EMT Glossary pages 1339-1340 Flashcards
Anxiety
A state of painful uneasiness often characterized by agitation and restlessness
Aorta
The major artery from the heart
Apnea
Absence of breathing; respiratory arrest
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix
Aqueous humor
The watery fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye
Arachnoid
Middle layer of protective brain tissues (meninges)
Arteriole
The smallest branch of an artery, which at its distal end leads into a capillary
Arteriosclerosis
Disease process that causes the loss of elasticity in the vascular walls from thickening and hardening of the vessels
Artery
Blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
Aspiration
Breathing a foreign substance into the lungs
Aspiration pneumonia
Inflammation of the lungs caused by the aspiration of vomitus or other foreign matter
Aspirin
A common household medication that will keep platelets from clumping together to form clots; also used as a pain reliever, as an anti-inflammatory agent, and to reduce fever; often administered to the patient suspects of having a heart attack.
Assault
A willful threat to inflict harm on a person
Asystole
A heart rhythm indicating absence of any electrical activity in the heart; also known as flatline
Atria
The two upper chambers of the heart; plural of atrium
Aura
An unusual sensory sensation that may precede a seizure episode by hours or only a few seconds
Auscultation
Listening for sounds within the body with a stethoscope
Auto-injector
A device with a concealed, spring-loaded needle, used for injecting a single dose of medication. An epinephrine auto-injector is often prescribed to patients with a history of anaphylactic reaction.
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
A device that can analyze the electrical activity or rhythm of a patient’s heart and deliver an electrical shock (defibrillation) if appropriate.
Automatic transport ventilator (ATV)
A positive pressure ventilation device that delivers ventilations automatically.
Automaticity
The ability of cells within the cardiac conduction system to generate a cardiac impulse on their own.
Autonomic nervous system
Part of the nervous system that influences involuntary muscles and glands.
AVPU
A mneumonic for alert, responds to verbal stimulus, responds to painful stimulus, unresponsive, to characterize levels of responsiveness.
Avulsion
An open injury characterized by a loose flap of skin and soft tissue that has been torn loose or pulled completely off.
Bag-value-mask (BVM) device
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.
Bandage
Any material used to secure a dressing in place.
Bariatrics
Medical management of obese patients.
Baroreceptors
Stretch-sensitive receptors located in the aortic arch and carotid bodies that constantly measure the blood pressure.
Base station
The central dispatch and coordination area of an EMS communications system that ideally is in contact with all other elements of the system.
Baseline vital signs
The first set of vital sign measurements to which subsequent measurements can be compared.
Basilar skull
Floor of the skull
Battery
The act of touching a person unlawfully without his consent.
Battle sign
Discoloration of the mastoid suggesting basilar skull fracture.
Behavior
The way a person acts or performs.
Behavioral emergency
A situation in which a person exhibits abnormal behavior.
Beta radiation
A low-speed, low-energy particle that is easily stopped by 6-10 feet of air, clothing, or the first few millimeters of skin. It is a common product of fallout decay and is a serious threat from ingestion of contaminated foods and inhalation of airborne particles.
Bilaterally
On both sides.
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
A form of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. The BiPAP device that delivers a continuous flow of air under pressure. It differs from the CPAP device in that is provides different pressures, higher during inspiration, lower during expiration. See also continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Biological agents
Agents that are made up of living organisms of the toxins produced by the living organisms that are used as weapons of mass destruction to cause disease in a target population.
Bipolar disorder
A psychiatric condition characterized by the alteration of moods either rapidly or slowly from periods of mania or hypomania to periods of severe depression. Also knows as manic depressive disorder.
Birth defect
A variation from normal structure or function that is present at birth.
Blood pressure
The force excited by the blood on the interior walls of the blood vessels.
Bloody show
The mucus and blood that are expelled from the vagina as labor begins.
Blunt trauma
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.
Body mechanics
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 to posture and lifting.
Boyle’s law
The concept that the volume of a gas is inversely proportionate to the pressure.
Brachial artery
The major artery of the upper arm.
Bradycardia
A heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.
Bradypnea
A breathing rate that is slower than the normal rate.
Brain herniation
Compression and pushing of the brain through the foramen magnum.
Brainstem
The funnel-shaped inferior part of the brain that controls most automatic functions of the body. It is made up of the pons, the mid-brain, and the medulla, which is the brain’s connection to the spinal cord.
Breech birth
A common abnormality of delivery in which the fetal buttocks or both lower extremities are low in the uterus and are the first to be delivered.
Bronchi
The two main branches leading from the trachea to the lungs, providing the passageway for air movement; plural of bronchus.
