LD 34 Glossary

Question 1

airborne pathogen

Answer 1

A pathogen that is spread by tiny droplets sprayed during breathing, coughing, or sneezing

Question 2

anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock)

Answer 2

A severe life-threatening allergic reaction caused by exposure to certain allergens

Question 3

avulsion

Answer 3

An open wound characterized by a part or structure of the body being forcibly torn or cut away

Question 4

biological death

Answer 4

The point when breathing and circulation stop, brain cells die due to lack of oxygen, and vital organs begin to deteriorate

Question 5

blood borne pathogen

Answer 5

A pathogen that is spread when the blood or other body fluids (e.g., semen, phlegm, mucus membranes, etc.) of one person come into contact with an open wound or sore of another

Question 6

cardiac arrest

Answer 6

A state when a victim is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no carotid pulse to indicate circulation

Question 7

chemical burn

Answer 7

Burn caused by acids or alkalis coming into contact with the skin

Question 8

chest thrust

Answer 8

A maneuver used to force obstructions from a victim’s airway; used instead of abdominal thrusts when the victim has abdominal injuries, is in late stages of pregnancy, is too obese for abdominal thrusts to be effective, or is an infant

Question 9

clinical death

Answer 9

The moment breathing and circulation stop, reversible condition if basic life support is begun immediately

Question 10

dermis

Answer 10

Second layer of the skin containing nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands

Question 11

diabetes

Answer 11

A condition brought on when the body does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin

Question 12

diabetic coma

Answer 12

Overly high levels of glucose in the bloodstream (i.e., hyperglycemia)

Question 13

epidermis

Answer 13

Outer-most layer of the skin

Question 14

epinephrine

Answer 14

A hormone produced by the body; when administered as a medication, it will constrict blood vessels and dilate the bronchioles helping to open a victim’s airway

Question 15

fainting

Answer 15

A form of shock characterized by sudden unconsciousness

Question 16

first-degree burn

Answer 16

Damage only to the epidermis, also known as a superficial burn

Question 17

flail chest

Answer 17

A condition where the ribs and/or sternum is fractured and a segment of the chest wall does not move

Question 18

focused survey

Answer 18

A systematic examination of a victim to determine whether serious conditions exist; includes gathering information, conducting heat-to-toe check for injuries, and checking vital signs

Question 19

fourth-degree burn

Answer 19

Damage to epidermis, dermis, fatty layer, muscle, bone, and underlying organs, also known as a full thickness burn

Question 20

frostnip

Answer 20

Superficial freezing of outer layer of skin

Question 21

gastric distention

Answer 21

When air is forced into the victim’s stomach as well as lungs, causing the stomach to become distended; can happen during rescue breathing maneuver

Question 22

head-tilt/chin-lift

Answer 22

Technique used to open a victim’s airway when there are no indications of head, neck, or spinal injury

Question 23

heat cramps

Answer 23

A condition caused when the body loses too much salt due to prolonged perspiration

Question 24

heat exhaustion

Answer 24

A form of shock that can occur when the body becomes dehydrated; more serious than heat cramps

Question 25

heat stroke

Answer 25

A life-threatening condition which occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises abnormally high

Question 26

hypothermia

Answer 26

When the body’s internal temperature drops to the point where body systems are affected

Question 27

implied consent

Answer 27

The legal position that assumes that an unconscious, confused, or seriously ill victim would consent to receiving emergency medical services if that person were able to do so

Question 28

incision

Answer 28

An open wound characterized by a smooth, straight cut caused by a sharp object

Question 29

initial survey

Answer 29

A rapid systematic process for detecting life-threatening medical conditions; includes assessment for responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation, control of major bleeding, and treatment for shock

Question 30

insulin

Answer 30

A hormone produced by the pancreas that must be present in the body in order for glucose to pass from the bloodstream into the body’s cells

Question 31

insulin shock

Answer 31

Overly low levels of glucose in the bloodstream; hypoglycemia

Question 32

laceration

Answer 32

An open wound characterized by a jagged-edged wound caused by objects tearing or ripping the skin

Question 33

mild airway obstruction

Answer 33

When the victim indicates an airway problem (i.e., choking) but is able to speak or cough

Question 34

occlusive dressing

Answer 34

A nonporous dressing used to cover a wound and create an air-tight seal

Question 35

open wound

Answer 35

Any injury where the skin has been broken, exposing the tissue underneath

Question 36

paradoxical breathing

Answer 36

When both sides of the chest do not move in a synchronized manner

Question 37

penetrating puncture

Answer 37

Open wound with only an entrance wound; can be shallow or deep

Question 38

perforating puncture

Answer 38

Open wound with an entrance wound and an exit wound

Question 39

perfusion

Answer 39

The continued flow of blood through the capillaries supplying the tissues and organs of the body with oxygen and removing waste products

Question 40

prone

Answer 40

face down

Question 41

puncture

Answer 41

An open wound characterized by a deep wound through the skin and other tissue

Question 42

respiratory arrest

Answer 42

Complete cessation of breathing

Question 43

respiratory failure

Answer 43

The inability to intake oxygen, to the point where life cannot be sustained

Question 44

second-degree burn

Answer 44

Damage to the epidermis and dermis, as known as partial thickness

Question 45

severe airway obstruction

Answer 45

When a victim is unconscious and unable to breath after the airway has been opened and a finger sweep performed, or conscious but unable to speak, cough, or breathe

Question 46

shock

Answer 46

A life-threatening condition caused by inadequate tissue perfusion

Question 47

supine

Answer 47

On the victim’s back (face up)

Question 48

thermal burn

Answer 48

Burn caused by direct heat

Question 49

third-degree burn

Answer 49

Damage to the epidermis, dermis, and into fatty layer and muscle beneath the skin also known as full thickness burn

Question 50

frostbite

Answer 50

Freezing of tissue below the skin surface