Emt-B Vocabulary

Front 1

Term

Back 1

Definition

Front 2

EMS System

Back 2

Emergency Medical Services system.

Front 3

EMT-Basic

Back 3

emergency medical technician trained to the basic level.

Front 4

EMT-Intermediate

Back 4

emergency medical technician trained to the intermediate level.

Front 5

First Responder

Back 5

a person typically trained to the first-responder level who is likely to be the first person on the scene with emergency care training.

Front 6

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

Back 6

under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2005 National EMS scope of practice model, designation of the level of EMS practitioner that will replace the existing EMT-Intermediate level with the addition of the use of advanced airway devices, monitoring of blood glucose levels, initiation of intravenous and intraosseous infusions, and administration of a select number of medications.

Front 7

Emergency Medical Responder

Back 7

under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2005 National EMS Scope of Practice Model, designation of the level of EMS practitioner that will replace the existing first-responder level.

Front 8

Emergency Medical Technician

Back 8

under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2005 National EMS Scope of Practice Model, designation of the level of EMS practitioner that will replace the existing EMT-Basic level with the addition of advanced oxygen therapy and ventilation equipment, pulse oximetry, use of automatic blood pressure monitoring equipment, and limited medical administration.

Front 9

EMT-Paramedic

Back 9

emergency medical technician trained to the paramedic level.

Front 10

Paramedic

Back 10

under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2005 National EMS Scope of Practice Model, designation of the level of EMS practitioner that will replace the existing EMT Paramedic level to provide the highest level of prehospital care, including advanced assessments, formation of a field impression, and invasive and drug interventions.

Front 11

prehospital care

Back 11

emergency medical treatment given to patients before they are transported to a hospital or other facility. Also called out-of-hospital care.

Front 12

Americans with Disabilities Act

Back 12

a federal law passed in 1990 that protect individuals with a documented disability from being denied initial or continued employment based on their disability.

Front 13

medical direction

Back 13

medical policies, procedures, and practices that are available to EMS providers either off-line or on-line.

Front 14

medical director

Back 14

physician who is legally responsible for the clinical and patient care aspects of an EMS system.

Front 15

medical oversight

Back 15

the medical director's broad responsibilities, including all clinical and administrative functions and activities necessary to exercise ultimate responsibility for the emergency care provided by individual personnel and the entire emergency medical services (EMS) system.

Front 16

off-line medical direction

Back 16

medical policies, procedures, and practices that medical direction has established in written guidelines.

Front 17

on-line medical direction

Back 17

direct orders from a physician to a prehospital care provider given by radio or telephone.

Front 18

protocols

Back 18

the policies and procedures for all components of an EMS system. Also called orders or standing orders.

Front 19

standing orders

Back 19

preauthorized treatment procedures; a type of treatment protocol. See also off-line medical direction, protocols.

Front 20

quality improvement

Back 20

a system of internal and external reviews and audits of an EMS system to ensure a high quality of care. Also known as continuous quality improvement (CQI).

Front 21

burnout

Back 21

a condition resulting from chronic job stress, characterized by a state of irritability and fatigue that can markedly decrease effectiveness

Front 22

critical incident

Back 22

any situation that causes unusually strong emotions that interfere with the ability to function

Front 23

critical incident stress debriefing

Back 23

a session usually held within 24 to 72 hours of a critical incident, where a team of peer counselors and mental health professionals help emergency service personnel work through the emotions that normally follow a critical incident.

Front 24

defusing

Back 24

a session held prior to a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) for emergency service personnel most directly involved to provide an opportunity to vent emotions and get information before the CISD>

Front 25

pathogens

Back 25

microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that cause disease

Front 26

body substance isolation

Back 26

see standard precautions

Front 27

personal protective equipment

Back 27

equipment worn to protect against injury and spreading infectious disease

Front 28

standard precautions

Back 28

a method of preventing infection y disease organisms based on the premise that all blood and body fluids are infections. Formerly called body substance isolation.

Front 29

cleaning

Back 29

the process of washing a soiled object with soap and water

Front 30

disinfecting

Back 30

in addition to cleaning, this process involves using a disinfectant such as alcohol or bleach to kill many of the microorganisms that may be present on the surface of an object

Front 31

purified protein derivative tuberculin test

Back 31

a test to determine the presence of a tuberculosis infection based on a person's positive reaction to tuberculin, a substance prepared from the tubercle bacillus.

Front 32

sterilization

Back 32

the process by which an object is subject to certain chemical or physical substances *typically, superheated steam in an autoclave) that kill all microorganisms on the surface of an object.

Front 33

duty to act

Back 33

the obligation to care for a patient who requires it.

Front 34

scope of practice

Back 34

the actions and care that are legally allowed to be provided by an EMT.

Front 35

standard of care

Back 35

emergency care that would be expected to be given to a patient by any trained EMT under similar circumstanced.

Front 36

good Samaritan law

Back 36

a law that provides immunity from liability for acts performed in good faith to assist at the scene of a medical emergency unless those acts constitute gross negligence.

Front 37

advance directive

Back 37

instructions, written in advance, such as a living will or do not resuscitate (DNR) order.