Bronchioles
Small branches of the bronchi.
Bronchoconstriction
Constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles causing a narrowing of the air passageway.
Bronchodilator
A drug that relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles and reverses bronchoconstriction.
Bronchospasm
Spasm or constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles.
Brown-Séquard syndrome
Loss of different functions on opposite sides of the body from injury to one side of the spinal cord.
Bundle of His
A band of cardiac muscle fibers that originates in the atrioventricular node and passes through the atrioventricular function and carries the electrical impulse from the atria and, by connective to the Purkinje fibers, to the ventricles.
Burn sheet
Commercially prepared sterile, particle-free, disposable sheet used to cover the entire body in severe burn injuries.
Burn shock
A form of nonhemorrhagic hypovolemic shock resulting from a burn injury.
Burnout
A condition resulting from chronic job stress, characterized by a state of irritability and fatigue that can markedly decrease effectiveness.
Calcaneus
The heel bone
Capillary
Tiny blood vessel that connects an arteriole to a venule.
Capillary refill
The amount of time it takes for capillaries that have been compressed to refill with blood.
Cardiac arrest
The cessation of cardiac function with the patient displaying no pulse, no breathing, and unresponsiveness.
Cardiac compromise
Reduced heart function caused by any of a variety of conditions, diseases, or injuries affecting the heart.
Cardiac conduction system
The specialized contractile and conductive tissue of the heart that generates electrical impulses and causes the heart to beat. Also called the coronary conduction system.
Cardiac contusion
A bruise to the heart wall caused by severe blunt trauma to the chest where the heart is violently compressed between the sternum and the spinal column.
Cardiac hypertrophy
An increase in the size of the heart from a thickening of the heart wall, without a parallel increase in the size of the cavity.
Cardiac muscle
A type of involuntary muscle found only in the walls of the heart. Cardiac muscle has the property of automaticity, the ability to generate an impulse on its own, separately from the central nervous system.
Cardiac output
The volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle in 1 minute.
Cardiogenic shock
Poor perfusion resulting from an ineffective pump function of the heart, typically the left ventricle.
Cardiovascular system
See circulatory system.
Carina
The point at which the trachea splits into the right and left mainstem bronchi.
Carotid artery
One of two major arteries of the neck, which supply the brain and head with blood.
Carpals
The eight bones that form the wrist (Mom memory helper: hands steer the car).
Cataract
Clouding of the lens of the eye from pathologic changes within the lens.
Cavitation
A cavity formed by a pressure wave resulting from the kinetic energy of a bullet traveling through body tissue; also called pathway expansion.
Central chemoreceptors
Receptors located in the medulla that are most sensitive to changes in carbon dioxide and the pH; see also chemoreceptors.
Central cord syndrome
Loss of function in upper extremities caused by injury to the middle portion of the spinal cord.
Central intravenous catheter
A catheter that is designed to deliver medication into the central circulation of the body.
Central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and the spinal cord.
Cerebellum
Part of the brain controlling equilibrium and muscle coordination.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
A clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and the spinal cord.
Cerebrum
Largest part of the brain, responsible for most conscious and sensory functions, the emotions, and the personality.
Cervical spine
The first seven vertebrae, or the neck.
Cervix
The neck of the uterus.
Chain of survival
A series of five interventions, or links, identified by the American Heart Association as those that provide the best chance for successful resuscitation of a cardiac arrest patient. The five links of the adult chain are immediate recognition and activation, early CPR, rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support, and integrated post-cardiac-arrest care. The five links of the pediatric chain are prevention of arrest, early high-quality CPR performed by bystanders, rapid activation of EMS or other emergency medical responders, effective advanced life support and rapid transport to an appropriate medical facility, and integrated post-cardiac-arrest care.
Chemoreceptors
Receptors that constantly monitor the arterial content of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the blood pH and stimulate a chance in respiratory rate and depth. See also central chemoreceptors and peripheral chemoreceptors.
Chief complaint
The patient complaint that is the primary reason why the EMS crew was called to the scene.
Child abuse
Physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment or neglect of a child from newborn to 18 years of age.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder.
Chronic
Long term, progression gradually.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
See chronic renal failure, a progressive loss of kidney function over a period of months to years.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Umbrella term used to describe pulmonary diseases such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Chronic renal failure (CRF)
A progressive loss of kidney function over a period of months to years.
Circulatory system
System composed of the heart and blood vessels that brings oxygen and nutrients to and takes wastes away from body cells. Also called the cardiovascular system.
Circumferential burn
Burn that encircles a body area (e.g., arm, leg, or chest).
