Medical Terminology Flashcards
C-Spine
Cervical Spine region, (C1-C7)
-ectomy
surgical removal (e.g. tonsillectomy)
Epigastric Region
Upper central region of the abdomen
Fontanel
Soft-spot of infant’s skull
-itis
inflammation (e.g. appendicitis)
-scopy
viewing with a scope (e.g. colonoscopy)
L-Spine
Lumbar Spine region, (L1-L5)
Suprapubic Region
Lower central region of the abdomen
auscultation
listening with a stethoscope
Fluctuating vs. Intermittent
Fluctuating - Sx always present, but varying in intensity without resolving
Intermittent - Sx completely resolve sometimes but continue to return.
baseline
the normal state of being for each specific patient
benign
normal, of no danger to health
catheter
Tube inserted into vessels or body cavities to permit injection or withdrawal of fluids or to keep passage open
Paroxysmal
Occasional, sporadic, transient
differential diagnosis
the diseases that a physician is considering as the reason for the patient’s symptoms
Transient
Resolving spontaneously after onset
FHx
Family History, the part of the patient history listing diseases and health conditions within the patient’s family.
grossly
obviously; a lot; wholly
hemorrhage
excessive or profuse bleeding
infarct
area of dead tissue after a lack of blood supply (e.g. myocardial infarction)
R/o
Rule out
Review of Symptoms (ROS)
The part of the chart containing the symptoms a patient has or does not have, grouped by body/organ system. This section is subjective.
ischemia
lack of blood supply to a specific area
palpation
examine by touch
affect
the expressed or observed emotional and social responses
auditory hallucinations
hearing voices, noises, music, or sounds that are not actually real
depressed
appearing sad, unhappy
S/p
Status post (a procedure or event)
SHx
Social History, the part of a patient’s history listing substance use, occupation, diet, exercise, living situation, marital status, etc.
flat affect
lack of normal interactions, monotone, unemotional
homicidal ideation
thoughts of killing another person
suicidal ideation
thoughts of killing oneself
tangential thoughts
though processes that do not follow normal or logical progressions
Sx
Symptoms
visual hallucinations
seeing objects, people, or things that do not actually exist
Tx
Treatment
UTD
Up to Date
aphasic
absence of the ability to neurologically generate or understand language. Either inability to create words or inability to understand spoken words
WNL
Within Normal Limits (normal, not concerning)
ataxia
loss of coordination
cephalgia
headache
epilepsy
seizure disorder
Abcess
A collection of pus underneath the skin
Appendicitis
Dangerous infection of the appendix
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joints
facial asymmetry
dropping of one side of the face indicating neurological damage
Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
Arryhthmia characterized by irregularly contracting atria, often rapidly.
hemiparesis
weakness of one half of the body
hemiplegia
paralysis of one half of the body
loss of consciousness (LOC)
passing out
meningitis
infection of the meninges, the outer lining of of the brain and spinal cord
Bell’s Palsy
Localized facial nerve dysfunction causing facial droop and numbness
moves all extremities (MAEx4)
the patients moves their arms and legs normally, indicating normal motor function
Bronchitis
Inflammation/infection of the bronchi (upper airway)
normal DTRs
normal deep tendon reflexes, rated as 2/4
oriented x3
oriented to person, place, and time
CA
Cancer, Carcinoma
paresthesia
abnormal tactile sensation often described as tingling, numbness, or pinpricking
Cellulitis
Inflammation of the skin cells
CVA
Cerebrovascular Accident, AKA stroke. Blood flow to the brain is restricted by a clot or hemorrhage causing neurological damage and dysfunction.
