Emt-B Abbreviations Emts

Front 1

A&O

Back 1

alert and oriented

Hint 1

A&Ox4 - alert to person, place, time, and event(s)

Front 2

¯a

Back 2

before

Front 3

¯c

Back 3

with

Front 4

¯p

Back 4

after

Front 5

¯q

Back 5

every

Front 6

¯s

Back 6

without

Front 7

abd.

Back 7

abdomen

Front 8

AMA

Back 8

against medical advice

Front 9

ant.

Back 9

anterior

Front 10

ASA

Back 10

aspirin

Front 11

b.i.d.

Back 11

twice a day

Front 12

BM

Back 12

bowel movement

Front 13

BP

Back 13

blood pressure

Front 14

BS

Back 14

blood sugar

Front 15

BSA

Back 15

body surface area

Front 16

c/o

Back 16

complains of

Front 17

CC or C/C

Back 17

chief complaint

Front 18

CHF

Back 18

congestive heart failure

Hint 18

Heart failure (HF) often called congestive heart failure (CHF) is generally defined as the inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the needs of the body.[1][2][3] Heart failure can cause a number of symptoms including shortness of breath, leg swelling, and exercise intolerance. The condition is diagnosed with echocardiography and blood tests. Treatment commonly consists of lifestyle measures (such as smoking cessation, light exercise including breathing protocols, decreased salt intake and other dietary changes) and medications. Sometimes it is treated with implanted devices (pacemakers or ventricular assist devices) and occasionally a heart transplant.

Common causes of heart failure include myocardial infarction and other forms of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy.[4] The term "heart failure" is sometimes incorrectly used to describe other cardiac-related illnesses, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cardiac arrest, which can cause heart failure but are not equivalent to heart failure.

Heart failure is a common, costly, disabling, and potentially deadly condition.[4] In developed countries, around 2% of adults suffer from heart failure, but in those over the age of 65, this increases to 6–10%.[4][5]

Front 19

CNS

Back 19

central nervous system

Front 20

CO

Back 20

carbon monoxide

Front 21

CO2

Back 21

carbon dioxide

Front 22

COPD

Back 22

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Hint 22

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD), chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD), is the co-occurrence of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a pair of commonly co-existing diseases of the lungs in which the airways become narrowed.[1] This leads to a limitation of the flow of air to and from the lungs, causing shortness of breath (dyspnea). In clinical practice, COPD is defined by its characteristically low airflow on lung function tests.[2] In contrast to asthma, this limitation is poorly reversible and usually gets progressively worse over time. In England, an estimated 842,100 of 50 million people have a diagnosis of COPD.[3]

COPD is caused by noxious particles or gas, most commonly from tobacco smoking, which triggers an abnormal inflammatory response in the lung.[4]

The diagnosis of COPD requires lung function tests. Important management strategies are smoking cessation, vaccinations, rehabilitation, and drug therapy (often using inhalers). Some patients go on to require long-term oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.[4]

Front 23

CSF

Back 23

cerebrospinal fluid

Front 24

CVA

Back 24

cerebrovascular accident

Hint 24

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is the rapid loss of brain function(s) due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia (lack of blood flow) caused by blockage (thrombosis, arterial embolism), or a hemorrhage (leakage of blood).[1] As a result, the affected area of the brain cannot function, which might result in an inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, inability to understand or formulate speech, or an inability to see one side of the visual field.[2]

A stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurological damage, complications, and death. It is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States and Europe and the second leading cause of death worldwide.[3] Risk factors for stroke include old age, hypertension (high blood pressure), previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking and atrial fibrillation.[2] High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of stroke.[2]

A silent stroke is a stroke that does not have any outward symptoms, and the patients are typically unaware they have suffered a stroke. Despite not causing identifiable symptoms, a silent stroke still causes damage to the brain, and places the patient at increased risk for both transient ischemic attack and major stroke in the future. Conversely, those who have suffered a major stroke are at risk of having silent strokes.[4] In a broad study in 1998, more than 11 million people were estimated to have experienced a stroke in the United States. Approximately 770,000 of these strokes were symptomatic and 11 million were first-ever silent MRI infarcts or hemorrhages. Silent strokes typically cause lesions which are detected via the use of neuroimaging such as MRI. Silent strokes are estimated to occur at five times the rate of symptomatic strokes.[5][6] The risk of silent stroke increases with age, but may also affect younger adults and children, especially those with acute anemia.[5][7]

