Para Terms Flashcards
A drug acting to relieve pain.
Analgesic
Involuntary muscle jerk
Myoclonus
A movement disorder in which a person’s muscles contract uncontrollably. Twisting movements.
Dystonia
3 components of Cincinnati Stroke Scale
Facial droop, arm drift, slurred speech
The quality or fact of being performed involuntarily or unconsciously
Automaticity
Force of contraction of the heart muscle
Contractility
Cells sending signals to the rest of the heart muscles causing a contraction
Conductivity
Ability of cardiac cells to depolarize and repolarize during the action potential
Excitability
A low concentration of calcium in the blood.
Hypocalcemia
A low concentration of potassium in the blood
Hypokalemia
Inflammation of the myocardium.
Myocarditis
A series of cardiac conditions caused by an abrupt reduction in coronary artery blood flow.
Acute coronary syndromes
Cardiac ischemia that occurs when sudden narrowing or complete occlusion of a coronary artery leads to death (necrosis) of myocardial tissue.
Acute myocardial infarction
Sudden pain that occurs when the oxygen supply to the myocardium is insufficient to meet demand, causing ischemic changes in the tissue.
Angina Pectoris
An outpouching or bulge in the wall of a portion of the aorta, caused by weakening and dilation of the vessel wall.
Aortic aneurysm
The portion of the conduction system of the heart that consists of the AV node and the nonbranching portion of the bundle of His.
AV junction
An accumulation of fat inside a blood vessel that narrows the diameter of the lumen.
Atherosclerosis
A group of cells that slows the electrical impulses from the sinoatrial node before relaying it to the ventricles; located in the floor of the right atrium immediately behind the tricuspid valve and near the opening of the coronary sinus.
AV node
The classic trio of signs associated with cardiac tamponade: narrowed pulse pressure, muffled heart tones, and jugular vein distention
Beck triad
A dysrhythmia in which every other complex is a premature complex, causing a normal–early beat–normal–early beat pattern; can be atrial, junctional, or ventricular.
Bigeminy
On an ECG, leads that contain both a positive and a negative pole: leads I, II, and III
Bipolar leads
Abnormal whooshing sounds indicating turbulent blood flow within a narrowed vessel; usually heard in the carotid arteries.
Bruits
An intraventricular conduction disturbance involving impedance of electrical impulses from the bundle of His to the right or left bundle branch.
bundle branch block (BBB)
class of medication used primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by causing relaxation of blood vessels as well as a decrease in blood volume, which leads to lower blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand from the heart.
ACE inhibitor
receptors that when stimulated, increase the heart rate and increase the heart’s strength of contraction or contractility
Beta 1
When these receptors are stimulated, they increase the diameter of the bronchioles to let more air in and out during breathing and they dilate the vessels of the skeletal muscles so they can receive the increased blood flow
Beta 2
These receptors are located on the arteries. When the receptor is stimulated by epinephrine or norepinephrine, the arteries constrict.
Alpha
Drugs ending in ‘olol’ - decreases heart rate and contractility which decreases blood pressure for the hypertensive patient and decreases the chance of a dysrhythmia after a heart attack by controlling the heart rate.
Beta Blockers
Alpha, Beta 1, Beta 2 receptors
Adrenergic receptors
receptors that respond to stress and shock. They are sometimes called the fight or flight receptors. Include increased heart rate, increased force of heart contraction, constriction of some blood vessels, dilation of the pupils and opening of the airways
Sympathetic
receptors responsible for relaxation, digestion and conserving energy. Include lowering the rate and force of contraction of the heart, activating the digestive system, narrowing the pupils and lowering the blood pressure
Parasympathetic
Impulses for the parasympathetic nervous system are transmitted through the
Vagus nerve
an ester of choline and acetic acid that serves as a transmitter substance of nerve impulses within the central and peripheral nervous systems. Chief neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Acetylcholine
Atrial depolarization on EKG
P wave
AV node depolarization on EKG
Pause between P and QRS
Ventricular depolarization on EKG
QRS
muscle layer of the heart responsible for the pumping action of the heart and occupies 95% of the cardiomyocyte mass and is the thickest layer in the heart wall
Myocardium
Ventricular repolarization on EKG
T wave
Irregular rhythm produced by the pacemaker activity wandering from the SA Node to nearby atrial automaticity foci.
