear canal.

Front 947

transition phase - 32

Back 947

A time period that allows the infant or child to become familiar with you and your equipment; only appropriate if the child''s condition is stable.

Front 948

tripod position - 32

Back 948

An upright position in which the patient leans forward onto two arms stretched forward and thrusts the head and chin forward.

Front 949

wheezing - 32

Back 949

A high-pitched, whistling breath sound, characteristically heard on expiration in patients with asthma or COPD.

Front 950

work of breathing - 32

Back 950

An indicator of oxygenation and ventilation. Work of breathing reflects the child''s attempt to compensate for hypoxia.

Front 951

xiphoid process - 32

Back 951

The narrow, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum.

Front 952

air ambulances - 35

Back 952

Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters that have been modified for medical care; used to evacuate and transport patients with life-threatening injuries to treatment facilities.

Front 953

ambulance - 35

Back 953

A specialized vehicle for treating and transporting sick and injured patients.

Front 954

blind spots - 35

Back 954

Areas of the road that are blocked from the driver''s sight by their own vehicle or mirrors.

Front 955

cleaning - 35

Back 955

The process of removing dirt, dust, blood, or other visible contaminants from a surface.

Front 956

CPR board - 35

Back 956

A device that provides a firm surface under the patient''s torso.

Front 957

cushion of safety - 35

Back 957

Keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles to any side of you.

Front 958

decontaminate - 35

Back 958

To remove or neutralize radiation, chemical, or other hazardous material from clothing, equipment, vehicles, and personnel.

Front 959

disinfection - 35

Back 959

The killing of pathogenic agents by direct application of chemicals.

Front 960

emergency mode - 35

Back 960

The use of lights and sirens.

Front 961

first-responder vehicle - 35

Back 961

A specialized vehicle used to transport EMS equipment and personnel to the scenes of medical emergencies.

Front 962

high-level disinfection - 35

Back 962

The killing of pathogenic agents by using potent means of disinfection.

Front 963

hydroplaning - 35

Back 963

A condition in which the tires of a vehicle may be lifted off the road surface as water "piles up" under them, making the vehicle feel as though it is floating.

Front 964

jump kit - 35

Back 964

A portable kit containing items that are used in the initial care of the patient.

Front 965

medivac - 35

Back 965

Medical evacuation of a patient by helicopter.

Front 966

spotter - 35

Back 966

A person who assists a driver in backing up an ambulance in order to compensate for blind spots at the back of the vehicle.

Front 967

Star of Life - 35

Back 967

The six-pointed star that identifies vehicles that meet federal specifications as licensed or certified ambulances.

Front 968

sterilization - 35

Back 968

A process, such as heating, that removes microbial contamination.

Front 969

access - 36

Back 969

The ability to gain entry to an enclosed area and reach a patient.

Front 970

command post - 36

Back 970

The location of the incident commander at the scene of an emergency and where command, coordination, control, and communication are centralized.

Front 971

complex access - 36

Back 971

Complicated entry that requires special tools and training and includes breaking windows or using other force.

Front 972

danger zone (hot zone) - 36

Back 972

An area where individuals can be exposed to sharp metal edges, broken glass, toxic substances, lethal rays, or ignition or explosion of hazardous materials.

Front 973

disentanglement - 36

Back 973

The removal of a motor vehicle from around the patient.

Front 974

entrapment - 36

Back 974

To be caught (trapped) within a vehicle, room, or container with no way out or to have a limb or other body part trapped.

Front 975

extrication - 36

Back 975

Removal of a patient from entrapment or a dangerous situation or position, such as removal from a wrecked vehicle, industrial accident, or building collapse.

Front 976

hazardous material - 36

Back 976

Any substance that is toxic, poisonous, radioactive, flammable, or explosive and causes injury or death with exposure.

Front 977

incident commander - 36

Back 977

The individual who has overall command of the scene in the field.

Front 978

self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) - 36

Back 978

Respirator with independent air supply used by firefighters to enter toxic and otherwise dangerous atmospheres.

Front 979

simple access - 36

Back 979

Access that is easily achieved without the use of tools or force.

Front 980

special weapons and tactics team (SWAT) - 36

Back 980

A specialized law enforcement tactical unit.

Front 981

structure fire - 36

Back 981

A fire in a house, apartment building, office, school, plant, warehouse, or other building.

Front 982

tactical situation - 36

Back 982

A hostage, robbery, or other situation in which armed conflict is threatened or shots have been fired and the threat of violence remains.

Front 983

technical rescue group - 36

Back 983

A team of individuals from one or more departments in a region who are trained and on call for certain types of technical rescue.

Front 984

technical rescue situation - 36

Back 984

A rescue that requires special technical skills and equipment in one of many specialized rescue areas, such as technical rope rescue, cave rescue, and dive rescue.

