Medical Terms Flashcards
Abrasion
Wound caused by superficial damage to the skin, no deeper than the epidermis
*less severe than laceration
Ambulation
ability to walk from place to place independently w/ or w/o assistance
Antipyretic
an agent that reduces or prevents fever
Atelectasis
a collapse of lung tissue affecting part or all of one lung
Bradycardia
slowness of the heartbeat, usually evidenced by slowing of the pulse rate to less than 60 in adults
Claudication
muscle cramps
Cyanosis
a physical sign causing bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
*caused by lack of oxygen in the blood
Diaphoresis
perspiration, especially when copious and medically induced
Dysuria
difficult or painful urination
Emesis
act or process of vomiting
Erythema
redness of the skin due to congestion of the capillaries
Gait
a particular way or manner of walking
Hematemesis
the vomiting of blood
Hematoma
localized collection of extravasated blood, usually clotted, in an organ, space, or tissue
Hemoptysis
coughing up of blood or bloody sputum from the lungs or airway
*200mL-600mL of blood coughed up within 24 hours is known as massive hemoptysis
Laceration
a torn, raggled, mangled wound
Orthopneic
relating to or suffering from orthopnea
*orthopnea - dyspnea that is exacerbated by sitting upright
Palpable
perceptible to touch
Pleurisy
inflammation of the membrane that surrounds and protects the lungs
*symptoms - sharp chest pains
Polydipsia
excessive thirst
Puncture
act of piercing or penetrating with a pointed obect or instrument
Rhinorrhea
discharge of a thin nasal mucous
Tachycardia
abnormally rapid heart rate
*usually 160-190 bpm
Transient
pertaining to a condition that is temporary
*usually not recurring
Waxing/Waning
the act or process of gradually occuring/declining or diminishing
Afebrile
having no fever
Antiemetics
used to prevent nausea and thus vomiting
*aka antinauseants
Apnea
temporary absence or voluntary cessation of breathing
Avulsion
the tearing away of a structure or part
Cerumen
earwax
Contusion
bruise; an injury of a part without a break in the skin
Debridement
process of removing nonliving tissue from pressure ulcers, burns, and other wounds
Dyspnea
labored or difficult breathing
Ecchymosis
passage of blood from ruptured blood vessels into subcutaneous tissue, marked by a purple discoloration of the skin
Epistaxis
nosebleed
*usually due to rupture of small vessels overlying the anterior part of the cartilaginous nasal septum
Febrile
characterized by fever
Gravid
pregnant
Hematochezia
the passage of bloody stools
Hematuria
presence of blood in the urine
Incontinence
inability to control excretory functions
Melena
passage of black, tar-like stools containing blood that has been acted on by the intestinal juices
Pallor
paleness, as of the skin
Photophobia
abnormal visual intolerance or sensitivity to light
Polyuria
excessive secretion of urine
Pruritus
severe itching, often of undamaged skin
Purulent
containing, discharging, or causing the production of pus
Syncope
a faint, temporary loss of consciousness due to generalized cerebral ischemia
Tinnitus
hearing ringing, buzzing, or other sounds without an external cause
Vertigo
sensation of rotation or movement of one’s self or of one’s surroundings; dizziness