Wandering pacemaker
Regular rate and pattern; inspiration and expiration are equal
Eupnea
Increased respiratory rate; regular pattern
Tachypnea
A prolonged inspiratory hold that resembles a fish breathing; Brainstem injury
Apneustic
Decreased respiratory rate Regular pattern
Bradypnea
Absence of breathing
Apnea
Rapid, regular, deep respirations
Hyperpnea
Gradual increases and decreases in respirations with periods of apnea; Brainstem injury
Cheyne-Stokes
Extreme tachypnea and hyperpnea; Acidotic and DKA
Kussmaul
excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, typically caused by inadequate respiration.
Hypercapnia
Difficulty or labored breathing
Dyspnea
A rapid, irregular atrial rhythm arising from multiple ectopic foci within the atria. Heart rate > 100
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia
Body’s overreaction to an infection or virus that can progress to shock.
Sepsis
The patient cannot extend the leg at the knee when the thigh is flexed.
Kernig sign
passive flexion of the leg on one side causes a similar movement in the opposite leg
Brudzinski sign
Antidysrhythmic
Slows conduction through the AV node
Adenosine (Adenocard)
Antidysrhythmic
Blocks sodium, calcium, potassium channels
Amiodarone
12mg rapid IV bolus followed by 10cc rapid flush
Adenosine dosage
300 mg IV Initial dose, 150 mg IV Second dose
Amiodarone dosage
Opioid analgesic
Binds to opiate receptors, producing analgesia and euphoria
Fentanyl
0.5 mcg/kg slow IV, maximum single dose of 50 mcg
repeat every 10 minutes to a max dose of 1.5 mcg/kg or 125 mcg
Fentanyl dosage
Vasodilator
Smooth muscle relaxant acting on vasculature and bronchioles
Nitroglycerin
Acute angina pectoris, ischemic chest pain, hypertension, CHF, pulmonary edema.
Nitroglycerin indications
0.4 mg sublingually; may repeat in 5 minutes until symptoms resolves.
Nitroglycerin dosage
Ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, stable V-tach with a pulse
Amiodarone indications
Chest pain uncertain etiology, PAIN.
Fentanyl indications
Carbohydrate, anti-hypoglycemic
Rapidly increases serum glucose levels
Dextrose
Hypoglycemia, altered level of consciousness
Dextrose indications
10%: 5ml/kg up to 250ml
25%: 2ml/kg up to 100ml (must be >1year)
50%: 1ml/kg up to 50ml (must be >25kg)
Dextrose dosage
Electrolyte (anion)
Increases cardiac contractile state (positive inotropic effect
Calcium Chloride
Hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, beta blocker and calcium channel blocker toxicity.