Front 38

do not resuscitate order

Back 38

a legal document, usually signed by the patient and his physician, that indicates to medical personnel which, if any, life-sustaining measures should be taken when the patient's heart and respiratory functions have ceased.

Front 39

expressed consent

Back 39

permission that must be obtained from every conscious, mentally competent adult before emergency treatment may be provided.

Front 40

implied consent

Back 40

the assumption that, in a true emergency where a patient who is unresponsive or unable to make a rational decision is at significant risk of death, disability, or deterioration of condition, that patient would agree to emergency treatment.

Front 41

informed consent

Back 41

consent for treatment that is given by a competent patient based on full disclosure of possible risks and consequences.

Front 42

minor consent

Back 42

permission obtained from a parent or legal guardian for emergency treatment of a minor or a mentally incompetent adult.

Front 43

intentional tort

Back 43

a wrongful act, injury, or damage that is committed knowingly.

Front 44

negligence

Back 44

the act of deviating form an accepted standard of care through carelessness, inattention, disregard, inadvertence, or oversight, which results in further injury to the patient. Simple negligence is a failure to perform care or commission of an error in care. Gross negligence is willful, wanton, or extremely reckless patient care that goes far beyond simple negligence or carelessness and that can be construed as being dangerous to the patient.

Front 45

proximate cause

Back 45

the act of deviating from an accepted standard of care through carelessness, inattention, disregard, inadvertence, or oversight, which results in further injury to the patient.

Front 46

tort

Back 46

a wrongful act, injury, or damage. See also intentional tort.

Front 47

abandonment

Back 47

the act of discontinuing emergency care without ensuring that another health care professional with equivalent or better training will take over.

Front 48

assault

Back 48

a willful threat to inflict harm on a person.

Front 49

battery

Back 49

the act of touching a person unlawfully without his consent.

Front 50

defamation

Back 50

an intentional false communication that injures another person's reputation or good name.

Front 51

false imprisonment

Back 51

the intentional and unjustifiable detention of a person without his consent or other legal authority.

Front 52

libel

Back 52

the act of injuring a person's reputation or good name in writing or through the mass media with malicious intent or reckless disregard for the falsity of those statements.

Front 53

slander

Back 53

the act of injuring a person's reputation or good name through spoken statements with malicious intent or reckless disregard for the falsity of those statements.

Front 54

consolidated omnibus budget reconciliation act

Back 54

a federal regulation that ensures the public's access to emergency health care regardless of ability to pay.

Front 55

emergency medical treatment and active labor act

Back 55

a federal regulation that ensures the public's access to emergency health care regardless of ability to pay. Also known as the "anti-patient dumping statute" forbidding turning a patient away at the door or sending him to a public hospital because of in ability to pay.

Front 56

health insurance portability and accountability act

Back 56

a federal law enacted in 1996 that protects the privacy of patient health care information and gives the patient control over how the information is distributed and used.

Front 57

anatomical position

Back 57

a position in which the patient is standing erect, facing forward, with arms down at the sides and palms forward

Front 58

anatomy

Back 58

the study of the structure of the body and the relationship of its parts to each other

Front 59

lateral recumbent

Back 59

a position in which the patient is lying on the left or right side. also called recovery position

Front 60

physiology

Back 60

the study of the function of the living body and its parts.

Front 61

prone

Back 61

lying face down.

Front 62

supine

Back 62

lying face up.

Front 63

Fowler's position

Back 63

a position in which the patient is lying on the back with upper body elevated at a 45 degree to 60 degree angle. semi-Fowler's position is when the upper body is at an angle less than 45 degrees.

Front 64

Trendelenburg position

Back 64

lying on the back with the lower part of the body elevated higher than the head on an inclined plane.

Front 65

anatomical planes

Back 65

imaginary divisions of the body

Front 66

anterior plane

Back 66

the front, or abdominal side of the body.

Front 67

frontal plane

Back 67

a vertical plane drawn side to side through the body from the midaxillary line on one side to the midaxillary line on the opposite side, which divides the body into anterior and posterior planes.

Front 68

left plane

Back 68

everything to the left of the midline

Front 69

midaxillary line

Back 69

an imaginary line that divides the body into anterior and posterior planes; the imaginary line form the middle of the armpit to the ankle

Front 70

midaxillary line

Back 70

an imaginary line that divides the body into anterior and posterior planes; the imaginary line from the middle of the armpit to the ankle.

Front 71

midline

Back 71

an imaginary line drawn vertically through the middle of the patient's body, dividing it into right and left planes.

Front 72

posterior plane

Back 72

the back or dorsal side of the body.

Front 73

right plane

Back 73

everything to the right of the midline.

Front 74

sagittal plane

Back 74

a vertical plane drawn front to back through the body at the midline, dividing the body into right and left planes.

Front 75

shock position

Back 75

elevation of the legs of a supine patient approximately 12 inches; an alternative to the Trendelenburg position.

Front 76

anterior

Back 76

toward the front. Opposite of posterior.