Clammy
A moist, or a cool and moist, condition; a skin condition often characteristic of shock.
Clavicle
The collarbone, attached to the superior portion of the sternum.
Cleaning
The process of washing a solid object with soap and water.
Closed injury
Any injury in which there is no break in the continuity of the skin.
Closed-ended question
A question that requires only a “yes” or “no” answer.
CNS depressants
Substances that inhibit or decrease central nervous system functions.
CNS stimulants
Substances that excite or increase central nervous system functions.
Coccyx
The four fused vertebrae that form the most distal end of the spine; the tailbone.
Cold zone
The area adjacent to the warm zone in a hazardous materials emergency. Normal triage, treatment, and stabilization are performed here. Also called support zone.
Colloid oncotic pressure
See plasma oncotic pressure.
Coma
An unconscious state in which a person does not respond to any stimulus, including pain.
Combining form
Word part that carries the word’s essential meaning.
Commotio cordis
Sudden cardiac arrest caused by a projectile, such as a baseball, striking the anterior chest.
Communication
A dynamic process that incorporates verbal and non-verbal expressions into meaningful messages that are received and interpreted by others.
Compartment syndrome
A condition in which increased tissue pressure in a confined space causes decreased blood flow, leading to hypoxia and possible muscle, nerve, and vessel impairment, which may be permanent if the cells die.
Compensated respiratory distress
See early respiratory distress.
Compensatory shock
The stage of shock in which a cascade of organ and gland stimulation and hormones occurs to increase the blood pressure, restore arterial wall tension, and maintain a near normal blood pressure and perfusion of the vital organs. Also called compensated shock.
Complete spinal cord injury
Injury to the spinal cord that results in a complete loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic function below the level of injury.
Complex access
A way to gain access to a patient that requires the use of tools and specialized equipment.
Compliance
The measure of the ability of the chest wall and lungs to stretch, distend, and expand.
Compression of morbidity
The concept of maximizing the number of healthy years in one’s life while simultaneously minimizing the number of years of disease/disability at the end of life.
Concussion
Mild injury that causes temporary loss of brain function.
Conduction
Transfer of heat through direct physical touch with nearby objects.
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
A cardiac disease in which the heart cannot pump blood sufficiently to meet the needs of the body.
Conjunctiva
The thin covering of the inner eyelids and exposed portion of the sclera of the eye; plural conjunctivae.
Consensual reflex
Same or similar reaction of the unstimulated pupil when the other pupil is stimulated, as when a light is shined into one pupil and both pupils contract.
Consent
Permission that must be obtained before care is rendered.
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
A federal regulation that ensures the public’s access to emergency health care regardless of ability to pay.
Constricted
Narrowed, made small.
Contamination reduction zone
See warm zone.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
A form of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. The CPAP device delivers a continuous flow of air under pressure. See also bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP).
Contraindications
Situations in which a medication should not be used; for example, because nitroglycerin lowers blood pressure, existing low blood pressure in a patient is a contraindication for nitroglycerin.
Contusion
A closed injury to the cells and blood vessels contained within the dermis that is characterized by discoloration, swelling, and pain; a bruise; bruising or swelling of the brain.
Convection
Loss of body heat to the atmosphere when air passes over the body.
Convulsion
Unresponsiveness accompanied by a generalized jerky muscle movement affecting the entire body.
Cornea
The clear front portion of the eye that covers the pupil and the iris.
Coronal plane
See frontal plane.
Coronary arteries
Blood vessels that supply the heart with blood.
Coup/contrecoup injury
A brain injury in which there may be damage at the point of a blow to the head and/or damage on the side opposite the blow as the brain is propelled against he opposite side of the skull.
Cranial skull
Bones fused together to form a helmet-like covering over the brain.
Cranium
The bones that form the top, back, and sides of the skull plus the forehead.
Crepitus
The sound or feel of broken fragments of bone grinding against each other; also called crepitation.
Cricoid cartilage
The most inferior portion of the larynx and only full cartilaginous ring of the upper airway. It is felt immediately below the thyroid cartilage.
Cricoid pressure
Pressure applied to the cricoid cartilage to compress the esophagus; also called Sellick maneuver.
Critical incident
Any situation that causes unusually strong emotions that interfere with the ability to function.
Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD)
A session usually held within 24 to 72 hours of a critical incident, where a team of peer counselors and mental health professional help emergency service personnel work through emotions that normally follow a critical incident.
Crossed-fingers technique
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 or scissor motion to open the mouth.
Crowing
A sound similar to that of a cawing crow that indicates the muscles around the larynx are in spasm and beginning to narrow the opening into the trachea.
