med term Flashcards
afebrile
without a fever
constitutional/general
level 1
auscultation
listening to sounds produced within the body, usually using a stethoscope
constitutional/general
level 1
baseline
the normal state of being or starting point
constitutional/general
level 1
combative
ready or inclined to fight; aggressively uncooperative
constitutional/general
level 1
constitutional
affecting the whole constitution of the body, not local
constitutional/general
level 1
dehydration
excessive loss of body water; dry lips and mucosa are some of the signs of dehydration
constitutional/general
level 1
differential diagnosis
a disease or condition which the provider thinks could be the cause of a patient’s symptoms; usually ruled-in or ruled-out by testing
constitutional/general
level 1
distress
mental or physical suffering or pain
constitutional/general
level 1
febrile
increased body temperature, with fever, or caused by fever
constitutional/general
level 1
infarct
a localized area of dead tissue resulting from lack of blood supply
constitutional/general
level 1
ischemia
inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body
constitutional/general
level 1
lethargy
extreme fatigue or drowsiness
constitutional/general
level 1
malaise
general feeling of discomfort or illness
constitutional/general
level 1
morbidly obese
extremely overweight; body mass index (BMI) over 40
constitutional/general
level 1
palpable
able to be touched or felt; easily perceived
constitutional/general
level 1
sepsis
the presence of infectious organisms or toxins in the blood
constitutional/general
level 1
somnolent
sleepy or drowsy
constitutional/general
level 1
benign
mild type, or does not threaten health or life
constitutional/general
level 2
cachectic
abnormally thin and malnourished, emaciated
constitutional/general
level 2
hemorrhage
profuse bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel
constitutional/general
level 2
polydipsia
abnormal or excessive thirst, can be indicative of diabetes
constitutional/general
level 2
rhabdomyolysis
the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood; can cause kidney damage
constitutional/general
level 2
rigors
tremors/exaggerated shivering caused by a chill, usually in case of fever
constitutional/general
level 2
acute
new/abrupt onset and duration; the opposite of chronic
symptom timing
level 1
acute on chronic
a sudden exacerbation of chronic symptoms
symptom timing
level 1
chronic
constant or of long duration, opposite of acute
symptom timing
level 1
episodic
symptom that occurs occasionally at irregular intervals
symptom timing
level 1
gradual onset
symptoms that progress slowly from mild to severe symptoms; develop gradually
symptom timing
level 1
intermittent
used to describe symptoms that completely resolved in between returning
symptom timing
level 1
resolved
symptoms are completely gone
symptom timing
level 1
transient
a symptom having a short duration which resolves spontaneously
symptom timing
level 1
waxing and waning
the symptom is always present, never fully resolving but does increase/decrease in severity at times
symptom timing
level 1
atraumatic
not producing injury or damage; important to document for patients who present for injury or pain
head
level 1
Battle’s Sign
discoloration/bruising behind the ears, often associated with a basilar skull fracture
head
level 1
meningitis
inflammation/infection of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain
head
level 1
raccoon eyes
bilateral ecchymosis (bruising) in the periorbital region (around the eyes), suggestive of a basilar skull fracture; also, referred to as periorbital ecchymosis
head
level 1
sinusitis
inflammation/infection of the sinuses, causes sinus pressure
head
level 1
TMJ disorder
can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement
head
level 1
anterior fontanel
anatomical feature of an infant’s skull, also called a soft spot; the anterior fontanel is a space between the frontal and parietal bones which normally closes within 18-24 months
head
level 2
normocephalic
the head is of normal shape and normal size
head
level 2
conjunctival injection
redness in the white part of the eye; indicates inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis)
eyes
level 1
conjunctival exudate
pus-like material in the eyes; usually indicates conjunctivitis
eyes
level 1
corneal abrasion
a scratch to the cornea of the eye; the cornea is the clear, front surface of the eye located directly in front of the colored part of the eye (iris)
eyes
level 1
diplopia
also known as double vision, the simultaneous perception of two images of a single object
eyes
level 1
Fluorescein
An orange dye which is applied to the eye to detect corneal abrasions.