Front 985

casualty collection area - 37

Back 985

An area set up by physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff near a major disaster scene where patients can receive further triage and medical care.

Front 986

Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC) - 37

Back 986

An agency that assists emergency personnel in identifying and handling hazardous materials transport incidents.

Front 987

command post - 37

Back 987

The location of the incident commander at the scene of an emergency and where command, coordination, control, and communication are centralized.

Front 988

danger zone - 37

Back 988

An area where individuals can be exposed to toxic substances, lethal rays, or ignition or explosion of hazardous materials.

Front 989

decontamination - 37

Back 989

The process of removing or neutralizing and properly disposing of hazardous materials from equipment, patients, and rescue personnel.

Front 990

decontamination area - 37

Back 990

The designated area in a hazardous materials incident where all patients and rescuers must be decontaminated before going to another area.

Front 991

disaster - 37

Back 991

A widespread event that disrupts community resources and functions, in turn threatening public safety, citizens'' lives, and property.

Front 992

hazardous materials - 37

Back 992

Any substances that are toxic, poisonous, radioactive, flammable, or explosive and cause injury or death with exposure.

Front 993

hazardous materials incident - 37

Back 993

An incident in which a hazardous material is no longer properly contained and isolated.

Front 994

incident command system - 37

Back 994

An organizational system to help control, direct, and coordinate emergency responders and resources; also known as an incident management system (IMS).

Front 995

incident commander - 37

Back 995

The individual who has overall command of the scene in the field.

Front 996

mass-casualty incident - 37

Back 996

An emergency situation involving three or more patients or that can place great demand on the equipment or personnel of the EMS system or has the potential to produce multiple casualties.

Front 997

mutual aid response - 37

Back 997

An agreement between neighboring EMS systems to respond to mass-casualty incidents or disasters in each other''s region when local resources are insufficient to handle the response.

Front 998

personal protective equipment (PPE) levels - 37

Back 998

Measures of the amount and type of protective equipment that an individual needs to avoid injury during contact with a hazardous material.

Front 999

rehabilitation area - 37

Back 999

The area that provides protection and treatment to fire fighters and other personnel working at an emergency. Here, workers are medically monitored and receive any needed care as they enter and leave the scene.

Front 1000

sector commander - 37

Back 1000

The individual delegated to oversee and coordinate activity in an incident command sector; works under the incident commander.

Front 1001

toxicity levels - 37

Back 1001

Measures of the risk that a hazardous material poses to the health of an individual who comes into contact with it.

Front 1002

transportation area - 37

Back 1002

The area in a mass-casualty incident where ambulances and crews are organized to transport patients from the treatment area to receiving hospitals.

Front 1003

transportation officer - 37

Back 1003

The individual in charge of the transportation sector in a mass-casualty incident who assigns patients from the treatment area to awaiting ambulances in the transportation area.

Front 1004

treatment area - 37

Back 1004

Location in a mass-casualty incident where patients are brought after being triaged and assigned a priority, where they are reassessed, treated, and monitored until transport to the hospital.

Front 1005

treatment officer - 37

Back 1005

The individual, usually a physician, who is in charge of and directs EMS personnel at the treatment area in a mass-casualty incident.

Front 1006

triage - 37

Back 1006

The process of establishing treatment and transportation priorities according to severity of injury and medical need.

Front 1007

triage area - 37

Back 1007

Designated area in a mass-casualty incident where the triage officer is located and patients are initially triaged before being taken to the treatment center.

Front 1008

triage officer - 37

Back 1008

The individual in charge of the incident command triage sector who directs the sorting of patients into triage categories in a mass-casualty incident.

Front 1009

alpha - 38

Back 1009

Type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiological source; it is the least harmful penetrating type of radiation and cannot travel fast or through most objects.

Front 1010

anthrax - 38

Back 1010

A deadly bacteria (Bacillus anthracis) that lays dormant in a spore (protective shell); the germ is released from the spore when exposed to the optimal temperature and moisture. The route of entry is inhalation, cutaneous, or gastrointestinal (from consuming food that contains spores).

Front 1011

bacteria - 38

Back 1011

Microorganisms that reproduce by binary fission. These single-cell creatures reproduce rapidly. Some can form spores (encysted variants) when environmental conditions are harsh.

Front 1012

beta - 38

Back 1012

Type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiological source; is slightly more penetrating than alpha, and requires a layer of clothing stop it.

Front 1013

botulinum - 38

Back 1013

Produced by bacteria, this is a very potent neurotoxin. When introduced into the body, this neurotoxin affects the nervous system''s ability to function and causes botulism.

