Medical terminology (Heart and skin)

Question 1

Bruit

Answer 1

An abnormal sound heard on auscultation that indicates the narrowing of an artery, most commonly the carotid artery.

Question 2

Ectopy

Answer 2

A temporary abnormal heartbeat (not a sustained abnormal rhythm) that can be read on an EKG or perceived by the patient as a palpitation

Question 3

Gallop

Answer 3

An abnormal third or fourth heart sound beyond the typical “lub dub” pattern

Question 4

murmur

Answer 4

an abnormal “whooshing” sound heard on auscultation of the heart indicating a structural or functional abnormality. It may be benign or potentially dangerous

Question 5

friction rub

Answer 5

a sound heard on auscultation caused by the rubbing together of two serous surfaces; commonly called simply a “rub”

Question 6

purulence

Answer 6

pus, or the condition of containing or discharging pus.

Question 7

ecchymosis

Answer 7

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”

Question 8

erythema

Answer 8

abnormal redness, typically of the skin or mucous membranes, in the presence of inflammation, injury, or infection

Question 9

pallor

Answer 9

deficiency of color especially of the face and/or skin

Question 10

fluctuance

Answer 10

capable of being moved or compressed, typically as it related to the presence/absence of pus in a possible abscess

Question 11

sclera icterus

Answer 11

yellowing of the “white part of the eye” in patients with liver disease due to elevated bilirubin levels

Question 12

dehiscence

Answer 12

a separation of layers, especially the parting of the sutured edges of a surgical wound.

Question 13

debridement

Answer 13

medical removal of nonviable skin tissue, typically after an injury

Question 14

decubitus ulcer

Answer 14

an ulceration of tissue deprived of adequate blood supply by prolonged pressure; known commonly as a “bed sore”

Question 15

induration

Answer 15

area of localized hardening of body tissues, especially as it relates to the skin

Question 16

macule

Answer 16

a small area of discoloration of the skin that is not raised, contrast with papules

Question 17

papule

Answer 17

a small rounded growth on the skin that is raised, typically the medical term for a pimple or similar lesion.

Question 18

petechiae

Answer 18

pinpoint areas of hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue that typically appear purple or red

Question 19

pruritus

Answer 19

itching

Question 20

skin turgor

Answer 20

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

Question 21

tenting

Answer 21

skin that does not “snap back” towards the body immediately when pulled/pinched; indicative of dehydration and decreased skin turgor.

Question 22

tinea

Answer 22

fungal skin infection; most commonly ringworm

Question 23

urticaria

Answer 23

hives

Question 24

hematoma

Answer 24

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)