Front 77

bilateral

Back 77

on both sides

Front 78

distal

Back 78

distant, or far from the point of reference. Opposite of proximal.

Front 79

dorsal

Back 79

toward the back or spine. Opposite of ventral

Front 80

inferior plane

Back 80

everything below the transverse line (below the waist). Opposite to superior plane.

Front 81

interior

Back 81

beneath, lower, or toward the feet. opposite to superior.

Front 82

lateral

Back 82

refers to the left or right of the midline, or away from the midline, or to the side of the body. See also medial

Front 83

left

Back 83

refers to the patient's left

Front 84

medial

Back 84

toward the midline or center of the body. see also lateral.

Front 85

midaxillary

Back 85

refers to the center of the armpit (axilla)

Front 86

midaxillary

Back 86

refers to the center of the collarbone (clavicle).

Front 87

midclavicular

Back 87

refers to the center of the collarbone (clavicle).

Front 88

midclavicular line

Back 88

the imaginary line from the center of either clavicle down the anterior thorax.

Front 89

palmar

Back 89

relates to the palm of the hand.

Front 90

plantar

Back 90

refers to the sole of the foot.

Front 91

posterior

Back 91

toward the back. opposite of anterior.

Front 92

proximal

Back 92

near the point of reference. Opposite of distal.

Front 93

right

Back 93

refers to the patient's right

Front 94

superior

Back 94

above; toward the head. Opposite to inferior.

Front 95

superior plane

Back 95

everything above the transverse line (above the waist). Opposite to inferior plane.

Front 96

transverse line

Back 96

an imaginary line drawn horizontally through the waist.

Front 97

transverse plane

Back 97

an imaginary line drawn horizontally through the waist, front to back, which divides the body into superior and inferior planes.

Front 98

ventral

Back 98

toward the front, or toward the anterior portion of the body. Opposite of dorsal.

Front 99

abdominal quadrants

Back 99

the four parts of the abdomen as divided by imaginary horizontal and vertical lines through the umbilicus

Front 100

cranium

Back 100

the bones that form the top, back, and sides of the skull plus the forehead.

Front 101

musculoskeletal system

Back 101

the system of bones and muscle plus connective tissue that provides support and protection to the body and permits motion

Front 102

skull

Back 102

the bony structure at the top of the spinal column that houses and protects the brain. The skull has two parts, the cranium and the face.

Front 103

cervical spine

Back 103

the first seven vertebrae, or the neck

Front 104

coccyx

Back 104

the last four vertebrae, or tailbone.

Front 105

face

Back 105

the area of the skull between toe brow and the chin

Front 106

lumbar spine

Back 106

the five vertebrae that form the lower back, located between the sacral and the thoracic spine.

Front 107

mandible

Back 107

the lower jaw.

Front 108

maxillae

Back 108

the fused bones of the upper jaw.

Front 109

nasal bones

Back 109

the bones that form the bed of the nose.

Front 110

orbits

Back 110

the eye sockets

Front 111

sacral spine

Back 111

five vertebrae that are fused together to form the rigid part of the posterior side of the pelvis. Also called the sacrum.

Front 112

spinal column

Back 112

the column of vertebrae that encloses the spinal cord.

Front 113

sternum

Back 113

the breastbone.

Front 114

thoracic spine

Back 114

the upper back, or the 12 thoracic vertebrae directly inferior to the cervical spine.

Front 115

thorax

Back 115

the chest, or that part of the body between the base of the neck and the diaphragm.

Front 116

vertebrae

Back 116

the 33 bony segments of the spinal column. pl of vertebra.

Front 117

zygomatic bones

Back 117

the cheek bones.

Front 118

acetabulum

Back 118

the rounded cavity or socket on the external surface of the pelvis that receives the head of the femur

Front 119

calcaneus

Back 119

the heel bone

Front 120

clavicle

Back 120

the collarbone, attached to the superior portion of the sternum.

Front 121

extremities

Back 121

the limbs of the body. the lower extremities include the hips, thighs, legs, ankles, and feet. the upper extremities include the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand.

Front 122

femur

Back 122

the thigh bone

Front 123

fibula

Back 123

the lateral, smaller long bone of the lower leg

Front 124

iliac crest

Back 124

the upper margin of the bones of the pelvis.

Front 125

ischium

Back 125

the posterior and inferior portion of the pelvis

Front 126

malleolus

Back 126

the knobby surface landmark of the ankle. There is a medial malleolus and a lateral malleolus.

Front 127

manubrium

Back 127

the superior portion of the sternum where the clavicle is attached.

Front 128

patella

Back 128

the kneecap

Front 129

pelvis

Back 129

the bones that form the floor of the abdominal cavity: the sacrum and coccyx of the spine, the iliac crests, the pubis, and the ischium.

Front 130

pubis

Back 130

bone of the groin.

Front 131

tarsals

Back 131

the bones of the ankle, hind foot, and midfoot.

Front 132

tibia

Back 132

the medial, larger bone of the lower leg; the shinbone.

Front 133

xiphoid process

Back 133

inferior portion of the sternum.

Front 134

acromiun

Back 134

the lateral triangular projection of the scapula that forms the point of the shoulder

Front 135

carpals

Back 135

the eight bones that form the wrist.