Front 1014

buboes - 38

Back 1014

Enlarged lymph nodes (up to the size of tennis balls) that were characteristic of people infected with the bubonic plague.

Front 1015

bubonic plague - 38

Back 1015

An epidemic that spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, causing over 25 million deaths, also called the Black Death, transmitted by infected fleas and characterized by acute malaise, fever, and the formation of tender, enlarged, inflamed lymph nodes that appear as lesions, called buboes.

Front 1016

chlorine (CL) - 38

Back 1016

The first chemical agent ever used in warfare. It has a distinct odor of bleach, and creates a green haze when released as a gas. Initially it produces upper airway irritation and a choking sensation.

Front 1017

communicability - 38

Back 1017

Describes how easily a disease spreads from one human to another human.

Front 1018

contact hazard - 38

Back 1018

A hazardous agent that gives off very little or no vapors; the skin is the primary route for this type of chemical to enter the body; also called a skin hazard.

Front 1019

contagious - 38

Back 1019

A person infected with a disease that is highly communicable.

Front 1020

covert - 38

Back 1020

Act in which the public safety community generally has no prior knowledge of the time, location, or nature of the attack.

Front 1021

cross-contamination - 38

Back 1021

Occurs when a person is contaminated by an agent as a result of coming into contact with another contaminated person.

Front 1022

cyanide - 38

Back 1022

Agent that affects the body''s ability to use oxygen. It is a colorless gas that has an odor similar to almonds. The effects begin on the cellular level and are very rapidly seen at the organ system level.

Front 1023

decay - 38

Back 1023

A natural process in which a material that is unstable attempts to stabilize itself by changing its structure.

Front 1024

dirty bomb - 38

Back 1024

Name given to a bomb that is used as a radiological dispersal device (RDD).

Front 1025

disease vector - 38

Back 1025

An animal that spreads a disease, once infected, to another animal.

Front 1026

dissemination - 38

Back 1026

The means with which a terrorist will spread a disease, for example, by poisoning of the water supply, or aerosolizing the agent into the air or ventilation system of a building.

Front 1027

domestic terrorism - 38

Back 1027

Terrorism carried out by native citizens of the country being attacked.

Front 1028

G agents - 38

Back 1028

Early nerve agents which were developed by German scientists in the period after WWI and into WWII. There are three such agents: sarin, soman, and tabun.

Front 1029

gamma (X-rays) - 38

Back 1029

Type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiological source that is far faster and stronger than alpha and beta rays. These rays easily penetrate through the human body and require either several inches of lead or concrete to prevent penetration.

Front 1030

incubation - 38

Back 1030

Describes the period of time from a person being exposed to a disease to the time when symptoms begin.

Front 1031

international terrorism - 38

Back 1031

Terrorism that is carried out by those not of the host''s country; also known as cross-border terrorism.

Front 1032

ionizing radiation - 38

Back 1032

Energy that is emitted in the form of rays, or particles.

Front 1033

LD50 - 38

Back 1033

The amount of an agent or substance that will kill 50% of people who are exposed to this level.

Front 1034

Lewisite (L) - 38

Back 1034

A blistering agent that has a rapid onset of symptoms and produces immediate intense pain and discomfort on contact.

Front 1035

lymph nodes - 38

Back 1035

Area of the lymphatic system where infection-fighting cells are housed.

Front 1036

lymphatic system - 38

Back 1036

A passive circulatory system that transports a plasma-like liquid called lymph, a thin fluid that bathes the tissues of the body.

Front 1037

MARK 1 - 38

Back 1037

A nerve agent antidote kit containing two auto-injector medications, atropine and 2-PAM chloride (pralidoxime chloride); also known as a Nerve Agent Antidote Kit (NAAK).

Front 1038

miosis - 38

Back 1038

Bilateral pinpoint constricted pupils.

Front 1039

mutagen - 38

Back 1039

Substance that mutates, damages, and changes the structures of DNA in the body''s cells.

Front 1040

NAAK - 38

Back 1040

A nerve agent antidote kit containing two autoinjector medications, atropine and 2-PAM chloride (pralidoxime chloride); also known as a MARK 1 kit.

Front 1041

nerve agents - 38

Back 1041

A class of chemical called organophosphates; they function by blocking an essential enzyme in the nervous system, which causes the body''s organs to become overstimulated and burn out.

Front 1042

neurotoxins - 38

Back 1042

Biological agents that are the most deadly substances known to humans; they include botulinum toxin and ricin.

Front 1043

neutron radiation - 38

Back 1043

Type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiological source; neutron energy is the fastest moving and most powerful form of radiation. Neutrons easily penetrate through lead, and require several feet of concrete to stop them.

Front 1044

off-gassing - 38

Back 1044

The emitting of an agent after exposure, for example from a person''s clothes that have been exposed to the agent.

