Ch. 1 Key Terms

Question 1

Auscultated blood pressure

Answer 1

Blood pressure determined while listening with a stethoscope

Question 2

Automatic external defibrillator (AED)

Answer 2

Lightweight, portable device that recognizes abnormal rhythm and determines if the rhythm is considered a “shockable rhythm”

Question 3

Baseline

Answer 3

Minimum/starting point used for comparisons

Question 4

Body mechanics

Answer 4

Using movements that maintain proper posture and avoid muscle and bone injury

Question 5

Cardiac output

Answer 5

Volume of blood the heart pumps each minute

Question 6

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Answer 6

The provision of ventilations (breaths) and chest compressions (blood circulation) for a person who shows no signs of breathing having a heartbeat

Question 7

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Answer 7

Disease related to the heart and blood vessels

Question 8

Cardiovascular technologist

Answer 8

Individual with advanced skills and can assist physicians with invasive cardiovascular diagnostic tests and procedures, such as angioplasty or heart surgery

Question 9

Code blue

Answer 9

Alert notifying health care providers that a patient is unresponsive and needs immediate assistance

Question 10

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

Answer 10

Narrowing of the arteries of the heart, causing a reduction of blood flow

Question 11

Defibrillator

Answer 11

Machine that produces and sends an electrical shock to the heart in an attempt to correct the electrical pattern of the heart

Question 12

Diastolic blood pressure

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Dysrhythmia

Answer 13

Abnormal heartbeat

Question 14

ECG monitor technician

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer 15

Tracing of the heart’s electrical activity recorded by an electrocardiograph

Question 16

Electrocardiograph

Answer 16

Instrument used to record the electrical activity of the heart

Question 17

Electrocardiographic technician

Answer 17

Individual who has the technical skills and knowledge to record an ECG and prepare it for the physician

Question 18

Ethics

Answer 18

Standards of behavior and concepts of right and wrong

Question 19

Healthcare providers

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Hypertension

Answer 20

High blood pressure

Question 21

Hypotension

Answer 21

Lower than normal blood pressure that can cause reduction of blood flow to the vital organs

Question 22

Isolation precautions

Answer 22

Second level of steps taken to prevent the spread of infection, such as separating the infected patient and using PPE

Question 23

Law

Answer 23

Rules of conduct enforced by a controlling authority, such as government

Question 24

Libel

Answer 24

Writing defamatory words about someone; this is illegal and unethical

Question 25

Medical professional liability

Answer 25

Legal responsibility of health care professionals for their performance

Question 26

Myocardial Infarction AKA heart attack

Answer 26

Blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries causing lack of oxygen to the heart and death of the muscle tissue

Question 27

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Answer 27

Devices such as gloves, gowns, face masks or shields, and eye protection designed to protect a health care worker from sources of infection

Question 28

Slander

Answer 28

Making derogatory remarks about someone that jeopardizes his or her reputation or means of livelihood; this is illegal and unethical

Question 29

Standard precautions

Answer 29

Procedures that are designed to prevent the spread of infection, such as performing hand hygiene and wearing gloves

Question 30

Stat

Answer 30

Immediately

Question 31

Systolic blood pressure

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Telemedicine

Answer 32

Monitoring system in which ECG tracings are communicated from a patient outside a medical facility to the physician via a telephone or digital system

Question 33

Vital signs

Answer 33

Clinical measurements (temp, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and pain assessment) that indicate the state of a patient’s essential body functions