PERRL
Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light
eyes
level 1
photophobia
extreme sensitivity to light
eyes
level 1
proparacaine
local anesthetic, often applied to the eyes in the form of drops
eyes
level 1
slit lamp
a microscope used during eye exams that can detect any small abnormalities
eyes
level 1
anisocoria
condition characterized by unequal pupil sizes
eyes
level 2
chalazion
a small swelling or lump on your eyelid caused by a blocked gland
eyes
level 2
EOMI
Extraocular Movements Intact; refers to the normal movement of the extraocular muscles, which are the muscles that control eye movement
eyes
level 2
nystagmus
involuntary, rapid movement of the eye balls; can be horizontal or vertical
eyes
level 2
pale palpebral conjunctiva
paleness of the inner lining of the eyelid, indicates anemia
eyes
level 2
periorbital ecchymosis
bruising around the eyes, also called raccoon eyes. a skull fracture
eyes
level 2
scleral icterus
yellowing of the sclera, or white part of the eye, due to jaundice
eyes
level 2
subconjunctival hemorrhage
bleeding in the white part of the eye; occurs when a blood vessel breaks underneath the conjunctiva of the eye
eyes
level 2
coloboma
a hole in one of the structures of the eye
eyes
level 3
conjugate gaze
the paired movements of the eyes as they track moving objects
eyes
level 3
fundoscopic exam
use of the ophthalmoscope to examine the eye
eyes
level 3
hyphema
a collection of blood inside the anterior chamber of the eye, between the cornea and the iris; most often caused by trauma to the eye
eyes
level 3
palpebral
of or relating to the eyelids
eyes
level 3
papilledema
optic disc swelling caused by increased intracranial pressure
eyes
level 3
ptosis
drooping or falling of the upper eyelid
eyes
level 3
seidel test
an eye test used to assess the presence of anterior chamber leakage in the cornea
eyes
level 3
strabismus
abnormal alignment of the eyes, the eyes appear to be looking in different directions; esotropia is when one or more eyes turn inwards and exotropia is where one or more eyes turn outwards
eyes
level 3
cauliflower ear
a deformity of the ear caused by blunt trauma or injury that results in a collection of blood or fluid in the outer ear
ears
level 1
cerumen
earwax
ears
level 1
cerumen impaction
the buildup of cerumen in the ear canal to the point of being unable to visualize the TM
ears
level 1
ceruminosis
copious amount of earwax without obstructing the view of the TM
ears
level 1
mastoid
the process of the temporal bone behind the ear
ears
level 1
otitis externa
infection of the ear canal. Also known as swimmer’s ear as this condition is common among swimmers; treated with antibiotic ear drops
ears
level 1
otitis media
infection of the middle ear; common in children and treated with PO antibiotics
ears
level 1
pinna
the external part of the ear, also called auricle
ears
level 1
tinnitus
ringing or buzzing in the ears
ears
level 1
TM
Tympanic Membrane; also known as the eardrum
ears
level 1
TM bulging
protruding or outward curve of the TM; usually indicates pressure, inflammation, or fluid behind the TM
ears
level 1
TM erythema
redness of the tympanic membrane, usually indicates an ear infection (otitis media)
ears
level 1
friable
easily broken into smaller pieces
ears
level 2
hemotympanum
blood behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum), usually caused by trauma to the head and may indicate a skull fracture
ears
level 2
otalgia
ear ache/pain
ears
level 2
TM dullness
loss of light reflection of the tympanic membrane, usually indicates ear infection
ears
level 2
TM perforation
a hole or break in the tympanic membrane
ears
level 2
boggy mucosa
swollen nasal turbinates
nose
level 1
deviated septum
when the nasal septum is off center, or crooked, sometimes making breathing difficult
nose
level 1
epistaxis
nose bleed
nose
level 1
naris
a nostril (singular), plural form is nares
nose
level 1
rhinorrhea
clear nasal drainage, also referred to as a runny nose
nose
level 1
septal hematoma
a collection of blood within the septum of the nose, usually occurs due to trauma to the nose; septal hematomas are always drained because failure to drain them can lead to avascular necrosis of the septal cartilage
nose
level 1
turbinates
a network of bones, vessels and tissue within the nasal passageways which are responsible for warming, humidifying, and filtering the air we breathe
nose
level 1
cobblestoning
a lumpy appearance of the oropharynx
throat
level 1
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
throat
level 1
nasopharynx
the upper part of the pharynx (throat), connecting with the nasal cavity
throat
level 1
oropharynx
portion of the pharynx (throat) which starts at the back of the mouth
throat
level 1
peritonsillar abscess
an abscess, collection of pus, near the tonsil
throat
level 1
pharyngitis
inflammation of the pharynx; usually indicates infection of the throat
throat
level 1
patent airway
an airway which is open and clear
throat
level 2
pharyngeal erythema
redness of the pharynx (throat)
throat
level 2
tonsillar edema
swelling of the tonsils
throat
level 2
tonsillar exudate
white material or pus present on the tonsils; usually indicates pharyngitis or strep throat
throat
level 2
tonsillar hypertrophy
enlarged tonsils
throat
level 2
uvula midline
the uvula is in the normal position in the oropharynx, not shifted or deviated
throat
level 2
halitosis
