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Medical Terms Flashcards

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1
Q

Abrasion

A

Scrape. Superficial damage to skin surface.

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2
Q

Agranulocytosis

A

Severe leukopenia, especially low neutrophils

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3
Q

Akathisia

A

Restlessness and need to constantly move

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4
Q

Alopecia

A

Hair loss

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5
Q

Anhidrosis

A

Complete absence of sweating

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6
Q

Antinuclear Antibody Test

A

Test used to detect autoimmune disease

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7
Q

Anuria

A

No and very low urine output, usually less then 50 ml/day

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7
Q

Aplastic anemia

A

A disease where there is a deficiency in all types of blood cells - Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, and Platelets. Also called Pancytopenia.

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9
Q

Arthroplasty

A

Orthopedic surgical procedure where the articular surface of a muscoskeletal joint is remodeled, replaced, or realigned. It is an elective procedure done to reduce pain and restore function.

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10
Q

Ataxia

A

Lack of voluntary coordination of muscles

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10
Q

Asterixis

A

Hand tremor associated with increased levels of ammonia due to liver disease.

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11
Q

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A
  • Potential life-threatening condition that generally occurs in those with spinal injuries above the T6 level. Characterized by paroxysmal HTN (sudden HTN), throbbing headaches, profuse sweating, nasal stuffiness, flushing, bradycardia, anxiety, and sometimes cognitive impairment.
  • Place client in sitting position,
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12
Q

Azotemia

A

Abnormally high nitrogen containing substances (urea, creatine) in the blood. Asscoiated with ineffective filtering by the kidneys.

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13
Q

Bronchoscopy

A

Endoscopic technique where an instrument is inserted into the airway, usually through the nose or mouth, that allows the physician to check for tumors, bleeding, inflammation, or foreign bodies.

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14
Q

Buck’s Traction

A

Apparatus for applying longitudinal skin traction on the leg through contact between the skin and adhesive tape; friction between the tape and skin permits application of force, which is applied through a cord over a pulley, suspending a weight; elevation of the foot of the bed allows the body to act as a counterweight.

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14
Q

Brudzinski’s Sign

A

One of three signs that can occur in meningism (headache, photophobia, and nuchal rigidity).

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16
Q

Cardiac Tamponade

A

An acute type of cardiac effusion in which, fluid, pus, blood, clots, or gasaccumulates in the pericardium

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16
Q

Buerger’s Disease or Syndrome

A

Recurring progressive inflammation and thrombosis (clotting) of small and medium arteries and veins of the hands and feet. Strongly associated with tobacco use, especially smoking tobacco.

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17
Q

Cataracts

A

Clouding of the lens that leads to a loss in vision. Symptoms include faded colors, blurry vision, halos around light, poor nightvision, and trouble w/ bright lights

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18
Q

Cerumen

A

Ear wax

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19
Q

Chronotrope

A

Agent that alters the heart rate.

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20
Q

Circumoral Cyanosis

A

Blue lips

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21
Q

Contusion

A

Bruise

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22
Q

CT Scan

A

Uses X-rays to produce layered slices of images of the body. Often uses contrast.

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23
Q

Cullen’s Sign

A

Periumbillical black-blue discoloration which follows intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Appears 24-48 hours after the cause. Can be caused by ectopic pregnancy, acure pancreatitis, aortic rupture.

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24
Q

Cushings Triad

A

A triad of signs associated with neurological problems

  • Irregular respirations (caused by impaired brain stem function)
  • Bradycardia
  • Systolic HTN (widening pulse pressure)
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25
Q

Cystitis

A

UTI

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25
Q

Cytomegalovirus

A

A type of herpes virus. Often causes no symptoms unless you are pregnant or are immunosuppressed. Once infected you have the disease for life. Spread through body fluids.

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27
Q

Decerebrate

A

Involuntary extension of the arms and legs in response to a brain injury. Characterized by rigidity in all four extremities with hyper-pronation of the forearms and plantar-flexion of the feet (toes pointed). More severe then decorticate.

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27
Q

Decorticate

A

Involuntary flexion of the extremities. Characterized by stiffness in all extremities with arms bent (imagine arms pulled in towards the core), clenched fists, and legs held out straight.