Front 136

humerus

Back 136

the largest bone in the upper extremity, located in the proximal portion of the upper arm

Front 137

joint

Back 137

a place where one bone meets another

Front 138

metacarpals

Back 138

the bones of the hand

Front 139

metatarsals

Back 139

the bones that form the arch of the foot.

Front 140

olecranon

Back 140

the part of the ulna that forms the bony prominence of the elbow.

Front 141

phalanges

Back 141

bones of the fingers, thumbs, and toes. pl of phalanx.

Front 142

radius

Back 142

the lateral bone of the forearm.

Front 143

scapula

Back 143

the shoulder blade.

Front 144

ulna

Back 144

the medial bone of the forearm

Front 145

cardiac muscle

Back 145

a kind of involuntary muscle found only in the walls of the hearts. Cardiac muscle has automaticity, the ability to generate an impulse on its own, separately from the central nervous system.

Front 146

involuntary muscle

Back 146

muscle that carries out the automatic muscular functions of the body. also called smooth muscle.

Front 147

voluntary muscle

Back 147

any muscle that can be consciously controlled by the individual. also called skeletal muscle.

Front 148

Adam's apple

Back 148

see thyroid cartilage

Front 149

cricoid cartilage

Back 149

the lowermost cartilage of the larynx.

Front 150

epiglottis

Back 150

a small, leaf shaped flap of tissue located immediately posterior to the root of the tongue, that covers the entrance of the larynx to keep food and liquid from entering the trachea and lungs

Front 151

esophagus

Back 151

a passageway at the lower end of the pharynx that leads to the stomach

Front 152

larynx

Back 152

structure that houses the vocal cords and is located inferior to the pharynx and superior to the trachea

Front 153

nasopharynx

Back 153

nasal portion of the pharynx situated above the soft palate.

Front 154

oropharynx

Back 154

the central portion of the pharynx lying between the soft palate and the epiglottis with the mouth as the opening.

Front 155

oxygenation

Back 155

the form of respiration in which oxygen molecules move across a membrane from an area of high oxygen concentration to an area of low oxygen concentration, as when oxygen moves out of a blood vessel into a cell.

Front 156

pharynx

Back 156

the throat, or passageway for air from the nasal cavity to the larynx and passageway for food from the mouth to the esophagus.

Front 157

respiration

Back 157

the process of moving oxygen and carbon dioxide across membranes, in and out of alveoli, capillaries, and cells; gas exchange

Front 158

respiratory system

Back 158

the organs involved in the exchange of gases between an organism and the atmosphere

Front 159

thyroid cartilage

Back 159

the Adam's apple; the anterior cartilage that covers the larynx.

Front 160

trachea

Back 160

the windpipe.

Front 161

ventilation

Back 161

the mechanical process by which air is moved in and out of the lungs, primarily caused by changes in pressure inside the chest.

Front 162

alveoli

Back 162

the air sacs of the lungs. pl of alveolus

Front 163

bronchi

Back 163

the two main branches leading from the trachea to the lungs, providing the passageway for air movement. pl of bronchus.

Front 164

bronchioles

Back 164

small branches of the bronchi

Front 165

diaphragm

Back 165

a powerful dome-shaped muscle essential to respiration that also separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Front 166

intercostal muscles

Back 166

the muscles between the ribs

Front 167

lungs

Back 167

the principal organs of respiration

Front 168

atria

Back 168

the two upper chambers of the heart. pl of atrium.

Front 169

cardiovascular system

Back 169

see circulatory system

Front 170

circulatory system

Back 170

the body system that transports blood to all parts of the body. Includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Also called the cardiovascular system.

Front 171

heart

Back 171

the muscular organ that contracts to force blood into circulation through the body

Front 172

valves

Back 172

structures within the heart and circulatory system that keep blood flowing in one direction and prevent backflow.

Front 173

ventricles

Back 173

the two lower chambers of the heart.

Front 174

aorta

Back 174

the major artery from the heart.

Front 175

arteriole

Back 175

the smallest branch of an artery, which at its distal end leads into a capillary

Front 176

artery

Back 176

a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart

Front 177

brachial artery

Back 177

the major artery of the upper arm

Front 178

bundle of His

Back 178

a band of cardiac muscle fibers that originates in the atrioventricular node and passes through the atriuventricular junction and carries the electrical impulse from the atria and, by connecting to the Purkinje fibers, to the ventricles

Front 179

capillary

Back 179

a tiny blood vessel that connects an arteriole to a venule

Front 180

carotid artery

Back 180

one of two major arteries of the neck, which supply the brain and head with blood.

Front 181

coronary arteries

Back 181

blood vessels that supply the heart with blood

Front 182

dorsalis pedis artery

Back 182

an artery of the foot, which can be felt on the top surface of the foot

Front 183

femoral artery

Back 183

the major artery of the thigh that supplies the groin and leg with blood

Front 184

posterior tibial artery

Back 184

a major artery that travels from the calf to the foot and that can be felt on the medial surface of the ankle bone.