bad/foul smelling breath
mouth/dental
level 1
sublingual edema
swelling to the area below the tongue which can indicate Ludwig’s angina, an infection of the floor of the mouth; Ludwig’s angina may lead to difficulty breathing and airway blockage due to the swelling
mouth/dental
level 1
trismus
inability to open the mouth completely, usually due to stiffness or spasms of the jaw muscles
mouth/dental
level 1
aphthous ulcer
also called canker sores; small, shallow, lesions that develop inside the mouth
mouth/dental
level 2
caries
decay of bone or tooth, cavities
mouth/dental
level 2
edentulous
lacking any teeth
mouth/dental
level 2
gingival edema
swelling of the gums (gingiva)
mouth/dental
level 2
thrush
a yeast infection of the tongue and lining of the mouth
mouth/dental
level 2
cheilosis
dry scaling and fissuring of the lips
mouth/dental
level 3
malocclusion
abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth, concerning for jaw fracture
mouth/dental
level 3
ptyalism
excess production of saliva
mouth/dental
level 3
xerostomia
the subjective feeling of oral dryness, dry mouth
mouth/dental
level 3
C-Spine
Cervical spine (neck), C1-C7
neck
level 1
Jugular Vein Distention (JVD)
this is bulging of the external jugular vein which indicates increased blood volume and usually congestive heart failure (CHF)
neck
level 1
nuchal rigidity
impaired neck flexion due to stiffness of neck
neck
level 1
supple
capable of moving and bending without difficulty, not stiff
neck
level 1
lymphadenopathy
enlargement or swelling of lymph nodes
neck
level 2
meningismus
an accumulation of signs and symptoms (e.g. headache and neck stiffness) suggestive of meningitis
neck
level 2
thyromegaly
enlarged thyroid
neck
level 2
trachea midline
the trachea is in the center of the neck and not deviated to one side; deviation to either side would suggest a pneumothorax
neck
level 2
Brudzinkski’s Sign
positive when flexing a patient’s neck forward causes them to flex their hip and knees or it causes them pain; a positive test indicates meningitis.
neck
level 3
carotid bruit
audible sound of turbulent blood flow heard over the carotid artery during auscultation; indicates narrowing of the artery
neck
level 3
Kernig’s Sign
performed by flexing the patient’s hip to 90 degrees then extending their knee; if pain is elicited during the test, the test is positive; a positive test indicates meningitis
neck
level 3
A-fib (Atrial Fibrillation)
irregular beating of the atria; can cause pooling of blood in the heart which can then lead to formation of a blood clot; noted as an irregularly irregular rhythm upon physical exam
cardiovascular
level 1
A-flutter (Atrial Flutter)
well organized but overly-rapid beating of the atria
cardiovascular
level 1
aneurysm
a localized widening of an artery or vein due to the vessel wall being weakened
cardiovascular
level 1
angina
chest pain due to ischemia (lack of oxygen) of the heart muscle
cardiovascular
level 1
arrhythmia
irregular heartbeat
cardiovascular
level 1
artery
blood vessel which carries blood away from the heart to the body
cardiovascular
level 1
bradycardia
heart rate which is slower than normal, less than 60 beats per minute for the average adult; physically fit individuals (like runners) may have a resting heart rate which is normally below 60 bpm
cardiovascular
level 1
EKG/ECG (Electrocardiogram)
measurement of the electrical activity of the heart
cardiovascular
level 1
embolism
obstruction of a blood vessel, typically by a blood clot or air bubble
cardiovascular
level 1
hypertension
repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding or equal to a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg
cardiovascular
level 1
hypotension
low blood pressure, systolic pressure less than 90 mmHg or a diastolic pressure less than 60 mmHg
cardiovascular
level 1
MI (Myocardial Infarction)
death of cardiac muscle due to ischemia (inadequate blood supply to the heart); a heart attack
cardiovascular
level 1
murmur
abnormal heart sound which is rated on a scale of 1-6
cardiovascular
level 1
palpitations
a feeling or sensation of rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat
cardiovascular
level 1
pericarditis
inflammation of the pericardium, the saclike membrane surrounding the heart
cardiovascular
level 1
PVC
premature ventricular contraction, visible on an EKG
cardiovascular
level 1
regular rate
heart rate which is between 60 and 100 beats per minute
cardiovascular
level 1
regular rhythm
the heart is in Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR)
cardiovascular
level 1
STEMI
ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction; a heart attack diagnosed when the EKG shows ST segment elevation
cardiovascular
level 1
stent
a small tube which is used to treat narrow or weak arteries; used to treat coronary artery disease
cardiovascular
level 1
SVT
Supraventricular Tachycardia; rapid heartbeat which develops due to a malfunction of the electrical system of the heart
cardiovascular
level 1
tachycardia
heart rate which is faster than normal, faster than 100 beats per minute
cardiovascular
level 1
thrombus
blood clot within a blood vessel which is impeding blood flow
cardiovascular
level 1
vein
vessel carrying blood towards the heart
cardiovascular
level 1
V-fib (Ventricular fibrillation)
very rapid, uncoordinated fluttering contractions of the ventricles of the heart, requires immediate electrical cardioversion