Calcium Chloride indications
10mg/Kg up to 1G
Calcium Chloride dosage
Electrolyte, Smooth Muscle relaxer, anti-inflammatory
Reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission
Magnesium Sulfate
Seizures of eclampsia, torsades de pointes, hypomagnesaemia, v-fib/pulseless v-tach that is refractory to Amiodarone, life threatening dysrhythmias due to digitalis toxicity
Magnesium Sulfate indications
1G IV/10 push
Magnesium Sulfate dosage
Tranquilizer, antipsychotic
Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain, eliminating dopamine neurotransmission
Haldol
Releasing or involving dopamine as a neurotransmitter
Dopaminergic
Capable of producing, altering, or releasing acetylcholine
Cholinergic
Acute psychotic episodes
Haldol indications
5mg IM ONLY
Haldol dosage
Hyperglycemic agent, insulin antagonist
Increases blood glucose level by stimulating glycogenesis
Glucagon
Altered level of consciousness when hypoglycemia is suspected
Glucagon indications
1mg IM; may repeat in 10 minutes
Glucagon dosage
Loop diuretic
Used to treat fluid retention (edema)
Furosemide (Lasix)
CHF, pulmonary edema, hypertensive crisis
Furosemide (Lasix) indications
Stimulant compounds which mimic the effects of catecholamines
Sympathomimetic drugs
Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine
Catecholamines
Idiopathic seizure
The cause is unknown
Applying pressure to the Supraorbital foramen
Elicits a painful stimuli response
Chemicals that relay electrically conducted signals from one neuron to another
Neurotransmitters
Gastroenteritis
Intestinal infection marked by diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever
Hematochezia
Passage of fresh blood through the anus path
Grey Turner sign
Flank bruising
Inflammation of the prostate gland
Prostatitis
Murphy sign
Sudden stop in inspiration due to sharp pain when pressure is applied to the right upper quadrant
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Incarcerated hernia
Herniated tissue becomes trapped in the abdominal wall
Peptic ulcer
Open sores in the inside lining if your stomach
Peritonitis
Swelling and redness of the lining of your stomach and abdomen. Lining is call the peritoneum.
Visceral pain
Vague, poorly localized
Most of the digestive system occurs in the
Small intestine
Conversion of glycogen to glucose occurs in the
Liver
Parietal peritoneum
Outer layer of the peritoneum that lines the interior of the abdomen
Visceral peritoneum
Inner layer of the peritoneum that surrounds the organs of the abdominal cavity
Normal menstruation blood discharge
25 to 65 mL
Dysuria
Pain or burning when urinating
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia
Extremely high blood glucose level without the presence of ketones
Majority of circulating white blood cells
Neutrophils
Primary site for cell production in the body
Bone marrow
High concentration of red blood cells
Polycythaemia
Proportion of red blood cells in your blood
Hematocrit
Hepatitis B is also referred to as
Serum hepatitis
Vertigo or loss of balance following an ear infection or upper respiratory infection is MOST consistent with
Labyrinthitis
Life-threatening diffuse cellulitis of the soft tissue of the floor of the mouth and neck
Ludwig Angina
Sometimes the first sign people notice of a life-threatening underlying condition like a stroke or aneurysm, characterized by unequal pupil sizes.
Anisocoria
The infection or inflammation of pouches that can form in your intestines. These pouches are called diverticula.
Diverticulitis
Occurs when your bone marrow doesn’t make enough platelets
Thrombocytopenia
A disorder in which blood doesn’t clot normally
Hemophilia
Poor muscle control that causes clumsy voluntary movements
Ataxia
Slurring of the upstroke of the first part of the QRS complex that occurs in Wolff- Parkinson-White syndrome
Delta Wave
Inflammation of the endocardium as a result of infection
endocarditis
The use of medications that act to dissolve blood clot
fibrinolytic therapy
A delay in the conduction of the depolarizing impulse from the SA node to the ventricles, prolonging the PR interval.
first-degree heart block
A genetic condition in which the heart muscle wall is unusually thick, requiring the heart to pump harder to eject blood from the left ventricle.
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Related to only the ventricles; produced by the ventricles.
idioventricular
The three atrial pathways of electrical conduction that transmit impulses from the SA node to the AV node.
internodal pathways
Tissue anoxia caused by diminished blood flow, usually as a result of narrowing or occlusion of an artery.
Ischemia
A dysrhythmia arising from the atrioventricular junction with an intrinsic rate of 40 to 60 beats/min; also called junctional rhythm.
junctional escape rhythm
The hollow interior space within an artery or other hollow structure.
lumen
Having a common shape.
monomorphic
Arising from or pertaining to many foci or locations.
multifocal
The death of tissue, usually caused by a cessation of its blood supply.
necrosis
Severe dyspnea experienced when lying down that is relieved by a change in position, such as sitting up or standing.
orthopnea
Severe shortness of breath occurring at night after several hours of recumbency, during which fluid pools in the lungs.