Front 185

pulmonary artery

Back 185

artery that leads from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.

Front 186

pulmonary vein

Back 186

vein that drains the lungs and returns the blood to the left atrium of the heart.

Front 187

radial artery

Back 187

a major artery of the arm, distal to the elbow joint.

Front 188

vein

Back 188

a blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart.

Front 189

venae cavae

Back 189

the principal veins tat carry deoxygenated blood to the heart. pl of vena cava. the superior vena cava carries blood from the upper body; the inferior vena cava carries blood from the lower body.

Front 190

venule

Back 190

the smallest branch of a vein.

Front 191

blood pressure

Back 191

the force exerted by the blood on the interior walls of the blood vessels

Front 192

diastolic blood pressure

Back 192

the pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries when the left ventricle is at rest. See also systolic blood pressure.

Front 193

edema

Back 193

swelling caused by fluid accumulating in the tissues.

Front 194

hydrostatic pressure

Back 194

the blood pressure or force exerted against the inside of vessel walls.

Front 195

perfusion

Back 195

the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the cells of all organ systems, which results from the constant adequate circulation of blood through the capillaries.

Front 196

plasma

Back 196

the liquid part of the blood.

Front 197

platelets

Back 197

components of blood that are essential to the formation of blood clots.

Front 198

pulse

Back 198

the wave of blood propelled through the arteries as a result of the contraction of the left ventricle.

Front 199

red blood cells

Back 199

part of the blood that gives it its color, carries oxygen to body cells, and carries carbon dioxide away from body cells.

Front 200

systolic blood pressure

Back 200

the pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries when the ventricle contracts. see also diastolic blood pressure.

Front 201

white blood cells

Back 201

the part of the blood that helps the body's immune system defend against infection.

Front 202

hypoperfusion

Back 202

the insufficient delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to some of the body's cells and inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide and other wastes that results from inadequate circulation of blood. also called shock

Front 203

shock

Back 203

see hypoperfusion

Front 204

shock

Back 204

see hypoperfusion

Front 205

aerobic metabolism

Back 205

chemical and physical changes that take places within the cells in the presence of oxygen

Front 206

anaerobic metabolism

Back 206

chemical and physical changes that take place within the cells without the presence of oxygen

Front 207

central nervous system

Back 207

the brain and the spinal cord. abbrev CNS

Front 208

nervous system

Back 208

the body system including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that controls the voluntary and involuntary activity of the human body.

Front 209

endocrine system

Back 209

a system ductless glands that produce hormones that regulate body functions

Front 210

peripheral nervous system

Back 210

that portion of the nervous system located outside the brain and spinal cord. abbr. PNS.

Front 211

dermis

Back 211

the second layer of the skin. See also epidermis, subcutaneous layer.

Front 212

epidermis

Back 212

the outermost layer of the skin. See also dermis, subcutaneous layer

Front 213

subcutaneous layer

Back 213

a layer of fatty tissue just below the dermis. See also dermis, epidermis.

Front 214

combining form

Back 214

word part that carries the word's essential meaning

Front 215

prefix

Back 215

a syllable added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning or to give additional or specific meaning to the word.

Front 216

suffix

Back 216

a syllable added to the end of a word to modify its meaning or to give additional or specific meaning to the word.

Front 217

baseline vital signs

Back 217

the first set of vital sign measurements to which subsequent measurements can be compared.

Front 218

vital signs

Back 218

the traditional signs of life; assessments related to breathing, pulse, skin, pupils, and blood pressure.

Front 219

sphygmomanometer

Back 219

instrument used to measure blood pressure. Also called a blood pressure cuff.

Front 220

stridor

Back 220

a harsh, high pitched sound heard on inspiration that indicates swelling of the larynx.

Front 221

bradycardia

Back 221

a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.

Front 222

tachycardia

Back 222

a heart rate greater than 100 bpm.

Front 223

conjunctiva

Back 223

the thin covering of the inner eyelids and exposed portion of the sclera of the eye.

Front 224

cyanosis

Back 224

a blue-gray color of the mucous membranes and or skin, which indicated inadequate oxygenation or poor perfusion.

Front 225

flushing

Back 225

abnormally red skin color.

Front 226

jaundice

Back 226

a condition characterized by yellowness of the skin, sclera of the eyes, mucous membranes, and body fluids.

Front 227

mottling

Back 227

a skin discoloration similar to cyanosis but occurring in a blotchy pattern; a possible sign of shock.

Front 228

pallor

Back 228

pale or abnormally white skin color.

Front 229

pulsus paradoxus

Back 229

a decrease in pulse strength during inhalation.

Front 230

capillary refill

Back 230

the amount of time it takes for capillaries that have been compressed to refill with blood.

Front 231

clammy

Back 231

a moist, or a cool and moist, condition; a skin condition often characteristic of shock

Front 232

constricted

Back 232

narrowed, made small.

Front 233

dilated

Back 233

expanded, made large.

Front 234

blood pressure

Back 234

the force exerted by the flood on the interior walls of the blood vessels

Front 235

diastolic blood pressure

Back 235

the pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries while the left ventricle of the heart is at rest.