cardiovascular
level 1
aortic aneurysm
an enlargement or bulging of the aorta, usually due to weakening of the aortic wall; associated with an increased risk for an aortic dissection
cardiovascular
level 2
aortic dissection
condition in which the arterial wall of the aorta splits or tears; can lead to death if not treated immediately; patients usually complain of a tearing sensation/pain in their back
cardiovascular
level 2
cardiac catheterization
procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions such as narrowed or blocked blood vessels
cardiovascular
level 2
claudication
pain caused by too little blood flow, generally affecting the leg during exercise
cardiovascular
level 2
cardiomegaly
enlarged heart
cardiovascular
level 2
echocardiogram
ultrasound of the heart, used to examine movement of the heart
cardiovascular
level 2
gallop
presence of an extra third or fourth heart sound resembling the sound of a galloping horse
cardiovascular
level 2
myocarditis
inflammation of the heart muscle
cardiovascular
level 2
NSTEMI
Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, a heart attack not seen on the EKG which is diagnosed by an elevated troponin level in the blood
cardiovascular
level 2
PAC
Premature atrial contraction, can be visualized on an EKG
cardiovascular
level 2
accessory muscle use/abdominal breathing
using muscles of the abdomen and shoulder girdle to breath, indicates increased work of breathing and respiratory distress
pulmonary/chest
level 1
bronchitis
inflammation of the bronchi, typically causes bronchospasm and coughing
pulmonary/chest
level 1
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow; typically caused by smoking.
pulmonary/chest
level 1
croup
infection of the larynx and trachea in children which is usually associated with a barking cough and/or stridor
pulmonary/chest
level 1
dyspnea
shortness of breath, labored or difficult breathing
pulmonary/chest
level 1
hemoptysis
coughing up blood or bloody sputum; could indicate a pulmonary embolism or active TB
pulmonary/chest
level 1
orthopnea
shortness of breath which occurs when lying flat; associated with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
pulmonary/chest
level 1
pneumothorax
the presences of air or gas within the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall, causing collapse of the lung
pulmonary/chest
level 1
pneumonia
infection (infiltrate) in the lung tissue causing lung inflammation, cough, and fever
pulmonary/chest
level 1
PND (Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea)
attacks of severe SOB and coughing which occur at night and usually wakens a person from sleep
pulmonary/chest
level 1
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
an obstruction of blood vessels in the lung usually due to a blood clot; risk factors include: recent travel (via plane or long car ride), hormone use (i.e. birth control), h/o of blood clots, recent surgery/trauma
pulmonary/chest
level 1
splinting
reduced inspiratory effort; avoiding deep inspirations due to increased pain with breathing
pulmonary/chest
level 1
sputum
mucous secretion from the lungs which is coughed up
pulmonary/chest
level 1
tachypnea
increased rate of breathing, faster than 20 breaths/minute in an adult
pulmonary/chest
level 1
wheezing
abnormal whistling sound heard when auscultating the lungs; commonly associated with asthma
pulmonary/chest
level 1
nasal flaring
outward movement of the nostrils with breathing; indicates increased work of breathing and respiratory distress
pulmonary/chest
level 2
pectus excavatum
a condition in which the person’s breastbone is sunken into the chest
pulmonary/chest
level 2
rales
abnormal rattling sound heard when auscultating the lungs; also called crackles
pulmonary/chest
level 2
retractions
visible sinking of the chest wall during inhalation; indicates increased work of breathing and respiratory distress; medical emergency in pediatric cases
pulmonary/chest
level 2
rhonchi
abnormal coarse rattling sound heard when auscultating the lungs
pulmonary/chest
level 2
stridor
a harsh vibrating noise heard in the upper airway when breathing; usually a sign of airway blockage
pulmonary/chest
level 2
cholecystitis
inflammation of the gallbladder, usually results in surgical removal (cholecystectomy)
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
cirrhosis
disease of the liver characterized by irreversible scarring affecting the way the liver functions
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
diffuse
not local, generalized
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
distended
swollen, enlarged, and bloated, usually due to internal pressure
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
diverticulitis
inflammation of the diverticula (small outpouchings) in the colon
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
emesis
vomiting
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
guarding
contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall upon palpation
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
hematemesis
vomiting blood
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
hematochezia
bright red blood in the stool
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
hernia
protrusion of a tissue through the wall of the cavity in which the tissue is normally contained
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
pancreatitis