An ischemic stroke is occasionally treated in a hospital with thrombolysis (also known as a "clot buster"), and some hemorrhagic strokes benefit from neurosurgery. Treatment to recover any lost function is termed stroke rehabilitation, ideally in a stroke unit and involving health professions such as speech and language therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Prevention of recurrence may involve the administration of antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and dipyridamole, control and reduction of hypertension, and the use of statins. Selected patients may benefit from carotid endarterectomy and the use of anticoagulants.[2]

Front 25

D/C

Back 25

discontinue

Front 26

DOA

Back 26

dead on arrival

Front 27

DT's

Back 27

delirium tremors

Front 28

ETOH

Back 28

alcohol

Front 29

fx

Back 29

fracture

Front 30

GI

Back 30

gastrointestinal

Front 31

GSW

Back 31

gun shot wound

Front 32

h or hr.

Back 32

hour

Front 33

H/A

Back 33

headache

Front 34

Hx

Back 34

history

Front 35

ICP

Back 35

intracranial pressure

Front 36

IM

Back 36

intramuscular

Front 37

inf.

Back 37

inferior

Front 38

IV

Back 38

intravenous

Front 39

JVD

Back 39

jugular venous distension

Hint 39

The jugular venous pressure (JVP, sometimes referred to as jugular venous pulse) is the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system. It can be useful in the differentiation of different forms of heart and lung disease. Classically three upward deflections and two downward deflections have been described.
The upward deflections are the "a" (atrial contraction), "c" (ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of tricuspid into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole) and "v" = atrial venous filling.
The downward deflections of the wave are the "x" (the atrium relaxes and the tricuspid valve moves downward) and the "y" descent (filling of ventricle after tricuspid opening).

Front 40

kg

Back 40

kilogram

Front 41

LAC

Back 41

laceration

Front 42

LOC

Back 42

level of consciousness

Front 43

LPM

Back 43

liters per minute

Front 44

LR

Back 44

lactated ringers

Front 45

MI

Back 45

myocardial infarction

Hint 45

Myocardial infarction (MI) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die. This is most commonly due to occlusion (blockage) of a coronary artery following the rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, which is an unstable collection of lipids (cholesterol and fatty acids) and white blood cells (especially macrophages) in the wall of an artery. The resulting ischemia (restriction in blood supply) and ensuing oxygen shortage, if left untreated for a sufficient period of time, can cause damage or death (infarction) of heart muscle tissue (myocardium).

Classical symptoms of acute myocardial infarction include sudden chest pain (typically radiating to the left arm or left side of the neck), shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety (often described as a sense of impending doom).[1] Women may experience fewer typical symptoms than men, most commonly shortness of breath, weakness, a feeling of indigestion, and fatigue.[2] Approximately one-quarter of all myocardial infarctions are "silent", that is without chest pain or other symptoms.

Among the diagnostic tests available to detect heart muscle damage are an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, cardiac MRI and various blood tests. The most often used blood markers are the creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) fraction and the troponin levels. Immediate treatment for suspected acute myocardial infarction includes oxygen, aspirin, and sublingual nitroglycerin.[3]

Most cases of STEMI (ST elevation MI) are treated with thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). NSTEMI (non-ST elevation MI) should be managed with medication, although PCI is often performed during hospital admission. In people who have multiple blockages and who are relatively stable, or in a few emergency cases, bypass surgery may be an option, especially in diabetics.

Ischemic heart disease (which includes myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and heart failure when preceded by myocardial infarction) was the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide in 2004.[4] Important risk factors are previous cardiovascular disease, older age, tobacco smoking, high blood levels of certain lipids (triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein) and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, excessive alcohol consumption, the abuse of certain drugs (such as cocaine and methamphetamine), and chronic high stress levels.[5][6]

Front 46

MOE

Back 46

movement of extremities

Front 47

MVC

Back 47

motor vehicle collision

Front 48

N/V

Back 48

nausea/vomiting

Front 49

NC

Back 49

nasal cannula

Front 50

NKDA

Back 50

no known drug allergies

Front 51

NPO

Back 51

nothing by mouth

Front 52

NS

Back 52

normal saline

Front 53

NTG

Back 53

nitroglycerin

Front 54

O2

Back 54

oxygen

Front 55

OD

Back 55

overdose

Front 56

P.E.

