Medical Terminology Flashcards
area between chest and pelvis
abdomen
moving arm or leg away from the body
abduction
hurting a person by treating them badly
abuse
a disease that destroys the immune system leading to death caused by HIV
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
a person can move joints fully on their own
active range of motion (AROM)
activities that people do every day such as bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, etc.
activities of daily living
moving arm or leg to the center of the body
adduction
a person signs a document that makes arrangements for future health care decisions in the event that the person may not be able to make decisions
advanced directive
anxious, nervous
agitated
small pad soaked with disinfectant alcohol used to clean skin
alcohol prep
keeping a straight line
alignment
terminal disease resulting in dementia
Alzheimer Disease
able to walk
ambulatory
removal of all or part of arm, leg, finger, etc.
amputation
pertaining to the anus
anal
chest pain because heart is deprived of oxygen
angina
drugs designed to kill bacteria that cause disease
antibiotics
part of the immune system to identify and fight pathogens such as viruses and bacteria
antibody
cleaning that prevents growth of bacteria
antiseptic
opening in the body from which feces is ereted
anus
unable to speak or understand speech
aphasia
obtaining a pulse by listening through a stethoscope placed over the heart
apical pulse
thickening and hardening of wall of arteries frequently associated with aging
arteriosclerosis
blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
artery
can refer to join pain or joint disease
arthritis
not real
artificial
to be free of disease causing microorganisms
asepsis
inhaling food or fluid into lungs
aspirate
artery disease due to deposits of fatty substances on inner artery walls
atherosclerosis
shriveling, wasting away, weakening
atrophy
underarm area
axillary
a single-celled microorganism
bacteria
touching another person without their permission
battery
pan that resident uses for a bowel movement or passing urine
bedpan
unable to get out of bed
bedridden
muscular sac for storage of urine
bladder
force of blood inside the artery wall; measured at two points - when the heart contracts and when it relaxes
blood pressure
non verbal communication such as posture, grimacing, facial expression, smiles
body language
the way we stand and move our body
body mechanics
place where bones are close to surface of skin
bony prominence
to pass stool as final process of digestion
bowel movement
pulse on the inside of the elbow, above the bend in the elbow
brachial pulse
measured
calibrated
cells that grow out of control spreading and destroying healthy cells
cancer
walking stick used for balance or to support weight
cane
cancers that begin in the cells that make up skin or tissue lining organs. These cancers include skin cancer, prostate, colon, breast, lung, liver, or kidney cancer
carcinoma
lack of heart beat
cardiac arrest
pertaining to the heart
cardiac
done when the patient has no heart beat and respirations. Circulation is maintained by doing chest compressions, and doing mouth to mouth respiration to prevent death of brain cells
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
pulse on either side of neck
carotid pulse
clouding of the lens of the eye
cataract
tube inserted into body opening
catheter
inserting a catheter
catheterization
basic unit of living matter, smallest form of life
cell
brain and spine
central nervous system (CNS)
pertaining to the brain
cerebral
stroke, interruption of blood and oxygen to part of the brain. Caused by a blockage in a blood vessel or a ruptured blood vessel
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
movement of blood through the blood vessels and throughout the body
circulation
obtaining urine sample during middle of urinary stream
clean catch urine specimen
measurement of glucose in urine
clinitest
bone at the base of the spine
coccyx
large bowel or intestines
colon
surgical opening into the colon
colostomy
unconscious state
coma
fighting, striking out or hitting
combative
a movable chair used for toiling with a bed pan in it
commode
disease that can be passed on
communicable
keeping information about resident private
confidentiality
filled with fluid
congested
infrequent passing of hard stool
constipation
spread of infection or disease from person to person
contagious
to make dirty or contaminate with microorganisms
contaminate
become smaller
contract
muscle that becomes shortened due to lack of use
contracture
to remind, prompt or talk someone through an activity
cueing
blur or gray color that appears on nail bed, or lips due to lack of oxygen in the blood
cyanosis
resident sits with their legs over the side of the bed
dangling position
breakdown of tissue, usually over bony prominences when circulation to the area is poor
decubitus ulcer
to have bowel movement, to pass stool
defecate
inadequate intake of fluids
dehydration
impaired mental and intellectual function
dementia
artificial teeth
dentures
grief or sadness
depression
inner layer of skin
dermis
a chronic disease in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin
diabetes mellitus
disease or condition a patient may have as identified by a physician
diagnosis
loose, fluid discharge from the bowel
diarrhea
the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart releases between contractions
diastolic blood pressure
mechanical and chemical breakdown of food that turns food into useable energy source for the body
digestion
object or area contaminated by harmful microorganisms
dirty
loss of ability
disability
destroying most disease-causing organisms
disinfection
confused as to time, date, place, and environment
disoriented
a small bed sheet placed crosswise over the middle of the bottom sheet covering the area between the person’s upper back and thighs. Caregivers standing on each side of the bed can then move patient up in bed by lifting
draw sheet
difficult, painful, or labored breathing
dyspnea
fluid retention resulting in swelling
edema
to expel, to excrete waste products
elimination
a blood clot that travels from one point and lodges in another blood vessel causing a blockage
embolus
police, fire or first aid paramedic response to emergencies
emergency medical service (EMT)
small kidney shaped basin into which resident will vomit or spit
emesis basin
vomitus
emesis
glands that produce hormones that regulate growth, development, metabolism, sleep, sexual function, reproduction, and mood. The 8 major glands include pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid, etc.
