Ch. 1 Key Terms Flashcards
Auscultated blood pressure
Blood pressure determined while listening with a stethoscope
Automatic external defibrillator (AED)
Lightweight, portable device that recognizes abnormal rhythm and determines if the rhythm is considered a “shockable rhythm”
Baseline
Minimum/starting point used for comparisons
Body mechanics
Using movements that maintain proper posture and avoid muscle and bone injury
Cardiac output
Volume of blood the heart pumps each minute
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
The provision of ventilations (breaths) and chest compressions (blood circulation) for a person who shows no signs of breathing having a heartbeat
Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Disease related to the heart and blood vessels
Cardiovascular technologist
Individual with advanced skills and can assist physicians with invasive cardiovascular diagnostic tests and procedures, such as angioplasty or heart surgery
Code blue
Alert notifying health care providers that a patient is unresponsive and needs immediate assistance
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Narrowing of the arteries of the heart, causing a reduction of blood flow
Defibrillator
Machine that produces and sends an electrical shock to the heart in an attempt to correct the electrical pattern of the heart
Diastolic blood pressure
Blood pressure measured when the heart is relaxed, representing the minimum amount of pressure exerted against the vessels at all times; The number corresponding to the last Korotkoff sound heard when performing an auscultated blood pressure
Dysrhythmia
Abnormal heartbeat
ECG monitor technician
Individual with the technical knowledge and skills to view and evaluate the electrical tracings of a patient’s heart on an oscilloscope and, if necessary, alert the appropriate health care professional to treat abnormalities
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Tracing of the heart’s electrical activity recorded by an electrocardiograph
Electrocardiograph
Instrument used to record the electrical activity of the heart
Electrocardiographic technician
Individual who has the technical skills and knowledge to record an ECG and prepare it for the physician
Ethics
Standards of behavior and concepts of right and wrong
Healthcare providers
Scope of practice is determined by licensure of each state and outlines the extent of the interpretation and treatment of each of the cardiac dysrhythmias or conditions
Hypertension
High blood pressure
Hypotension
Lower than normal blood pressure that can cause reduction of blood flow to the vital organs
Isolation precautions
Second level of steps taken to prevent the spread of infection, such as separating the infected patient and using PPE
Law
Rules of conduct enforced by a controlling authority, such as government
Libel
Writing defamatory words about someone; this is illegal and unethical
Medical professional liability
Legal responsibility of health care professionals for their performance
Myocardial Infarction AKA heart attack
Blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries causing lack of oxygen to the heart and death of the muscle tissue
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Devices such as gloves, gowns, face masks or shields, and eye protection designed to protect a health care worker from sources of infection
Slander
Making derogatory remarks about someone that jeopardizes his or her reputation or means of livelihood; this is illegal and unethical
Standard precautions
Procedures that are designed to prevent the spread of infection, such as performing hand hygiene and wearing gloves
Stat
Immediately
Systolic blood pressure
Blood pressure measured when the left ventricle of the heart contracts; number corresponding with the first Korotkoff sound heard when performing and auscultated blood pressure
Telemedicine
Monitoring system in which ECG tracings are communicated from a patient outside a medical facility to the physician via a telephone or digital system
Vital signs
Clinical measurements (temp, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and pain assessment) that indicate the state of a patient’s essential body functions