Back 56

pulmonary embolism

Hint 56

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (embolism). Usually this is due to embolism of a thrombus (blood clot) from the deep veins in the legs, a process termed venous thromboembolism. A small proportion is due to the embolization of air, fat, talc in drugs of intravenous drug abusers or amniotic fluid. The obstruction of the blood flow through the lungs and the resultant pressure on the right ventricle of the heart leads to the symptoms and signs of PE. The risk of PE is increased in various situations, such as cancer or prolonged bed rest.[1]

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include difficulty breathing, chest pain on inspiration, and palpitations. Clinical signs include low blood oxygen saturation and cyanosis, rapid breathing, and a rapid heart rate. Severe cases of PE can lead to collapse, abnormally low blood pressure, and sudden death.[1]

Diagnosis is based on these clinical findings in combination with laboratory tests (such as the D-dimer test) and imaging studies, usually CT pulmonary angiography. Treatment is typically with anticoagulant medication, including heparin and warfarin. Severe cases may require thrombolysis with drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or may require surgical intervention via pulmonary thrombectomy.[1]

Front 57

PND

Back 57

paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Hint 57

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea may be caused in part by the depression of the respiratory center during sleep, which may reduce arterial oxygen tension, particularly in patients with interstitial lung disease and reduced pulmonary compliance. Also, in the horizontal position there is redistribution of blood volume from the lower extremities and splanchnic beds to the lungs. In normal individuals this has little effect, but in patients in whom the additional volume cannot be pumped out by the left ventricle because of disease, there is a significant reduction in vital capacity and pulmonary compliance with resultant shortness of breath. Additionally, in patients with congestive heart failure the pulmonary circulation may already be overloaded because the failing left ventricle is suddenly unable to match the output of a more normally functioning right ventricle; causing pulmonary congestion. It is, also, important to note that left-sided heart failure can lead to right-sided heart failure. Pulmonary congestion decreases when the patient assumes a more erect position, and this is accompanied by an improvement in symptoms.

Front 58

p.o.

Back 58

by mouth

Front 59

PRN

Back 59

as needed

Front 60

pt.

Back 60

patient

Front 61

q.i.d.

Back 61

four times a day

Front 62

R/O

Back 62

rule out

Front 63

Rx

Back 63

treatment

Front 64

S/S

Back 64

signs/symptoms

Front 65

SOB

Back 65

shortness of breath

Front 66

SQ

Back 66

subcutaneous

Hint 66

The hypodermis, also called the hypoderm, subcutaneous tissue, or superficial fascia is the lowermost layer of the integumentary system in vertebrates. (Hypoderm and subcutaneous are from Greek and Latin words, respectively, for "beneath the skin."[1])Types of cells that are found in the hypodermis are fibroblasts, adipose cells, and macrophages. It is derived from the mesoderm, but unlike the dermis, it is not derived from the dermatome region of the mesoderm. In arthropods, the hypodermis is an epidermal layer of cells that secretes the chitinous cuticle. The term also refers to a layer of cells lying immediately below the epidermis of plants.

This cell is also used to supervise the outer skin from burns and other such articulates.

The hypodermis is used mainly for fat storage.

A layer of tissue lies immediately below the dermis of vertebrate skin. It is often referred to as subcutaneous tissue though this is a less precise and anatomically inaccurate term. The hypodermis consists primarily of loose connective tissue and lobules of fat. It contains larger blood vessels and nerves than those found in the dermis.

Front 67

stat.

Back 67

immediately

Front 68

t.i.d.

Back 68

three times a day

Front 69

TKO

Back 69

to keep open

Front 70

URI

Back 70

upper respiratory infection

Front 71

V.S.

Back 71

vital signs

Front 72

wt.

Back 72

weight

Front 73

y.o.

Back 73

year old

Front 74

↑

Back 74

increase

Front 75

↓

Back 75

decrease

Front 76

≈

Back 76

approximate

Front 77

≠

Back 77

not equal

Front 78

Δ

Back 78

change

Front 79

<

Back 79

less than

Front 80

>

Back 80

greater than

Front 81

+

Back 81

positive

Front 82

-

Back 82

negative

Front 83

?

Back 83

questionable

Front 84

x2

Back 84

times two

Front 85

♀

Back 85

female

Front 86

♂

Back 86

male

Front 87

IO

Back 87

intraosseous

Hint 87

Intraosseous infusion (IO) is the process of injection directly into the marrow of a bone. This technique is used in emergency situations to provide fluids and medication when an IV line cannot be used.