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28
Q

Diabetic Retinopathy

A

Damage to the retina from diabetes that can lead to blindness. Leads to blurred vision, seeing spots, and ultimately blindness.

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29
Q

Diplopia

A

Double Vision

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30
Q

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

A

Widespread activation of the clotting cascade that results in clots in the small blood vessels throughout the body. This can result is severe organ damage and normal clotting is affected so bleeding is a risk.

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31
Q

Dromotrope

A

Agent that alters the electrical current through the heart.

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33
Q

Dyskinesia

A

Involuntary muscle movements. Can range from a slight tremor of the hand to uncontrolled movement of the of the upper body or lower extremities.

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34
Q

Dyspepsia

A

Also called indigestion or heartburn

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35
Q

Dystonia

A

Sustained muscle contractions that can cause twisting or repetitive movements or abnormal postures

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35
Q

Dyspnea

A

Shortness of breath

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36
Q

Dysuria

A

Painful urination

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37
Q

Ecchymosis

A

Bruise

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38
Q

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A

A noninvasive method of recording electrical activity of the brain along the scalp. Multiple electrodes are placed on the scalp. Most commonly used to diagnose epilepsy.

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39
Q

Epistaxis

A

Nose bleed

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40
Q

Myringotomy

A

A

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41
Q

Erythema

A

Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to skin surface

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42
Q

Erythrokeratodemia

A

Rare genetic skin disorder.

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43
Q

Exophthalmos

A

Bulging eyes associated with Grave’s Disease

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44
Q

Fundoplication

A

Also called a nissen fundoplication. Used to treat GERD. Basically creates or reinforces the sphincter to prevent/reduce reflux.

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45
Q

Gasteroenteritis

A

Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine leading to diarrhea and vomiting.

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45
Q

General Enema Guidelines

A

Patient in Sims Position Bag held 12-18 inches above client (holing too high can cause rapid infusion and damage) Inserted 3-4 inches into rectum Heated to above body temp (105)

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46
Q

Glaucoma

A

Optic disorder resulting in damage to the otic nerve due to increased intraoccular pressure. Two main ttpes; Open Angle (painless and develops slowly over time) and Narrow Angle (sudden, red, and painful). Both cause visual field loss.

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47
Q

Glossitis

A

Inflammation (redness) of the tongue surface

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48
Q

Gout

A

A medical condition characterized by recurrent attacks of inflammatory arthritis. This results in red, tender, hot, swollen joints. Caused by crystallization of uric acid. Alcohol, meat, and seafood can all make it worse. Hydration is very important.

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49
Q

Guthrie Blood Test

A

Blood test to determine if an infant has phenylketonuria (PKU)

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50
Q

Hantavirus

A

Disease transmitted from rodents to humans that can lead to eithe renal or pulmonary troubles.

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51
Q

Hegar’s Sign

A

Nonsensitive sign of pregnancy. A softening of the uterus. Usually present at 4-6 weeks and until 12 weeks.

52
Q

HELLP Syndrome

A

Complication during pregnancy that leads to hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. Often women have preeclampsia or PIH first.

53
Q

Hematemesis

A

Vomiting Blood

54
Q

Hemianopia

A

Decreased vision or blindness in half the field of vision, in one or both eyes. Most common cause is stroke, brain tumor, or trauma.

55
Q

Hemoptysis

A

Coughing up blood

56
Q

Hepatobiliary Scan

A

Also called cholescintigraphy. Scan to assess the health of the gallbladder

57
Q

Hepatomegaly

A

Enlarged liver

58
Q

Hirschspring’s Disease

A

Disorder of part or all of the large intestine, where there are no ganglion cells, so it does not function. Stool cannot pass and an obstruction occurs.

60
Q

Hyperopia

A

Far-sightedness

61
Q

Hypohidrosis

A

Reduced sweating

62
Q

Impetigo

A

Highly contagious bacterial skin condition.

63
Q

Inotrope

A

Agent that alters the force of muscle contractions (stroke volume). A positive inotrope will increase myocardial contractility while a negative inotrope will decrease it.