endocrine system
introduction of fluid into rectum and colon to relieve constipation
enema
trap door that leads to lungs that prevents food from entering airway
epiglottis
tube for passage of food, from throat into stomach
esophagus
creating air out
exhaling
to spit
expectorate
to straighten an arm or leg
extension
arms and legs
extremities
restarting a persons movements when the resident poses no danger to himself or others
false imprisonment
pertaining to feces
fecal
stool, bowel movement, solid waste material excreted from rectum
feces
elevated temperature
fever
gas expelled from digestive tract
flatus
bending motion
flexion
a form used to document resident information, such as recording ADL’s or vital signs
flow sheet
a tube (catheter) inserted into the bladder to drain urine
Foley catheter
a contracture of the heel cord resulting in shortening of the muscles in the calf of the leg
foot drop
encouraging resident to take in extra fluids as ordered by the physician
force fluids
sitting up in bed position with head of the bed rolled up 45 degrees
Fowler’s position
broken bone
fracture
bedpan with a lower flat end helpful to residents who cannot move easily
fracture pan
belt helpful in transferring residents
gait belt
walk or stride
gait
death of tissue due to either obstructed circulation or bacterial infection
gangrene
stomach and intestinal system; digestive tract
gastrointestinal system (GI)
pertaining to the aged
geriatric
a chair with wheels and a tray that locks in pace
geri-chair
using your hands as communication
gesture
increased pressure in the eyeball
glaucoma
measuring cup marked along the side (calibrated) for measurement of fluids
graduate
roll placed in the hand to prevent hand contraction
hand roll
danger
hazard
written instructions a person may leave as to what they would like done regarding end of life issues in the event they are not able to make these decisions later
health care directives
loss of sensation on one side of the body
hemiparesis
paralysis of one side of the boy
hemiplegia
excessive blood loss
hemorrhage
enlarged being in rectum that causes pain and bleeding
hemorrhoid
inflammation of the liver
hepatitis
human immunodeficiency virus
HIV
balance of all body functions within normal limits
homeostasis
substances secreted by the endocrine glands
hormones
the virus that causes AIDS, resulting in destruction of the immune system
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
adequate fluids
hydration
cleanliness
hygiene
a technique used to dislodge an airway blockage
Heimlich maneuver
high blood sugar
hyperglycemia
high blood pressure
hypertension
low blood sugar
hypoglycemia
abnormally low blood pressure
hypotension
not able to move
immobility
a complex system made up of cells, organs, and tissues that work together to protect the body from disease
immune system
injections or oral vaccines to prevent communicable diseases
immunization
very hard stool that does not move
impaction
lack of control over urine or stool
incontinence
a tube that is put into the bladder to drain urine
indwelling catheter
invasion and multiplication of microorganisms into the body such as viruses and bacteria that are not normally present
infection
a localized reaction in the body with redness, swelling, heat, and pain in response to injury or infection
inflammation
to breathe in
inhalation
amount of fluid taken in and put out
intake and output (I&O)
drawing in air
inspiration
hormone produced by the pancreas which breaks down sugars and starches
insulin
skin
integument
means “within a vein”. Refers to giving medications or fluids through a needle or tube into a vein
intravenous
separation of infectious from non-infectious
isolation
part of body where two bones come together
joints
two organs in the upper back portion of the abdomen that remove waste products from the bloodstream and excrete them as urine
kidneys
to the side of the body
lateral
medication that makes it easier for a resident to pass a bowel movement
laxatives
strong strands of tissue that connect bones together
ligament
turning the resident onto the side, keeping the resident’s head and back in a straight line
logroll
a tumor that spreads and is cancerous
malignant
techniques and procedures to decrease the speed of pathogens
medical asepsis
spread of cancer throughout the body
metastasis
a living thing so small that cannot be seen by a naked eye
microorganism
obtaining a urine sample after the resident starts the stream
midstream
lining inside certain passages of the body such as nose, lungs, rectum, genital area
mucus membrane
heart attack
myocardial infarction (MI)
pertaining to the nose
nasal
a tube from the nose to the stomach used to feed the resident
nasogastric tube (NG tube)
a feeling that you want to vomit
nausea
failure to give care or use precautions which can result in harm or injury to the resident
negligence
the brain, spinal chord, and nerves that control and regulate activities/functions of the body
nervous system
unable to walk
non-ambulatory
without words
nonverbal
taking in and using food for proper function of the body
nutrition
overweight
obese
a federal law that focuses on care of the elderly in long term care facilities
Omnibus Budged Reconciliation Act (OBRA)
noticing change regarding the resident by using your senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell
observation
a person who investigates complaints on behalf of the resident
Ombudsman
a disease that develops in a person who has a diminished immune system
opportunistic disease
having to do with the mouth
oral
a part of the body that performs a certain function such as the heart, stomach, etc.