postictal
the state of somnolence and decreased responsiveness after a seizure
syncope
passing out, LOC or fainting
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gall bladder
vertigo
room-spinning dizziness (not light-headed)
Cholelithiasis
Production of gall stones
abrasian
scrape of the skin due to something abrasive
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a chronic inflammation of the lungs that obstructs airflow
avulsion
a forcible pulling away of a part or structure
CRF
Chronic Renal Failure, a decrease in the kidney’s capacity to filter waste and fluid from the blood
cyanosis
blue color of the skin due to lack of oxygen
diaphoresis
sweating
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation or infection of the outer layer of the eye
ecchymosis
bruising
CABG
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, a heart surgery done to open blood flow to the heart in the coronary arteries if blocked/obstructed.
eczematous rash
dry, scaly skin consistent with eczema
edema
swelling
erythema/erythematous
redness/red
fascia
fibrous membrane of connective tissue supporting and separating muscles and body organs
fluctuance
palpable fluid beneath the skin indicative of infection/pus
CAD
Coronary Artery Disease, Buildup of plaque in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
hematoma
raised area with underlying blood which occurs in tissue resulting from ruptured blood vessels
Costochondritis
Inflammation of the rib cartilage
incision and drainage (I&D)
procedure used to drain and abscess to relieve pain and speed healing
Croup
Viral infection of the upper airway with a barking cough and often stridor
DVT
Deep Venous Thrombosis, a blood clot formed deep in the body, typically the leg
induration
hardened area of tissue; soft tissue that becomes extremely firm
keloid
hypertrophic scar; raised scar
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin
laceration
splitting of the skin due to trauma (a cut due to something sharp)
Diverticulitis
Acute inflammation of the diverticula pouches
maculopapular rash
a rash that is both raised and red
Ectopic Pregnancy
Egg developing/implanted outside of the uterus; extremely dangerous due to risk of rupture
mottled
patchy skin color due to poor blood circulation
pallor
pale skin typically due to anemia
Endometriosis
Presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside of the uterus
papular
raised bumps
petechial rash
red or purple discolorations on the skin that do not blanch (lighten) on applying pressure (a sign of meningitis)
Gastroenteritis
General term for inflammation of the GI tract
GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, AKA acid reflux. Occurs when stomach acid or food and fluids back up into the esophagus
pitting edema
edema that retains an imprint when touched
pruritic
itchy
purulence/purulent
pus/pus-like
Gout
A type of arthritis characterized by uric acid crystallizing in the joints
serosanguinous
consisting of serum and blood
subungual
BENEATH NAIL
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver
tenting
slow return of the skin to its normal position after being pinched, a sign of either dehydration or aging, or both
IDDM
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, AKA Type 1 Diabetes.
Lymphangitis
Inflammation of a lymphatic vessel, appears as red streaking
turgor
skin elasticity (poor turgor is a sign of dehydration or age)
ulcerations
blisters or open sores
Multiple Sclerosis
MS, autoimmune demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
urticarial rash/wheals
a patchy red, raised rash, consistent with allergic reactions
MI
Myocardial infarction, death of cardiac muscle due to prolonged ischemia. AKA heart attack
vesicular rash
vesicles; fluid filled blisters (e.g. herpes)
arthralgias
joint aches
Nephrolithiasis/renal calculi
Kidney stone
atrophic
showing signs of tissue degradation or breakdown
NIDDM
Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, AKA Type 2 Diabetes.