63
Q

Inefective Endocarditis

A

Infection of the endocardial surface of the heart, which may include one or more heart valves. Results in severe valvular insufficency and potential HF. Left untreated, it is fatal.

65
Q

Intermittent Claudication

A

Muscle pain (ache, cramp, numbness), classically in the calf, that occurs with exercise, and is relieved by rest. Associated with early stages of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

66
Q

Kernig’s Sign

A

Thigh is bent at the hip and knee at a 90 degree angle, and the subsequent extension in the knee is painful. This is an indication of meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage.

67
Q

Laceration

A

Cut

68
Q

Lacrimation

A

Secretions of tears (crying)

68
Q

Laminectomy

A

Surgical procedure that removes a part of the vertebral bone called the lamina.

69
Q

Leukopenia

A

Low white blood cells

70
Q

Lymphadenopathy

A

Lymph nodes that are abnormal in size, consistency, or number.

71
Q

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A

Device that uses magnetic and radio waves to form images of the body.

72
Q

McBurney’s Point

A

Point on the lower right abdomen that becomes very painful during appendicitis.

73
Q

Mean Arterial Pressure

A

The average BP of an individual in a single cardiac cycle

75
Q

Melena

A

Black tarry feces associated with GI bleeding

76
Q

Meniere’s Disease

A
  • Disease of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance. Characterized by episodes of tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss. Linked to excess fluid in the ear.
  • Diet - limit salt (1500 mg) and avoid MSG
  • Avoid caffeine and stop smoking
77
Q

Miosis

A

Constriction of the pupil

78
Q

Moro Reflex

A

Reflex present in infants up to 4 or 5 months. Caused by a feeling of sudden loss of support. They abduct the arms, and adduct the arms and cry.

79
Q

Multiple Sclerosis

A

Inflammatory disease that damages the insulating covers of the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. This results in physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems.

80
Q

Mydriasis

A

Dilation of the pupil

80
Q

Myelogram

A

A type of radiographic examination that uses contract dye. Contrast is injected into the spinal column and then X-rays are taken.

82
Q

Myopia

A

Near-sightedness

82
Q

Myringotomy

A

Surgical procedure where a tiny incision is made in the ear drum to relive pressure cause by fluid or pus from the middle ear.

83
Q

Myxedema

A

Severe hypothyroidism.

84
Q

Neutropenia

A

Low neutrophils

86
Q

Nevus Flammeus

A

Port wine stain. Birthmark caused by the malformation of a capillary in the skin

87
Q

Nocturia

A

Waking one or more times in the night to urinate

88
Q

Nystagmus

A

Involuntary eye twitching

89
Q

Oliguria

A

Low urine output, usually more then 100 ml/day but less then 400 ml/day

89
Q

Oculogyric Crisis

A

A type of dystonic reaction characterized by prolonged, upward deviation of the eyes.

91
Q

Opisthotonus

A

Also called opisthotonic positioning or death pose. Characterized by arching back and neck. May be seen in conjunction with decerebrate positioning.

92
Q

Orthopnea

A

Shortness of breath when lying flat

93
Q

Ortonali Sign

A

Test to assess hip displacement in infants

94
Q

Osler’s Nodes

A

Painful, red, raised lesions of the hands and feet. Associated with conditions like infective endocarditis and SLE

95
Q

Osteomyelitis

A

Infection of the bone or bone marrow.

96
Q

Otitis Externa

A

Inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Commonly called swimmers ear.

97
Q

Otosclerosis

A

Abnormal growth of bone near the middle ear. It can result in deafness. It occurs gradually over many years so the patient mat not now until impairment is severe.

98
Q

Paradoxial Pulse

A

An abnormally large decrease in systolic blood pressure and pulse wave amplitude during inspiration. Seen in Sleep Apnea, Pericarditis, and Cardiac Tamponade

99
Q

Paralytic Ilieus

A

A disruption in the normal paristalsis of the GI tract.

100
Q

Penrose Drain

A

A soft rubber tube placed into a wound to prevent the buidlup of fluid

101
Q

Petechiae

A

Red or purple spots on the skin caused by minor bleeding. Can be caused by coughing or trauma but can also be a sign of more serious disease, like scarlet fever

102
Q

Pharyngitis

A

Inflammation of the pharynx (region in the back of the throat). It is the most common cause of a sore throat.