Front 1045

persistency - 38

Back 1045

Term used to describe how long a chemical agent will stay on a surface before it evaporates.

Front 1046

phosgene - 38

Back 1046

A pulmonary agent that is a product of combustion, such as might be produced in a fire at a textile factory or house, or from metalwork or burning Freon. Phosgene is a very potent agent that has a delayed onset of symptoms, usually hours.

Front 1047

phosgene oxime (CX) - 38

Back 1047

A blistering agent that has a rapid onset of symptoms and produces immediate intense pain and discomfort on contact.

Front 1048

pneumonic plague - 38

Back 1048

A lung infection, also known as plague pneumonia, that is the result of inhalation of plague bacteria.

Front 1049

points of distribution (PODs) - 38

Back 1049

Strategically placed facilities that have been pre-established for the mass distribution of antibiotics, antidotes, vaccinations, with other medications and supplies.

Front 1050

radioactive material - 38

Back 1050

Any material that emits radiation.

Front 1051

radiological dispersal device (RDD) - 38

Back 1051

Any container that is designed to disperse radioactive material.

Front 1052

ricin - 38

Back 1052

Neurotoxin derived from mash that is left from the castor bean; causes pulmonary edema and respiratory and circulatory failure, leading to death.

Front 1053

route of exposure - 38

Back 1053

Manner by which a toxic substance enters the body.

Front 1054

sarin (GB) - 38

Back 1054

A nerve agent that is one of the G agents; a highly volatile colorless and odorless liquid that turns from liquid to gas within seconds to minutes at room temperature.

Front 1055

secondary device - 38

Back 1055

Additional explosives used by terrorists, which are set to explode after the initial bomb.

Front 1056

smallpox - 38

Back 1056

A highly contagious disease; it is most contagious when blisters begin to form.

Front 1057

soman (GD) - 38

Back 1057

A nerve agent that is one of the G agents; twice as persistent as sarin and five times as lethal; it has a fruity odor, as a result of the type of alcohol used in the agent, and is both a contact and inhalation hazard that can enter the body through skin absorption and through the respiratory tract.

Front 1058

Special Atomic Demolition Munitions (SADM) - 38

Back 1058

Small suitcase-sized nuclear weapons that were designed to destroy individual targets, such as important buildings, bridges, tunnels, or large ships.

Front 1059

state-sponsored terrorism - 38

Back 1059

Terrorism that is funded and/or supported by nations that hold close ties with terrorist groups.

Front 1060

sulfur mustard (H) - 38

Back 1060

A vesicant; it is a brownish-yellowish oily substance that is generally considered very persistent; has the distinct smell of garlic or mustard and, when released, it is quickly absorbed into the skin and/or mucous membranes and begins an irreversible process of damaging the cells.

Front 1061

syndromic surveillance - 38

Back 1061

The monitoring, usually by local or state health departments, of patients presenting to emergency departments and alternative care facilities, the recording of EMS call volume, and the use of over-the-counter medications.

Front 1062

tabun (GA) - 38

Back 1062

A nerve agent that is one of the G agents; is 36 times more persistent than sarin and approximately half as lethal; has a fruity smell and is unique because the components used to manufacture the agent are easy to acquire and the agent is easy to manufacture.

Front 1063

V agent (VX) - 38

Back 1063

One of the G agents; it is a clear, oily agent that has no odor and looks like baby oil; over 100 times more lethal than sarin and is extremely persistent.

Front 1064

vapor hazard - 38

Back 1064

An agent that enters the body through the respiratory tract.

Front 1065

vesicants - 38

Back 1065

Blister agents; the primary route of entry for vesicants is through the skin.

Front 1066

viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) - 38

Back 1066

A group of diseases that include the Ebola, Rift Valley, and Yellow Fever viruses among others. This group of viruses causes the blood in the body to seep out from the tissues and blood vessels

Front 1067

viruses - 38

Back 1067

Germs that require a living host to multiply and survive.

Front 1068

volatility - 38

Back 1068

Term used to describe how long a chemical agent will stay on a surface before it evaporates.

Front 1069

weapon of mass casualty (WMC) - 38

Back 1069

Any agent designed to bring about mass death, casualties, and/or massive damage to property and infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports); also known as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD).

Front 1070

weapon of mass destruction (WMD) - 38

Back 1070

Any agent designed to bring about mass death, casualties, and/or massive damage to property and infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports); also known as a weapon of mass casualty (WMC).

Front 1071

weaponization - 38

Back 1071

The creation of a weapon from a biological agent generally found in nature and that causes disease; the agent is cultivated, synthesized, and/or mutated to maximize the target population''s exposure to the germ.