Front 236

systolic blood pressure

Back 236

the amount of pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries when the left ventricle of the heart contracts and ejects blood.

Front 237

auscultation

Back 237

listening for sounds within the body with a stethoscope

Front 238

pulse pressure

Back 238

the difference between the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure.

Front 239

palpation

Back 239

feeling, as for a pulse.

Front 240

orthostatic vital signs

Back 240

a comparison of blood pressure and heart rate readings while a patient is supine and while the patient is sitting upright or standing. An increase in heart rate of 10-20 bpm and decrease in blood pressure of 10-20 mmHg when the patient becomes upright is considered a positive orthostatic test. Also called a tilt test.

Front 241

tilt test

Back 241

see orthostatic vital signs

Front 242

pulse oximeter

Back 242

device for measuring the level of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.

Front 243

pulse oximetry

Back 243

measurement of blood oxygen saturation level.

Front 244

sample history

Back 244

a type of patient history. sample is an acronym used to remember categories of information necessary to the patient history: signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, pertinent past history, last oral intake, and events leading to the injury or illness.

Front 245

signs

Back 245

any objective evidence of medical or trauma conditions that can be seen, heard, felt, or smelled in a patient.

Front 246

symptoms

Back 246

conditions that must be described by the patient because they cannot be observed by another person.

Front 247

body mechanics

Back 247

application of the study of muscles and body movement (kinesiology) to the use of the body and to the prevention and correction of problems related posture and lifting.

Front 248

kyphosis

Back 248

abnormal curvature of the spine with convexity backways. also called slouch.

Front 249

lordosis

Back 249

abnormal anterior convexity of the spine. Also called swayback.

Front 250

power grip

Back 250

recommended gripping technique. The palm and fingers come in complete contact with the object and all fingers are bent at the same angle.

Front 251

power lift

Back 251

recommended technique for lifting. Feet are apart, knees bent, back and abdominal muscles tightened, back as straight as possible, lifting force driven through heels and arches, upper body rising before hips.

Front 252

emergency move

Back 252

a patient move that should be performed when there is immediate danger to the patient or to the rescuer.

Front 253

nonurgent move

Back 253

a patient move made when no immediate threat to life exists.

Front 254

urgent move

Back 254

a patient move made because there is an immediate threat to life due to the patient's condition and the patient must be moved quickly for transport.

Front 255

esophagus

Back 255

a tubular structure that serves as a passageway for food and liquids to enter the stomach.

Front 256

mucous membrane

Back 256

a thin layer of tissue that lines various structures within the body.

Front 257

nasopharynx

Back 257

the portion of the pharynx that extends from the nostrils to the soft palate.

Front 258

oropharynx

Back 258

a portion of the pharynx that extends form the mouth to the oral cavity at the base of the tongue.

Front 259

pharynx

Back 259

the common passageway fro the respiratory and digestive tract; the throat.

Front 260

trachea

Back 260

a tubular structure that serves as the passageway for air to enter into the lungs; the windpipe.

Front 261

upper airway

Back 261

the portion of the respiratory system that extends form the nose and mouth to the larynx.

Front 262

epiglottis

Back 262

a small flap of cartilaginous tissue that acts as a valve and closes over the trachea during swallowing.

Front 263

larynx

Back 263

the part of the air passage that connects the pharynx with the trachea. Also, it is considered the organ of voice since it contains the vocal cords.

Front 264

alveoli

Back 264

small air sacs in the lungs that fill with air on inspiration and are the point of gas exchange with the pulmonary capillaries.

Front 265

bronchi

Back 265

branches of the respiratory tract form the trachea into the lungs. Singular bronchus.

Front 266

bronchiole

Back 266

smaller branches of the bronchi. They continue to branch and get smaller, eventually leading into alveolar sacs.

Front 267

carina

Back 267

the point at which the trachea splits into the right and left mainstem bronchi.

Front 268

cricoid cartilage

Back 268

the most inferior portion of the larynx and only full cartilaginous ring of the upper airway. It is felt immediately below the thyroid cartilage.

Front 269

lower airway

Back 269

the portion of the respiratory system that extends from the trachea to the alveoli of the lungs.

Front 270

parietal pleura

Back 270

the outermost pleural layer that adheres to the chest wall.

Front 271

pleura

Back 271

two layers of connective tissue that surround the lungs.

Front 272

pleural space

Back 272

a small space between the visceral and parietal pleura that is at negative pressure and filled with serous fluid.

Front 273

serous fluid

Back 273

fluid that acts as a lubricant to reduce the friction between the parietal and visceral pleura.

Front 274

thyroid cartilage

Back 274

the bulky cartilage that forms the anterior portion of the larynx; see also Adam's apple.

Front 275

visceral pleura

Back 275

innermost layer of the pleura that covers the lung.

Front 276

diaphragm

Back 276

the major muscle of respiration that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Front 277

exhalation

Back 277

the passive process of breathing air out of the lungs. Also called expiration.

Front 278

expiration

Back 278

the passive process of breathing air out of the lungs. Also called exhalation.

