Medical terminology (Heart and skin) Flashcards
Bruit
An abnormal sound heard on auscultation that indicates the narrowing of an artery, most commonly the carotid artery.
Ectopy
A temporary abnormal heartbeat (not a sustained abnormal rhythm) that can be read on an EKG or perceived by the patient as a palpitation
Gallop
An abnormal third or fourth heart sound beyond the typical “lub dub” pattern
murmur
an abnormal “whooshing” sound heard on auscultation of the heart indicating a structural or functional abnormality. It may be benign or potentially dangerous
friction rub
a sound heard on auscultation caused by the rubbing together of two serous surfaces; commonly called simply a “rub”
purulence
pus, or the condition of containing or discharging pus.
ecchymosis
similar to a contusion, but specifically an area of bluish discoloration >1cm in diameter; different in that it may not necessarily result from trauma; also commonly known as “bruising”
erythema
abnormal redness, typically of the skin or mucous membranes, in the presence of inflammation, injury, or infection
pallor
deficiency of color especially of the face and/or skin
fluctuance
capable of being moved or compressed, typically as it related to the presence/absence of pus in a possible abscess
sclera icterus
yellowing of the “white part of the eye” in patients with liver disease due to elevated bilirubin levels
dehiscence
a separation of layers, especially the parting of the sutured edges of a surgical wound.
debridement
medical removal of nonviable skin tissue, typically after an injury
decubitus ulcer
an ulceration of tissue deprived of adequate blood supply by prolonged pressure; known commonly as a “bed sore”
induration
area of localized hardening of body tissues, especially as it relates to the skin
macule
a small area of discoloration of the skin that is not raised, contrast with papules
papule
a small rounded growth on the skin that is raised, typically the medical term for a pimple or similar lesion.
petechiae
pinpoint areas of hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue that typically appear purple or red
pruritus
itching
skin turgor
a comment on the elasticity of the skin; also refers to a physical exam test that involves pinching the skin to see how long it takes to return to normal position as an assessment of hydration
tenting
skin that does not “snap back” towards the body immediately when pulled/pinched; indicative of dehydration and decreased skin turgor.
tinea
fungal skin infection; most commonly ringworm
urticaria
hives
hematoma
a mass of usually clotted blood that forms in a tissue, organ, or body space as a result of a broken blood vessel (many other similar terms are actually types of hematoma)