103
Q

Platypnea

A

Shortness of breath that is relieved by lying down

105
Q

Polycythemia

A

Hematocrit in excess of 55%. Caused by too many RBCs.

106
Q

Presbyopia

A

Condition associated with aging where the eye has trouble focusing on things close up. Initial signs are difficulty seeing in dim light and reading small print.

107
Q

Priapism

A

Sustained erection

108
Q

Pruritis

A

Itching

109
Q

Pulse Pressure

A

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressures.

  • Narrow Pulse Pressure (Low Number) - generally caused by a drop in ventricular stroke volume, like Aortic Valve Stenosis and Cardiac Tamponade
  • Wide Pulse Pressure (High Number) - generally caused by stiffness of the major arteries, like in CAD.
110
Q

Pyloric Stenosis

A

A narrowing of the opening from the stomach into the duodenum due to hypertrophy of the sphincter. Most common in newborns and is more common in full term males. Results in projectile vomiting.

111
Q

Pyorrhea

A

Inflammation of the gums

112
Q

Raynauld Syndrome

A

Reduced blood flow to the extremities due to cold or emotional stress. Pallor, cold, numbness, cyanosis, tingling, and pain.

114
Q

Romberg’s Sign

A

Test for neurological function and drunk driving. Person stands with feet together and hands at the side with eyes closed and are observed.

114
Q

Salem Sump Tube

A

A tuype of nasogastric tube that is a large bore tube with a double lumen so it can aspirate with one lumen and vent with the other. This helps to reduce negative pressure.

116
Q

Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube

A
  • Tube inserted down the nose or mouth that used primarily to control bleeding with esophageal varices.
  • If the patient has trouble breathing, the tube needs to be deflated and removed
  • The tube needs to be irrigated hourly
117
Q

Somnolence

A

Sleepiness or drowsiness

118
Q

Somogyi Effect

A

Also called posthypoglycemic hyperglycemia. It is rebound hyperglycemia in response to low blood sugar.

119
Q

Spina Bifida

A

Birth defect where the backbone does not close completely. There are 3 types;

  • Spina Bifida Occulta - Mildest form. The outer part of some of the vertebrae are not closed but the spinal cords do not protrude.
  • Menengiocele - Least common. Vertebrae develop normally but but meninges are forced into the gaps between the vertebrae.
  • Myelomeenegiocele - Most severe. The spinal cord protrudes through an opening forming a sac on the back.
120
Q

Splenomegaly

A

Enlarged spleen

122
Q

Stomatitis

A

Inflammation of nose and mouth

122
Q

Strabismus

A

Cross-eyed. The ability to focus both eyes on an object at the same time.

124
Q

Sympathectomy

A

A surgical procedure where a sympathetic ganglion is removed.

125
Q

Tensilon Test

A

A placebo is given through a vein and then are asked to perform repetitive muscle movements and the providers sees if your movements improve. This helps show the difference between Myesthenia Gravis and other conditions.

126
Q

Thoracotomy

A

Incision into the pleural space of the of the chest in order to gain access to the vital organs like the lungs, heart, and esophagus. This is major surgery and requires general anesthetics, an endotrachael tube, and mechanical ventilation. Recover is painful and can result in reduced breathing because breathing becomes painful.

127
Q

Thrombocytopenia

A

Low platelets

128
Q

Tonometry

A

A measure of intraoccular pressure. Helps determine risk for glaucoma

129
Q

Torticollis

A

A dystonic condition defined by an abnormal, asymmetrical head or neck position.

130
Q

Transient Ischemic Attack

A

Transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by ischemia with no necrosis. Often referred to as mini strokes.

131
Q

Urticaria

A

Hives

132
Q

Variable Decelerations

A

Cord compression

133
Q

Early Decelerations

A

Head compression

134
Q

Accelerations

A

Not a problem

135
Q

Late Decelerations

A

Placental insufficiency, turn mother on left side

Nursing (10 decks)

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