Front 279

inhalation

Back 279

the active process of breathing air into the lungs. Also called inspiration.

Front 280

inspiration

Back 280

the active process of breathing air into the lungs. Also called inhalation.

Front 281

intercostal muscles

Back 281

the muscles between the ribs.

Front 282

ventilation

Back 282

the passage of air into and out of the lungs.

Front 283

chemoreceptors

Back 283

sense organs within the body, such as the carotid and aortic bodies, that are sensitive to chemical changes in the blood, especially to levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen, and that, in response, play a role in the regulation of respiration.

Front 284

oxygenation

Back 284

the process by which the blood and the cells become saturated with oxygen.

Front 285

respiration

Back 285

the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide that takes place during inhalation and exhalation.

Front 286

hypoperfusion

Back 286

the insufficient supply of oxygen and other nutrients to some of the body's cells that results form inadequate circulation of blood. Also called shock.

Front 287

hypoxia

Back 287

a reduction of oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Front 288

cyanosis

Back 288

a bluish color of the skin and mucous membranes that indicates poor oxygenation of tissue.

Front 289

deoxygenated

Back 289

containing low amounts of oxygen, as with venous blood.

Front 290

hemoglobin

Back 290

a complex protein molecule found on the surface of the red blood cell that is responsible for carrying a majority of oxygen in the blood.

Front 291

oxygenated

Back 291

containing high amounts of oxygen, as with arterial blood.

Front 292

patent airway

Back 292

an airway that is open and clear of any obstructions.

Front 293

crowing

Back 293

a sound similar to that of a cawing crow that indicates that the muscles around the larynx are in spasm and beginning to narrow the opening into the trachea.

Front 294

snoring

Back 294

a sound that is heard when the base of the tongue or relaxed tissues in the pharynx partially block the upper airway; also called sonorous sound.

Front 295

crossed-finger technique

Back 295

a technique in which the thumb and index finger are crossed with the thumb on the lower incisors and the index finger on the upper incisors. The fingers are moved in a snapping scissor motion to open the mouth.

Front 296

gurgling

Back 296

a gargling sound that indicated a fluid is in the mouth or pharynx.

Front 297

head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver

Back 297

a manual technique used to open the airway. The head is tilted back by one hand. The tips of the fingers of the other hand are placed under the chin and used to lift it up and forward.

Front 298

stridor

Back 298

a harsh, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration that indicated swelling of the larynx.

Front 299

jaw-thrust maneuver

Back 299

a manual technique used to open the airway in the patient with a suspected injury. The fingers are placed at the angles of the jaw and used to lift the jaw up and forward.

Front 300

French catheter

Back 300

see soft catheter

Front 301

hard catheter

Back 301

see rigid catheter

Front 302

rigid catheter

Back 302

a rigid plastic tube that is part of a suctioning system, commonly referred to as a tonsil tip or tonsil sucker.

Front 303

soft catheter

Back 303

flexible tubing that is part of a suctioning system, also called a French catheter.

Front 304

tonsil tip or tonsil sucker

Back 304

see rigid catheter

Front 305

nasal airway

Back 305

a nasopharyngeal airway.

Front 306

nasopharyngeal airway

Back 306

a curved, hollow rubber tube with a flange or flare at the top end and a bevel at the distal end that is inserted into the nose. It fits in the nasopharynx and extends into the pharynx providing a passage for air.

Front 307

oral airway

Back 307

an oropharyngeal airway.

Front 308

oropharyngeal airway

Back 308

a semicircular hard plastic device that is inserted in the mouth and holds the tongue away from the back of the pharynx.

Front 309

minute volume

Back 309

the amount of air breathed in and out in one minute. Also called minute ventilation.

Front 310

respiratory rate

Back 310

the number of breaths taken in one minute. Also called frequency.

Front 311

tidal volume

Back 311

the amount of air breathed in and out in one normal respiration.

Front 312

alveolar ventilation

Back 312

the amount of inspired air that reaches the alveoli of the lungs.

Front 313

dead air space

Back 313

inspired air that fills the respiratory tract but never reaches the alveoli of the lungs.

Front 314

retractions

Back 314

depressions seen in the neck, above the clavicles, between the ribs, or below the rib cage from excessive muscle use during breathing. It is an indication of respiratory distress.

Front 315

bilaterally

Back 315

on both sides.

Front 316

respiratory distress

Back 316

a condition in which a person is working harder than normally to breathe. Also called breathing difficulty.

Front 317

agonal respirations

Back 317

gasping-type respirations that have no pattern and occur very infrequently; a sign of impending cardiac or respiratory arrest. Also called agonal breathing.

Front 318

respiratory arrest

Back 318

complete stoppage of breathing.

Front 319

respiratory failure

Back 319

insufficient respiratory rate and/or tidal volume.

Front 320

bradypnea

Back 320

a breathing rate that is slower than the normal rate.

Front 321

tachypnea

Back 321

a breathing rate that is faster than the normal rate.

Front 322

positive pressure ventilation

Back 322

method of aiding a patient whose breathing is inadequate by forcing air into his lungs.