Front 88

PR

Back 88

per rectum

Front 89

before

Back 89

¯a

Front 90

with

Back 90

¯c

Front 91

after

Back 91

¯p

Front 92

every

Back 92

¯q

Front 93

without

Back 93

¯s

Front 94

alert and oriented

Back 94

A&O

Front 95

abdomen

Back 95

abd.

Front 96

against medical advice

Back 96

AMA

Front 97

anterior

Back 97

ant.

Front 98

aspirin

Back 98

ASA

Front 99

twice a day

Back 99

b.i.d.

Front 100

bowel movement

Back 100

BM

Front 101

blood pressure

Back 101

BP

Front 102

blood sugar

Back 102

BS

Front 103

body surface area

Back 103

BSA

Front 104

complains of

Back 104

c/o

Front 105

chief complaint

Back 105

CC or C/C

Front 106

congestive heart failure

Back 106

CHF

Hint 106

Heart failure (HF) often called congestive heart failure (CHF) is generally defined as the inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the needs of the body.[1][2][3] Heart failure can cause a number of symptoms including shortness of breath, leg swelling, and exercise intolerance. The condition is diagnosed with echocardiography and blood tests. Treatment commonly consists of lifestyle measures (such as smoking cessation, light exercise including breathing protocols, decreased salt intake and other dietary changes) and medications. Sometimes it is treated with implanted devices (pacemakers or ventricular assist devices) and occasionally a heart transplant.

Common causes of heart failure include myocardial infarction and other forms of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy.[4] The term "heart failure" is sometimes incorrectly used to describe other cardiac-related illnesses, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cardiac arrest, which can cause heart failure but are not equivalent to heart failure.

Heart failure is a common, costly, disabling, and potentially deadly condition.[4] In developed countries, around 2% of adults suffer from heart failure, but in those over the age of 65, this increases to 6–10%.[4][5]

Front 107

central nervous system

Back 107

CNS

Front 108

carbon monoxide

Back 108

CO

Front 109

carbon dioxide

Back 109

CO2

Front 110

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Back 110

COPD

Hint 110

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD), chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD), is the co-occurrence of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a pair of commonly co-existing diseases of the lungs in which the airways become narrowed.[1] This leads to a limitation of the flow of air to and from the lungs, causing shortness of breath (dyspnea). In clinical practice, COPD is defined by its characteristically low airflow on lung function tests.[2] In contrast to asthma, this limitation is poorly reversible and usually gets progressively worse over time. In England, an estimated 842,100 of 50 million people have a diagnosis of COPD.[3]

COPD is caused by noxious particles or gas, most commonly from tobacco smoking, which triggers an abnormal inflammatory response in the lung.[4]

The diagnosis of COPD requires lung function tests. Important management strategies are smoking cessation, vaccinations, rehabilitation, and drug therapy (often using inhalers). Some patients go on to require long-term oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.[4]

Front 111

cerebrospinal fluid

Back 111

CSF

Front 112

cerebrovascular accident

Back 112

CVA

Hint 112

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is the rapid loss of brain function(s) due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia (lack of blood flow) caused by blockage (thrombosis, arterial embolism), or a hemorrhage (leakage of blood).[1] As a result, the affected area of the brain cannot function, which might result in an inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, inability to understand or formulate speech, or an inability to see one side of the visual field.[2]

A stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurological damage, complications, and death. It is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States and Europe and the second leading cause of death worldwide.[3] Risk factors for stroke include old age, hypertension (high blood pressure), previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking and atrial fibrillation.[2] High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of stroke.[2]

A silent stroke is a stroke that does not have any outward symptoms, and the patients are typically unaware they have suffered a stroke. Despite not causing identifiable symptoms, a silent stroke still causes damage to the brain, and places the patient at increased risk for both transient ischemic attack and major stroke in the future. Conversely, those who have suffered a major stroke are at risk of having silent strokes.[4] In a broad study in 1998, more than 11 million people were estimated to have experienced a stroke in the United States. Approximately 770,000 of these strokes were symptomatic and 11 million were first-ever silent MRI infarcts or hemorrhages. Silent strokes typically cause lesions which are detected via the use of neuroimaging such as MRI. Silent strokes are estimated to occur at five times the rate of symptomatic strokes.[5][6] The risk of silent stroke increases with age, but may also affect younger adults and children, especially those with acute anemia.[5][7]