bony tenderness
tenderness of the bone indicative of a fracture
Otitis externa
Infection of the outer ear (Ear canal)
deformity
visual abnormality of a bone or anatomical structure
OM
Otitis Media, Infection of the inner ear (Behind the TM)
dislocation
disconnected joint; complete misalignment of the joint
fracture (Fx)
broken bone
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas
kyphosis
hunchback, rounded thoracic convexity of the spine
PID
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, inflammation of a woman’s reproductive organs
malleolus
bony prominence on each side of the ankle (medial malleolus and lateral malleolus)
PUD
Peptic ulcer disease, ulcers develop in the stomach causing pain and emesis
Pericarditis
Inflammation or infection of the pericardium, the protective membrane surrounding the heart
myalgia
muscular pain
PVD
Peripheral vascular disease, causes narrowing, blockage, or spasming of peripheral blood vessels
paraspinal tenderness
tenderness of the muscles beside the spine
range of motion (ROM)
capability of a joint to go through its complete spectrum of movements
Pharyngitis
Throat infection/inflammation
Pneumonia
Infiltration or infection inside of the lung tissue
vertebral point-tenderness
tenderness directly over the spine (vertebrae), increased likelihood of fracture
PTX
Pneumothorax, presence of air or gas in the pleural space; a collapsed lung
Psoriasis
Autoimmune skin disease the causes dry, scaly, red, itchy patches of skin
PE
Pulmonary Embolism, blockage of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches due to a translocated clot
adnexal tenderness
tenderness of the ovaries during the pelvic exam indicative of ovarian cyst or torsion
Pyelonephritis
Inflammation of the kidneys
Sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve causing back pain with radiation to posterior leg
c-section
cesarean section
cervical os
the opening of the cervix; always will be closed unless passing tissue from the cervix
Sepsis
Dangerous infection of the blood, bacteria within the blood stream
Sinusitis
Infection/inflammation of the sinuses
CVA tenderness
costovertebral angle tenderness; tenderness over the kidneys
dysmenorrhea
painful menstruation
dysuria
painful urination
Tinea
Fungal rash
TIA
Transient ischemic Attack, AKA mini-stroke. Neurological function is regained completely over time.
foley catheter
a tube inserted through the urethra to drain urine, often left in place
frequency
urinating often
URI
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, an infection of the upper airway (sinuses, throat, lungs, or airways.
G/P/Ab
gravida (the # of times pregnant)/para(the # of live children born)/abortion(# of failed pregnancies)
BMP
Basic Metabolic Panel, blood test measuring 8 different substances to eval kidney function, fluid and electrolyte balance, blood sugar levels, acid/base balance, and metabolism
gravid
the state of being pregnancy; appearing pregnant
hematuria
blood in the urine
intrauterine pregnancy (IUP)
when a fertilized egg implants and starts to develop within the uterus, where it is supposed to be
CXR
Chest X-Ray
last normal menstrual period (LMP)
last time they had a menstrual period
CBC
Complete Blood Count. A blood test used to evaluate overall health and detect a wide range of disorders including anemia, infection, and leukemia.
-w/ Diff: Includes specific counts of immune lymphocytes, granulocytes, and phagocytes
-w/ peripheral smear: evals number and appearance of RBCs.
OB/GYN
obstetrics and gynecology
spotting
passing very small amounts of blood from the vagina
urgency
abrupt onset of urge to urinate
dyspepsia
indigestion
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
emesis
vomiting
hematemesis
gross amounts of blood in the vomit
hematochezia
bright red blood in the stool
CMP
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. Measures BMP + LFTs and Kidney Function.
hepatomegaly
enlarged liver
hernia
protrusion of part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a weak area of muscle
CT
Computer Assisted Tomography. An X-ray providing cross sectional scans of the body.
McBurney’s point
RLQ point tenderness indicative of appendicitis
melena
black tarry stool indicative of an upper GI bleed
Murphy’s sign
pain with palpation of the RUP during a deep breath, indicative of cholecystitis
H&H
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, two chemicals measured to evaluate anemia
N/V/D
nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
organomegaly
enlarged organ
peritoneal signs (rebound, guarding, or rigidity)
signs indicative of acute abdominal inflammation (peritonitis)
UA
Urinalysis, used to detect a variety of disorders including infection, kidney and liver dysfunction, diabetes, etc.