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Inflammation of the pericardial sac
pericarditis
Early depolarization of ventricular tissue by means of an accessory pathway between the atria and ventricles.
preexcitation
A type of angina that occurs when a person is at rest, when oxygen needs are minimal; also called vasospastic angina.
Prinzmetal angina
Congestion of the pulmonary air spaces with exudate and foam, often secondary to left ventricular failure.
pulmonary edema
Obstruction in one or more pulmonary arteries by a solid, liquid, or gas that has swept through the right side of the heart into the lungs.
pulmonary embolism
Spread of an impulse through tissue already stimulated by that same impulse.
reentry
A short period immediately after depolarization during which the myocytes have not yet repolarized and are unable to fire or conduct an impulse.
refractory period
Treatment intended to facilitate the resumption of blood flow through a blocked vessel
reperfusion therapy
Artery that provides oxygenated blood to the walls of the right atrium and ventricle
right coronary artery
A thick wall that separates the right and left sides of the heart.
Septum
A variation of cycling of a sinus rhythm that is often associated with respiratory cycle fluctuations; the rate increases during inspiration and decreases during expiration.
sinus dysrhythmia
Angina pectoris characterized by periodic pain with a predictable pattern.
stable angina
The use of a synchronized direct current (DC) electric shock to convert a tachydysrhythmia
synchronized cardioversion
A blood clot that initially formed within a blood vessel but is now circulating through the bloodstream.
thromboembolism
A fixed blood clot that can obstruct passage of blood flow through an artery.
Thrombus
A device that depolarize myocardial tissue by sending a small electrical charge through the skin of the chest between one externally placed pacing pad and another
transcutaneous pacemaker
An intervention used to depolarize heart muscle using an external stimulus; pads placed on the patient’s chest deliver electrical energy to the heart, causing muscle contraction.
transcutaneous pacing
A dysrhythmia in which every third complex is a premature complex
Trigeminy
A small, flat wave sometimes seen after the T wave and before the next P wave
U wave
Angina pectoris characterized by a variable, unpredictable pattern of pain, which may signal an impending acute myocardial infarction
unstable angina
Straining or forced exhalation against a closed glottis, the effect of which is to stimulate the vagus nerve, thereby slowing the heart rate
Valsalva maneuver
A preexcitation syndrome characterized by a short PR interval, a delta wave, a widened QRS complex, and nonspecific ST-T wave changes, indicating the presence of an accessory pathway.
Wolff-Parkinson-White
One of the two branches of the left main coronary artery; branches of the LAD supply the left ventricle, interventricular septum, and part of the right ventricle.
left anterior descending artery
The slowing down of voluntary body movements; found in patients with Parkinson disease.
bradykinesia
Type of seizure movement involving the contraction and relaxation of muscle groups.
clonic activity
Abnormal extension of the arms with rotation of the wrists along with the toes pointed
decerebrate posturing
Abnormal flexion of the arms toward the chest with the toes pointed
decorticate posturing
Contractions of body into bizarre positions
dystonia
A rare condition that begins as a sensation of weakness and tingling in the legs, moving to the arms and thorax; the disorder can lead to paralysis within 2 weeks
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Weakness of one side of the body.
hemiparesis
Paralysis of one side of the body.
hemiplegia
One of the two main types of stroke; occurs as a result of bleeding inside the brain.
hemorrhagic stroke
Occurs when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is cut off by a blockage, such as a blood clot, within an artery.
Ischemic stroke
An autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the myelin that insulates the brain and spinal cord, causing scarring.
multiple sclerosis
A tumor.
neoplasm
Involuntary, rhythmic shaking of the eyes.
nystagmus
Sensation of tingling or numbness in a body part.
paresthesia
A condition in which seizures recur every few minutes, or consecutive seizures without a return to consciousness between seizures.
status epilepticus
A type of seizure movement involving the constant contraction and trembling of muscle groups.
tonic activity
A disorder in which brain cells temporarily stop working because of insufficient oxygen, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve completely within 24 hours of onset.