An ischemic stroke is occasionally treated in a hospital with thrombolysis (also known as a "clot buster"), and some hemorrhagic strokes benefit from neurosurgery. Treatment to recover any lost function is termed stroke rehabilitation, ideally in a stroke unit and involving health professions such as speech and language therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Prevention of recurrence may involve the administration of antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and dipyridamole, control and reduction of hypertension, and the use of statins. Selected patients may benefit from carotid endarterectomy and the use of anticoagulants.[2]

Front 113

discontinue

Back 113

D/C

Front 114

dead on arrival

Back 114

DOA

Front 115

delirium tremors

Back 115

DT's

Front 116

alcohol

Back 116

ETOH

Front 117

fracture

Back 117

fx

Front 118

gastrointestinal

Back 118

GI

Front 119

gun shot wound

Back 119

GSW

Front 120

hour

Back 120

h or hr.

Front 121

headache

Back 121

H/A

Front 122

history

Back 122

Hx

Front 123

intracranial pressure

Back 123

ICP

Front 124

intramuscular

Back 124

IM

Front 125

inferior

Back 125

inf.

Front 126

intravenous

Back 126

IV

Front 127

jugular venous distension

Back 127

JVD

Hint 127

The jugular venous pressure (JVP, sometimes referred to as jugular venous pulse) is the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system. It can be useful in the differentiation of different forms of heart and lung disease. Classically three upward deflections and two downward deflections have been described.
The upward deflections are the "a" (atrial contraction), "c" (ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of tricuspid into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole) and "v" = atrial venous filling.
The downward deflections of the wave are the "x" (the atrium relaxes and the tricuspid valve moves downward) and the "y" descent (filling of ventricle after tricuspid opening).

Front 128

kilogram

Back 128

kg

Front 129

laceration

Back 129

LAC

Front 130

level of consciousness

Back 130

LOC

Front 131

liters per minute

Back 131

LPM

Front 132

lactated ringers

Back 132

LR

Front 133

myocardial infarction

Back 133

MI

Hint 133

Myocardial infarction (MI) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die. This is most commonly due to occlusion (blockage) of a coronary artery following the rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, which is an unstable collection of lipids (cholesterol and fatty acids) and white blood cells (especially macrophages) in the wall of an artery. The resulting ischemia (restriction in blood supply) and ensuing oxygen shortage, if left untreated for a sufficient period of time, can cause damage or death (infarction) of heart muscle tissue (myocardium).

Classical symptoms of acute myocardial infarction include sudden chest pain (typically radiating to the left arm or left side of the neck), shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety (often described as a sense of impending doom).[1] Women may experience fewer typical symptoms than men, most commonly shortness of breath, weakness, a feeling of indigestion, and fatigue.[2] Approximately one-quarter of all myocardial infarctions are "silent", that is without chest pain or other symptoms.

Among the diagnostic tests available to detect heart muscle damage are an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, cardiac MRI and various blood tests. The most often used blood markers are the creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) fraction and the troponin levels. Immediate treatment for suspected acute myocardial infarction includes oxygen, aspirin, and sublingual nitroglycerin.[3]

Most cases of STEMI (ST elevation MI) are treated with thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). NSTEMI (non-ST elevation MI) should be managed with medication, although PCI is often performed during hospital admission. In people who have multiple blockages and who are relatively stable, or in a few emergency cases, bypass surgery may be an option, especially in diabetics.

Ischemic heart disease (which includes myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and heart failure when preceded by myocardial infarction) was the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide in 2004.[4] Important risk factors are previous cardiovascular disease, older age, tobacco smoking, high blood levels of certain lipids (triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein) and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, excessive alcohol consumption, the abuse of certain drugs (such as cocaine and methamphetamine), and chronic high stress levels.[5][6]

Front 134

movement of extremities

Back 134

MOE

Front 135

motor vehicle collision

Back 135

MVC

Front 136

nausea/vomiting

Back 136

N/V

Front 137

nasal cannula

Back 137

NC

Front 138

no known drug allergies

Back 138

NKDA

Front 139

nothing by mouth

Back 139

NPO

Front 140

normal saline

Back 140

NS

Front 141

nitroglycerin

Back 141

NTG

Front 142

oxygen

Back 142

O2

Front 143

overdose

Back 143

OD

Front 144

pulmonary embolism

Back 144

P.E.