inflammation of the pancreas
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
peritonitis
inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
rebound
physical exam finding in which pain is felt after releasing the hand from palpating the abdomen, indicates peritonitis
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
rigidity
an abnormally hard/stiff abdomen upon palpation, not soft
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 1
CVA tenderness
costovertebral angle tenderness; pain is elicited by percussion of the area of the back overlying the kidney
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
hepatomegaly
enlarged liver
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
hyperperistalsis
hyperactive bowel sounds (increased)
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
hypoperistalsis
hypoactive bowel sounds (decreased)
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
McBurney’s Point
a point in the right lower abdomen, 1/3 of the distance from the anterior iliac crest to the umbilicus, which corresponds to the appendix; tenderness over this spot is concerning for appendicitis
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
Murphy’s Sign
a test for gallbladder disease which is considered positive when a patient has pain during inspiration while palpating the RUQ, usually indicates cholecystitis
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
Obturator Sign
physical exam finding in which right lower quadrant pain is elicited with internal rotation of the right leg when the knee and hip are flexed at 90 degrees. Indicates appendicitis
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
organomegaly
enlarged organ
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
Peritoneal Signs
rebound, guarding; indicates peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal cavity)
Psoas Sign
physical exam finding in which right lower abd pain is induced by extension of the right hip; indicates appendicitis
Rovsing’s Sign
physical exam finding in which pressure on the left lower abdomen causes pain in the right lower abdomen; indicates appendicitis
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
splenomegaly
enlarged spleen
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
tympany
a low pitched resonant sound made when percussing the abdomen
abdominal/gastrointestinal
level 2
dysmenorrhea
painful menstruation which typically involves abdominal cramping
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
dyspareunia
painful or difficult sexual intercourse
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
dysuria
pain or burning with urination
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
ectopic pregnancy
a pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube; ectopic pregnancies are dangerous due to risk of rupture and usually require surgery
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
epididymitis
an inflammation of the small, coiled, tube at the back of the testicle (epididymis)
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
frequency
urinating more often than usual
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
hematuria
blood in urine
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
hemorrhoid
swollen veins in the anus or rectum
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
hysterectomy
surgical removal of the uterus
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
impotence
the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse, also called erectile dysfunction
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
nocturia
excessive urinating during the night
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
inflammation of the female genital tract
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
polyuria
producing large volumes of urine
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
testicular torsion
the twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply to the testicles
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
urinary incontinence
unintentional loss of urine; inability to hold urine in the bladder
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
urinary retention
the inability to urinate
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
urgency
sudden compelling urge to urinate
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
vasectomy
surgical procedure for male sterilization in which the male vas deferens are severed then tied
genitourinary (GU)
level 1
adnexal tenderness
tenderness of the ovaries palpated on pelvic exam which usually indicates ovarian cyst
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
Cervical Os
the opening in the center of the cervix which is closed except when tissue is being passed through the cervix
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
cervical motion tenderness
palpated on pelvic exam by moving the cervix, usually suggests Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
endometriosis
condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the uterus; causes pain
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
gravid
the state of being pregnant
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
Gravida, Para, Abortus (G,P,A)
Gravida = # of total pregnancies. Para = # births (carried beyond 20 weeks)
Abortus = # of terminated pregnancies whether induced or spontaneous.