Front 323

cricoid pressure

Back 323

pressure applied to the cricoid cartilage to compress the esophagus. Also called Sellick maneuver.

Front 324

gastric distention

Back 324

inflation of the stomach.

Front 325

Sellick maneuver

Back 325

see cricoid pressure

Front 326

pocket mask

Back 326

a plastic mask placed over the patient's nose and mouth through which ventilations can be delivered.

Front 327

bag-valve-mask device

Back 327

a positive pressure ventilation device that consists of a bag with a nonrebreather valve and a mask. The bag-valve device is connected to the mask or other airway. The bag is squeezed to deliver a ventilation to the patient.

Front 328

flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device

Back 328

a device that consists of a ventilation valve and a trigger or button and is driven directly by oxygen. It is used to provide positive pressure ventilation.

Front 329

automatic transport ventilator

Back 329

a positive pressure ventilation device that delivers ventilations automatically.

Front 330

hypopnea

Back 330

inadequate tidal volume in a breathing patient.

Front 331

laryngectomy

Back 331

a surgical procedure in which a patient's larynx is removed. A stoma is created for the patient to breathe through.

Front 332

stoma

Back 332

a surgical opening into the neck and trachea; see also tracheostomy.

Front 333

tracheostomy

Back 333

a surgical opening into the trachea in which a tube is inserted for the patient to breathe through; see also stoma.

Front 334

tracheostomy tube

Back 334

a hollow tube that is inserted into a tracheostomy to allow the patient to breathe.

Front 335

high-pressure regulator

Back 335

a one-gauge regulator that is used to power the flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device. The flow rate cannot be adjusted.

Front 336

oxygen humidifier

Back 336

a container that is filled with sterile water and connected to the oxygen regulator to add moisture to the dry oxygen prior to being delivered to the patient.

Front 337

therapy regulator

Back 337

a device that controls the flow and pressure of oxygen from the tank to allow for a consistent delivery of oxygen by liters per minute.

Front 338

nonrebreather mask

Back 338

an oxygen delivery device that consists of a reservoir and one-way valve. It can deliver up to 100% oxygen to the patient.

Front 339

nasal cannula

Back 339

an oxygen delivery device that consists of two prongs that are inserted into the nose of the patient. The oxygen concentration delivered is from 24 to 44%.

Front 340

mechanism of injury

Back 340

the factors and forces that cause traumatic injury

Front 341

medical patient

Back 341

a patient with a condition brought on by illness or by substances or by environmental factors that affect the function of the body

Front 342

nature of illness

Back 342

the type of medical condition or complaint a patient is suffering from

Front 343

personal protective equipment

Back 343

equipment worn to protect against injury and disease

Front 344

scene size up

Back 344

an assessment of the scene for safety hazards and to determine the nature of the patient's problem and the number of patients

Front 345

trauma patient

Back 345

a patient who has a physical injury or wound caused by external force or violence

Front 346

scene safety

Back 346

steps taken to ensure the safety and well being of the EMT, his partners, patients, and bystanders

Front 347

index of suspicion

Back 347

an anticipation that certain types of accidents and mechanisms will produce specific types of injuries.

Front 348

patient assessment

Back 348

procedures performed to find out what is wrong with a patient, on which decisions about emergency medical care and transport will be based.

Front 349

scene size up

Back 349

an assessment of the scene for safety hazards and to determine the nature of the patient's problem and the number of patients.

Front 350

initial assessment

Back 350

the portion of patient assessment conducted immediately following scene size up for the purpose of discovering and treating immediately life-threatening conditions. Initial assessment also includes determining whether the patient is injured or ill and making

Front 351

penetrating trauma

Back 351

a force that pierces the skin and body tissues, for example, a knife or gunshot wound.

Front 352

blunt trauma

Back 352

a force that impacts or is applied to the body but is not sharp enough to penetrate it, such as a blow or a crushing injury

Front 353

chief complaint

Back 353

the patient's answer to the question "Why did you call the ambulance?"

Front 354

AVPU

Back 354

a mnemonic for alert, responds to verbal stimulus, responds to painful stimulus, unresponsive, to characterize levels of responsiveness.

Front 355

inline stabilization

Back 355

bringing the patient's head into a neutral position in which the nose is linked up with the navel and holding it there manually.

Front 356

extension posturing

Back 356

a posture in which the patient arches the back and extends the arms straight out parallel to the body. A sign of serious head injury. Also called decerebrate posturing.

Front 357

flexion posturing

Back 357

a posture in which the patient arches the back and flexes the arms inward toward the chest. A sign of serious head injury. Also called decorticate posturing.

Front 358

occluded

Back 358

closed or blocked; not patent, as an occluded airway

Front 359

patent

Back 359

open; not blocked, as a patent airway.

Front 360

apnea

Back 360

absence of breathing; respiratory arrest.

Front 361

dyspnea

Back 361

shortness of breath or perceived difficulty in breathing

Front 362

focused history and physical exam

Back 362

the portion of patient assessment conducted after the initial assessment, for the purpose of identifying additional serious or potentially life-threatening injures or conditions and as a basis for further emergency care.