Hint 144

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (embolism). Usually this is due to embolism of a thrombus (blood clot) from the deep veins in the legs, a process termed venous thromboembolism. A small proportion is due to the embolization of air, fat, talc in drugs of intravenous drug abusers or amniotic fluid. The obstruction of the blood flow through the lungs and the resultant pressure on the right ventricle of the heart leads to the symptoms and signs of PE. The risk of PE is increased in various situations, such as cancer or prolonged bed rest.[1]

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include difficulty breathing, chest pain on inspiration, and palpitations. Clinical signs include low blood oxygen saturation and cyanosis, rapid breathing, and a rapid heart rate. Severe cases of PE can lead to collapse, abnormally low blood pressure, and sudden death.[1]

Diagnosis is based on these clinical findings in combination with laboratory tests (such as the D-dimer test) and imaging studies, usually CT pulmonary angiography. Treatment is typically with anticoagulant medication, including heparin and warfarin. Severe cases may require thrombolysis with drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or may require surgical intervention via pulmonary thrombectomy.[1]

Front 145

paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Back 145

PND

Hint 145

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea may be caused in part by the depression of the respiratory center during sleep, which may reduce arterial oxygen tension, particularly in patients with interstitial lung disease and reduced pulmonary compliance. Also, in the horizontal position there is redistribution of blood volume from the lower extremities and splanchnic beds to the lungs. In normal individuals this has little effect, but in patients in whom the additional volume cannot be pumped out by the left ventricle because of disease, there is a significant reduction in vital capacity and pulmonary compliance with resultant shortness of breath. Additionally, in patients with congestive heart failure the pulmonary circulation may already be overloaded because the failing left ventricle is suddenly unable to match the output of a more normally functioning right ventricle; causing pulmonary congestion. It is, also, important to note that left-sided heart failure can lead to right-sided heart failure. Pulmonary congestion decreases when the patient assumes a more erect position, and this is accompanied by an improvement in symptoms.

Front 146

by mouth

Back 146

p.o.

Front 147

as needed

Back 147

PRN

Front 148

patient

Back 148

pt.

Front 149

four times a day

Back 149

q.i.d.

Front 150

rule out

Back 150

R/O

Front 151

treatment

Back 151

Rx

Front 152

signs/symptoms

Back 152

S/S

Front 153

shortness of breath

Back 153

SOB

Front 154

subcutaneous

Back 154

SQ

Hint 154

The hypodermis, also called the hypoderm, subcutaneous tissue, or superficial fascia is the lowermost layer of the integumentary system in vertebrates. (Hypoderm and subcutaneous are from Greek and Latin words, respectively, for "beneath the skin."[1])Types of cells that are found in the hypodermis are fibroblasts, adipose cells, and macrophages. It is derived from the mesoderm, but unlike the dermis, it is not derived from the dermatome region of the mesoderm. In arthropods, the hypodermis is an epidermal layer of cells that secretes the chitinous cuticle. The term also refers to a layer of cells lying immediately below the epidermis of plants.

This cell is also used to supervise the outer skin from burns and other such articulates.

The hypodermis is used mainly for fat storage.

A layer of tissue lies immediately below the dermis of vertebrate skin. It is often referred to as subcutaneous tissue though this is a less precise and anatomically inaccurate term. The hypodermis consists primarily of loose connective tissue and lobules of fat. It contains larger blood vessels and nerves than those found in the dermis.

Front 155

immediately

Back 155

stat.

Front 156

three times a day

Back 156

t.i.d.

Front 157

to keep open

Back 157

TKO

Front 158

upper respiratory infection

Back 158

URI

Front 159

vital signs

Back 159

V.S.

Front 160

weight

Back 160

wt.

Front 161

year old

Back 161

y.o.

Front 162

increase

Back 162

↑

Front 163

decrease

Back 163

↓

Front 164

approximate

Back 164

≈

Front 165

not equal

Back 165

≠

Front 166

change

Back 166

Δ

Front 167

less than

Back 167

<

Front 168

greater than

Back 168

>

Front 169

positive

Back 169

+

Front 170

negative

Back 170

-

Front 171

questionable

Back 171

?

Front 172

times two

Back 172

x2

Front 173

female

Back 173

♀

Front 174

male

Back 174

♂