A female who is currently pregnant, has been pregnant 3 times previously and has 2 children at home would have a G4, P2, A1.
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
hydronephrosis
swelling/dilation of the kidney due to obstruction of the ureter, usually caused by a kidney stone
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
nephrolithiasis
condition marked by the presences of kidney stones
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
oophorectomy
surgical removal of one or both of the ovaries
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
ovarian torsion
twisting of the ovary to such a degree the ovarian artery or vein becomes obstructed
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
phimosis
tightening/narrowing of the opening of the foreskin so that it cannot be retracted
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
pyelonephritis
inflammation/infection of the kidneys
genitourinary (GU)
level 2
arthralgia
joint pain
musculoskeletal
level 1
Boxer’s Fracture
fracture of the 5th or 4th metacarpal bone
musculoskeletal
level 1
deformity
visual abnormality of a bone
musculoskeletal
level 1
dislocation
displacement of a bone from a joint, misalignment of the joint
musculoskeletal
level 1
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, usually within the lower leg
musculoskeletal
level 1
edema
swelling caused by excess fluid collection
musculoskeletal
level 1
gout
form of arthritis (joint inflammation) caused by formation of uric acid crystals
musculoskeletal
level 1
joint
junction or union of two or more bones
musculoskeletal
level 1
ligament
a tough band of tissue connecting bones together
musculoskeletal
level 1
myalgia
muscle pain
musculoskeletal
level 1
ROM
Range of Motion, the full movement potential of a joint
musculoskeletal
level 1
sciatica
pain radiating from the lower back down one or both legs, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve; a form of radiculopathy
musculoskeletal
level 1
Anterior/Posterior Drawer Test
a physical examination used to test the stability of the knee’s ACL and PCL
musculoskeletal
level 2
arthritis
painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints
musculoskeletal
level 2
calf tenderness
tenderness when palpating the calf, may indicate a DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
musculoskeletal
level 2
costochondritis
inflammation of the cartilage which connects a rib to the sternum
musculoskeletal
level 2
crepitus
the crackling, crunching, or grinding sound or sensation when palpating a body part
musculoskeletal
level 2
fracture
broken bone
musculoskeletal
level 2
malleolus
bony projection on each side of the ankle (lateral or medial)
musculoskeletal
level 2
osteomyelitis
inflammation or infection of bone
musculoskeletal
level 2
paraspinal tenderness
tenderness of the muscles on either side of the spine
musculoskeletal
level 2
radiculopathy
collection of symptoms produced by a pinched or compressed nerve root
musculoskeletal
level 2
Snuff Box
a triangular indentation seen on the radial, dorsal aspect of the hand (back of the hand on the thumb side) when the thumb is extended; tenderness over this area indicates likely scaphoid fracture even if a fracture is not visualized on xray
musculoskeletal
level 2
step-offs
deformity/misalignment of the spine felt on palpation, indicates spinal fracture
musculoskeletal
level 2
Straight Leg Raise (SLR)
positive when pain is elicited when the provider lifts the patient’s leg above the horizontal level while the patient is laying on their back; usually indicates sciatica or herniated disc
musculoskeletal
level 2
Varus and Valgus Stress Test
applying stress to the lateral or medial aspect of the knee to assess damage in the MCL and LCL
musculoskeletal
level 2
avulsion fracture
fracture which occurs when a fragment of bone tears away from the main mass of bone
musculoskeletal
level 3
clubbing
swelling of the soft tissue of the distal portion of the fingers and toes causing nail changes, usually associated with lung disease
musculoskeletal
level 3
comminuted fracture
break or splinter of the bone into more than two fragments
musculoskeletal
level 3
compound fracture
a fracture in which the bone pierces the skin; an open fracture, results in an increased risk of infection
musculoskeletal
level 3
impacted fracture
fracture in which a broken bone is wedged into another bone
musculoskeletal
level 3
spiral fracture
fracture which occurs when a rotating force is applied to the bone, the line of the fracture appears helical
musculoskeletal
level 3
subluxation
partial dislocation of a joint
musculoskeletal
level 3
tenosynovitis
inflammation of the tendon sheath, usually seen in the hands and wrists
musculoskeletal
level 3
transverse fracture
a break in the bone which runs perpendicularly across the bone
musculoskeletal
level 3
abrasion/excoriation
scraping or rubbing away of the upper layer of the skin
skin, hair, nails
level 1
abscess
