Chapter 14 Terms Flashcards
Absence seizures
A type of generalized seizure in which there are minimal or no movements, patient may appear to have a blank stare.
Also known as petit mal or non-convulsive seizures.
Acute abdomen
The sudden onset of severe abdominal pain that may be related to one of many medical conditions or a specific injury to the abdomen.
Altered mental status
A disturbance in a patient’s level of consciousness including delirium and confusion.
Causes include injury, infection, poison, drug abuse, and fluid/electrolyte imbalance.
Aneurysm
An abnormal bulging of an artery due to weakness in the blood vessel.
May occur in the aorta (main artery of the heart), brain, leg, or other location.
Aphasia
A disorder characterized by difficulty or inability to produce or understand language, caused by injury to the areas of the brain that control language.
Aura phase
The 1st stage of a generalizes seizure, during which the patient experiences perceptual disturbances, often visual or olfactory in nature.
Blood glucose level (BGL)
The level of glucose circulating in the blood, measured using a glucometer.
Clonic phase
The 3rd stage of a generalized seizure in which the patient experiences the seizure itself.
Complex partial seizure
A type of partial seizure in which the patient may experience an altered mental status or be unresponsive.
Diabetes
A disease in which there are high levels of blood glucose due to defects in insulin production, insulin action or both.
Diabetic coma
A life-threatening complication of diabetes in which very high blood sugar causes the patient to become unconscious.
Diabetic emergency
A situation in which a person becomes ill because of an imbalance of insulin and sugar in the bloodstream.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
An accumulation of organic acids and ketones (waste products) in the blood.
Occurs when there is inadequate insulin and high blood sugar levels.
Embolism
A blockage in an artery or vein caused by blood clot or fragment o plaque that travels through the blood vessels until it gets stuck, preventing blood flow.
Epilepsy
A brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
Fainting
Temporary loss of consciousness, usually related to temporary insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Also known as syncope, blacking out, or passing out.
FAST
An acronym to help remember the symptoms of a stroke.
Face/Arm/Speech/Time