transient ischemic attack
The involuntary contraction of the mouth resulting in clenched teeth
trismus
Severe renal failure resulting in the buildup of waste products within the blood; eventually impairs brain function.
uremia
Collapse of the alveolar air spaces of the lungs.
atelectasis
Deep cyanosis of the face and neck that extends across the chest and back; associated with little or no blood flow; a particularly ominous sign.
cape cyanosis
Contorted positioning of the hand or foot in which the fingers or toes flex in a clawlike manner; may be caused by hyperventilation.
carpopedal spasm
A common disease of infancy and childhood caused by upper airway obstruction and characterized by stridor, hoarseness, and a barking cough.
croup
The production of large amounts of urine by the kidney.
diuresis
A sitting position with the head elevated to a 90° angle
Fowler
Coughing up blood in the sputum.
hemoptysis
The visible bulging of the jugular veins when a patient is in a semi-Fowler or full Fowler position; indicates inadequate blood movement through the heart and/or lungs
jugular venous distention
A respiratory pattern characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis, with marked hyperpnea and tachypnea; represents the body’s attempt to compensate for the acidosis.
Kussmaul respirations
Inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
laryngotracheobronchitis
The transfer of a disease from one organ or part of the body to another that is not directly connected to the original site; often used to describe a cancer that has spread to another part of the body
metastasis
The functional portions of a gland or solid organ.
parenchyma
Excessive accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.
pleural effusion
The production of too many red blood cells over time, making the blood thick; a characteristic of people with chronic lung disease and chronic hypoxia
polycythemia
Full of pus; having the character of pus.
purulent
A term used to describe any condition that causes hyperreactive bronchioles and bronchospasm in response to certain triggers.
reactive airway disease
The drawing in of the intercostal muscles and the muscles above the clavicles that can occur in respiratory distress.
retractions
A harsh, high-pitched inspiratory sound representing air moving past an obstruction within or immediately above the glottic opening.
stridor
Vibrations in the chest that can be felt with a hand on the chest as the patient breathes.
tactile fremitus
A reduced amount of blood flow
Hypoperfusion
Redundant circulation that maintains blood supply and perfusion in cases of arterial blockage or disease
Collateral circulation
Law of the Heart that states that the stroke volume of the heart increases in response to an increase in the volume of blood filling the heart
Frank-Starling’s
Small amounts of blood mixed with sputum (or more seriously, large amounts of bright red blood) brought up by a forceful cough.
Hemoptysis
Excessive sweating due to a secondary condition
Diaphoresis
A tear of the tissue of your lower esophagus
Mallory-Weiss tear
A rupture of your esophagus caused by tremendous stress
Boerhaave’s syndrome
A clenched fist held over the chest to describe ischemic chest pain
Levine’s sign
Complete or partial collapse of a lung or a section (lobe) of a lung
Atelectasis
Adenosine Dosage
12mg rapid IV and 10mg flush
May repeat once
Adenosine supply
12mg/4ml prefilled syringe
Albuterol dosage
5mg neb
2.5 neb pediatric
May repeat twice
Amiodarone dosage
300mg IV. Repeat 150mg IV.
5mg/kg IV. No repeat
Amiodarone supply
150mg/3ml pre filled syringe
Atropine dosage
0.5mg IV. May repeat every 5 minutes. Max of 3mg.
0.02mg/kg IV max dose 0.5mg. May repeat once.
Atropine organophosphate dosage
2mg IV/IM. Repeat 3-5 mins
0.05mg/kg IV/IM.
Atropine supply
1mg/10ml prefilled syringe
Calcium chloride dosage
10mg/kg IV. Max dose of 1g
Calcium chloride supply
1g in 10ml prefilled syringe
Dextrose dosage
D50 1ml/kg up to 50ml
Diazepam (Valium) dosage
5mg IV or 10mg IM
Diazepam (Valium) supply
10mg/2ml prefilled syringe
Diltiazem (Cardizem) dosage
Tachycardia
0.25mg/kg slow IV over 2 mins
Diltiazem (Cardizem) supply
Tachycardia
25mg in 5ml vial