Abx
Antibiotics
splenomegaly
enlarged spleen
ASA
Aspirin
BID
Twice Daily
bradypnea
decreased respiratory rate
IM
Intramuscular
NKDA
No Known Drug Allergies
NSAID
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drug
clear to auscultation (CTA)
no abnormal sounds when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope
PO
Per os (by mouth)
PRN
As needed
QHS
At bedtime
QID
Taken four times a day
dyspnea
difficulty/labored breathing, shortness of breath
Rx
Prescription
TID
Three times a day
dyspnea on exertion (DOE)
feeling short of breath during very light exercise (E.g. walking)
Afebrile
Not having a fever
Ambulatory
Able to move around, not confined to bed
Cachectic
Extremely skinny, bony, malnourished
hemoptysis
coughing up gross amounts of blood
Constitutional
The general appearance and nature of a patient
hypoxia
low oxygen saturation of the body, not enough oxygen in the blood
Distress
A patient’s inability to tolerate their body-state, No Acute Distress (NAD) commonly written for comfortable patients.
pleurisy
general terms for pain with breathing
rales
crackles; wet crackling heard in the lungs, typically due to pneumonia or CHF
Lethargic
Septic, very sick, about to die.
rhonchi
sounds of mucous rolling around the bronchioles/bronchi
Malaise
Generalized discomfort or weakness
shortness of breath (SOB)
air hunger, difficulty breathing, or breathlessness
Non-toxic
Appearing stable and at no risk of deterioration
sputum
any mixed matter with the saliva that is passed through the mouth
Sommnolent
Appearing drowsy
Unkempt
Poorly kept hygiene
Well developed
Normal state of mental and physical development
Cornea
Transparent covering of the eye in front of the iris and pupil
stridor
upper airway noise; common sign in croup
tachypnea
increased respiratory rate
wheezing
high pitched sound heard in the lungs with asthmatics or lung disease
Aneurysm
Localized ballooning of a vessel due to a weakened vessel wall
EOMI
Extraocular movements intact
Fundoscopic exam
Examination of the interior surface of the posterior eye using an ophthalmoscope
Arrhythmia
irregular heartbeat
Artery
blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart, muscular, contractile
Nystagmus
Involuntary “shaking” eye movements
Ophthalmalgia
Pain in the eye
bradycardia
slow heart rate (HR<60)
Pale conjunctiva
Pale inner aspect of the eyelid most often due to anemia
cardiomegaly
enlarged heart
coronary artery
artery that supplies the heart with blood
Periorbital ecchymosis
Bruising around the eyes, indicative of trauma
dorsalis pedis pulse
pulse that is palpable on the dorsum (top) of foot
Photophobia
Light sensitivity
murmur
abnormal heart sound rated on a 1-6 scale
PERRL
Pupils equal round and reactive to light
Scleral icterus
Yellowing of the sclera due to jaundice
normal sinus rhythm (NSR)
the rhythm of a healthy heart
Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Blood in the white part of the eye
Palpitation
to beat rapidly, irregularly, or forcibly (usually related to the heart)
Cerumen
Wax
pulse exam
carotid, brachial, radial, femoral popliteal, dorsalis pedis (DP) or posterior tibia (PT)
Dentition
Teeth
Dry mucosa
Dry tongue, mouth, lips, indicative of dehydration
Edentulous
Without teeth
regular rate and rhythm (RRR)
normal heart sounds with a regular rate (60-100 bpm)
Epistaxis
Nose bleed
Gingiva
Gums
Nare
Nostril
stenosis
narrowing of a body opening or passage
Oropharynx
The back of the mouth where it meets the throat
tachycardia
fast heart rate (HR>100 bpm)
Otalgia
Ear pain
Pharyngeal erythema
redness of the pharynx, indicating a throat infection
thrombus
blood clot or blockage
Rhinorrhea
Runny nose
vein
vessel carrying blood towards the heart, soft, compressible.
Tinnitus
Ringing ears
Carotid bruit
whooshing blood flow heart with auscultation (carotid narrowing or plaque)
TM Erythema
Redness of the TM often due to infection
Tonsillar exudate
Pus on the tonsils, indicating infection
lymphadenopathy
enlarged lymph nodes
T&A
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
meningismus
stiff neck/signs of meningitis
supple
flexible, not-stiff
thyromegaly
enlarged thyroid
jugular vein distention (JVD)
jugular vein distention, sign of heart dysfunction
TM
Tympanic Membrane, AKA the ear drum