organ
living thing
organism
loss of calcium from the bones that results in bones fracturing very easily
osteoporosis
surgical opening into the body
ostomy
amount of fluid a resident puts out
output
a gas element required for human life
oxygen
inability to move a body part
paralysis
paralysis of the lower limbs of the body
paraplegia
someone other than the patient moves the joint through its full range
passive range of motion (PROM)
disease causing microorganism
pathogens
area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva
perineum
churning like motion that pushes food through the digestive tract
peristalsis
masks, gloves, gown, etc.
personal protective equipment (PPE)
sweat
perspiration
doctor
physician
acute infection of the lungs
pneumonia
foot doctor
podiatrist
after death
post mortem
in the back
posterior
after surgery
postoperative
also known as decubitus ulcer or bedsore. Breakdown of tissue due to decreased circulation to the area
pressure ulcer
places on the body where bones come close to the surface such as coccyx, heels, elbows
prominences (bony)
a turning down motion
pronation
lying on abdomen
prone
artificial body parts as in arm, hand, legs, feet, eyes
prosthesis
isolation technique utilized to protect the resident form the pathogens in the environment
protective or reverse isolation
having to do with thoughts, feelings and emotions
psychological
emotional, social and spiritual needs
psychosocial
pertains to the lungs
pulmonary
heartbeat
pulse
putting food through the blender or food processor to make it smooth
pureed
paralysis form the neck down, of both arms and legs
quadriplegia
pulse located at the base of the thumb
radial pulse
moving a joint through its normal range
range of motion (ROM)
in the rectum
rectal
techniques used to help a resident regain some of their losses and return to independent functioning
rehabilitation
breathing, one inspiration and one expiration
respiration
isolation to prevent spread of disease causing organisms that are spread through the air
respiratory isolation
nursing care that helps restore a resident to full independent functioning
restorative care
a device used to prevent a person from moving freely
restraint
fluid from the salivary glands
saliva
a device used to weigh or measure
scale
convulsion caused by abnormal brain activity
seizure
a life threatening complication of infection. The response to infection can trigger an inflammatory process that can lead to organ failure and possibly death
sepsis
a false statement that damages another persons reputation
slander
salt
sodium
a sample from a person that may be used for diagnostic purposes
specimen
blood pressure cuff used to measure blood pressure
sphygmomanometer
mucus brought up from the lungs
sputum
infection control technique that assumes that all body fluids are infectious
standard precautions
no microorganisms are present
sterile
breastbone
sternum
instrument used to listen to sounds in the body
stethoscope
waste excreted form the digestive tract; also known as bowel movement or feces
stool
restlessness, agitation and behavior problems that may increase in the late afternoon and evening
Sundown Syndrome
lying on the back
supine
part of body becomes larger because of extra fluid in the tissues
swelling
signs of a disease or a condition
symptoms
pressure in the blood vessel when the heart contracts
systolic blood pressure
rapid pulse rate
tachycardia
a band of body tissue that connects muscles to bones
tendon
end of life
terminal
diets prescribed by a physician to treat certain diseases or conditions
therapeutic diet
instrument which measures temperature
thermometer
blood clot
thrombus
group of cells that work together
tissue
also known as a gait belt, used to assist with transferring or ambulating a patient
transfer belt
to move resident from bed to chair or stretcher
transfer
decreased blood flow to the brain for a short time
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
an airborne, communicable disease of the lungs
tuberculosis
a growth that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)
tumor
person is unresponsive and cannot awaken
unconscious
infection control technique that assumes that all body fluids with visible blood are infectious
universal precautions
tubest hat lead from the kidneys to the bladder
ureters
tube that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body
urethra
container that males urinate into
urinal
lab test to urine for diagnostic purposes
urinalysis
it is the point where urine exits the urethra in males and females
urinary meatus
to pass urine, to void
urinate
an empathetic way of interacting with disoriented elderly people. Interaction with the patient allows for expression of feelings with no judgments made
validation therapy
a bacteria; is has become resistant to the antibiotic Vancomycin
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart
veins
breathing into airway of person who is not breathing
ventilate
to use words
verbal
a small infectious agent that replicates inside cells of other organs
virus
temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
vital signs
void
to pass urine
emesis, substance that is brought up from the stomach
vomitus
a device used to assist with walking
walker
to walk about aimlessly
wander
fluid that comes from an open area of the skin
would drainage
an injury in which skin is punctured, torn, or cut or where blunt force trauma causes a contusion
wound