an accumulation of pus underneath the skin
skin, hair, nails
level 1
cyanosis
the bluish discoloration of the skin, caused by lack of oxygen to that area
skin, hair, nails
level 1
diaphoresis
sweating
skin, hair, nails
level 1
ecchymosis
bruising; the escape of blood into tissues
skin, hair, nails
level 1
erythema
abnormal redness of the skin
skin, hair, nails
level 1
Herpes Simplex
viral skin disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV); type 1 is oral herpes which causes typically cold sores around the mouth and lip; type 2 is genital herpes which typically causes sores around the genitals or rectum
skin, hair, nails
level 1
Herpes Zoster
shingles; painful, localized, blistering skin rash
skin, hair, nails
level 1
laceration
a cut or linear wound of the skin
skin, hair, nails
level 1
pallor
pale color of the skin; paleness
skin, hair, nails
level 1
pitting edema
swelling which retains an impression when touched
skin, hair, nails
level 1
pruritic
itchy
skin, hair, nails
level 1
psoriasis
chronic disease characterized by dry, red patches of skin covered in white/silvery scales
skin, hair, nails
level 1
purulent
pertaining to pus, containing pus or pus-like
skin, hair, nails
level 1
tenting
the skin is slow to return to its normal position after being pinched, indicates dehydration
skin, hair, nails
level 1
dehiscence
splitting apart or separation of the skin, usually along suture lines
skin, hair, nails
level 2
fluctuance
palpable fluid underneath the skin which usually indicates pus collection
skin, hair, nails
level 2
hematoma
localized swelling filled with blood, resulting from ruptured blood vessels
skin, hair, nails
level 2
hyperpigmentation
lhe darkening of an area of skin
skin, hair, nails
level 2
induration
hardened area of soft tissue
skin, hair, nails
level 2
lymphangitis
inflammation of the lymphatic vessels which usually appears as red streaking on the skin
skin, hair, nails
level 2
macular
flat, red spots on the skin
skin, hair, nails
level 2
maculopapular rash
a rash characterized by a flat, red area on the skin covered with small, confluent bumps
skin, hair, nails
level 2
papular
small, raised bumps
skin, hair, nails
level 2
serosanguinous
containing both blood and serum
skin, hair, nails
level 2
subungual
beneath the nail
skin, hair, nails
level 2
urticaria
hives; a red, raised, pruritic rash which is usually a sign of an allergic reaction; also called wheals
skin, hair, nails
level 2
vesicles
small, fluid filled blister
skin, hair, nails
levcel 2
macerated
softening of the skin or tissue due to being wet for a prolonged period
skin, hair, nails
level 3
petechiae
pinpoint, flat, round rash which is red or purple in color; does not blanch (lighten) when pressure is applied; caused by ruptured capillaries underneath the skin
skin, hair, nails
level 3
purpura
similar to petechial except larger in size, not pinpoint
skin, hair, nails
level 3
turgor
the degree of elasticity of the skin; poor skin turgor indicates dehydration
skin, hair, nails
level 3
aphasia
impairment of language affecting the production or comprehension of speech due to injury to the brain
neurological
level 1
ataxia
loss of full control of bodily movements; loss of coordination
neurological
level 1
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
stroke; damage to the brain due to interruption of its blood supply caused by hemorrhage or ischemia (occlusion of a vessel or blood clot)
neurological
level 1
dizziness
sensation of unsteadiness; a feeling of movement within the head or as if your surroundings are spinning
neurological
level 1
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
neurological
level 1
dysphasia
difficulty generating or understanding language
neurological
level 1
Grand Mal Seizure
form of epilepsy characterized by tonic-clonic seizures, consists of loss of consciousness and convulsions
neurological
level 1
hemiparesis
weakness of one side of the body
hemiplegia
complete paralysis of one side of the body
neurological
level 1
lightheadedness
feeling faint or near syncope
neurological
level 1
neuralgia
intense, sharp pain along the course of a nerve
neurological
level 1
orientation
awareness of one’s environment, specifically person, place, time, and situation
neurological
level 1
paresthesia
abnormal sensation such as numbness, tingling, or burning
neurological
level 1
postictal
the altered state of consciousness after a seizure
neurological
level 1
pronator drift
test performed on the physical exam in which the patient is asked to hold both arms extended out in front of them at shoulder level with palms upward, eyes closed; if either arm involuntarily moves or drifts, the test is positive
neurological
level 1
seizure
uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain which may produce physical signs such as convulsions
neurological
level 1
status epilepticus
continuous seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or repetitive seizures without regaining consciousness in between
neurological
level 1
syncope
loss of consciousness (LOC); passing out
neurological
level 1
tonic clonic
grand mal seizure
neurological
level 1
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
mini-stroke; a neurological event, generally ischemic in nature, with signs and symptoms of a stroke which resolve within a short period of time
neurological
level 1
vasovagal episode
symptoms of pallor, nausea, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension and at times, syncope, may be invoked by emotional stress associated with fear or pain
neurological
level 1
vertigo
sensation of the room spinning and loss of balance
neurological
level 1
Babinski Sign
occurs when the sole of the foot is firmly stroked causing the big toe to move upwards and the other toes to fan outward; normal sign in infants but suggests brain abnormality if positive in adults
neurological
level 2
Bell’s Palsy
in most cases, a temporary paralysis of the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII) causing drooping and muscular weakness to one side of the face
neurological
level 2
clonus
involuntary muscular contraction and relaxation in rapid succession
neurological
level 2
Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)
test in which the tendon is tapped to determine the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system responsible for the reflex
neurological
level 2
Finger-Nose-Finger
test in which the patient is asked to touch their nose with their index finger then touch the provider’s index finger, then touch their nose again; assesses cerebellar function
neurological
level 2
nystagmus
rapid, involuntary movements of the eyes
neurological
level 2
Romberg’s Sign
a simple test that assesses balance
neurological
level 2
saddle anesthesia
loss of sensation confined to the area of the perineum, buttocks, and inner aspect of the thighs
neurological
level 2
affect
the emotional tone a person expresses
psychiatric
level 1
anxiety reaction
a reaction to a feared situation or object; anxiety attack
psychiatric
level 1
auditory hallucinations
hearing sounds or voices which are not real
psychiatric
level 1
depressed
persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest
psychiatric
level 1
flat affect
a severe reduction in emotional expressiveness; monotone; unemotional
psychiatric
level 1
homicidal ideation
thoughts of harming or killing another person
psychiatric
level 1
insomnia
sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep
psychiatric
level 1
pressured speech
tendency to speak rapidly and frenziedly
psychiatric
level 1
suicidal ideation
thoughts of harming or killing oneself
psychiatric
level 1
tangential thoughts
train of thought of the speaker wanders with lack of focus or logical progressions
psychiatric
level 1
visual hallucinations
seeing people or things which do not actually exist
psychiatric
level 1
withdrawn
not interested or participatory
psychiatric
level 1
abduction
the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body
kinesiology
adduction
the movement of a limb towards the midline of the body
kinesiology
ambulatory
able to walk or move about
kinesiology
anterior (ventral)
toward the front of the body, opposite of posterior
kinesiology
axilla
the armpit
kinesiology
cervical
of or pertaining to the neck or cervix of the uterus
kinesiology
deep
farther from the surface
kinesiology
diffuse
spread out over a large area
kinesiology
distal
situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment
kinesiology
dorsiflexion
backward flexion, flexion of the foot in an upward direction
kinesiology
extension
straightening out of a joint, increasing the angle between the bones of a limb at the joint
kinesiology
external
outside
kinesiology
flexion
bending or movement around a joint that decreases the angle between the bones of a limb at the joint
kinesiology
inferior
situated lower, closer to the feet; opposite of superior
kinesiology
inverted
turned inward
kinesiology
lateral
farther from the middle or center of the body, opposite of medial
kinesiology
medial
closer to the middle or center of the body, opposite of lateral
kinesiology
midline
line which divides the body into left and right halves
kinesiology
palmar or volar
referring to the palm side of the hand or body
kinesiology
plantar
the bottom or sole of the foot
kinesiology
posterior or dorsal
toward the back or rear of the body, opposite of anterior
kinesiology
pronation
rotation of the hand or forearm so that the palm faces backwards or downwards
kinesiology
prone
lying face down with forearms and hands turned palm side down
kinesiology
proximal
situated nearer to the center of the body or point of attachment, opposite of distal
kinesiology
superficial
nearer to the surface
kinesiology
superior
situated higher, closer to the head; opposite of inferior
kinesiology
supination
rotation of the hand or forearm so that the palm faces forward or upwards
kinesiology
supine
lying face up, opposite of prone
kinesiology
