PCT Vocab S2 Flashcards
Immunocompromised
Having an impaired immune response, usually as a result of disease, medication therapy, or surgery
Medical asepsis
Reducing the number of pathogens as well as breaking the chain of infection
Surgical asepsis
Complete removal of microorganisms and their spores from the surface of an object, sterile technique
Meningitis
Infection of the membranes that surround and protect the spinal cord and brain
Safety data sheets
Documents containing information regarding the chemicals in the work environment
Expectorate
Expel secretions from the throat or lungs by coughing or spitting
Sharps container
Puncture proof container designed to safely dispose of needles, scalpel, and other sharp disposable medical instruments
Urinary catheter
A tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine from the body
Noninvaise
Not requiring the introduction of instruments into the body
Intubation
Insertion of an endotracheal tube to assist patients breathing
Amputation
The loss or removal of a body part such as a finger, toe, hand, foot, arm, or leg
Aphasia
Brain disorder where a person has trouble speaking or understanding other people. The most common cause is stroke
Apnea
Transient cessation of respiration, most common occurrence is during sleep
Clavicle
Sigmond-shaped long bone that makes up the front part of the shoulder. It sits between the shoulder blade and the sternum. Also known as collar bone.
Pacemaker
A natural or artificial source of electrical current that causes depolzarization of the heart muscle
Vector
Carrier (animal or insect) that can transmit a disease
Contagious
Easily transmitted by direct or indirect contact
Debridement
The removal of dead (necrotic) or infected skin tissue to help a wound heal
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin
Dressing
A bandage for an external wound
Anuria
Absence of urine formation
Hypoxia
Low levels of oxygen in your body tissues, it causes symptoms like confusion, restlessness, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate and bluish skin
Melena
Dark sticky feces containing partly digested blood
Pyrexia
Elevated body temperature
Anticoagulant
Chemical substance that prevents blood from clotting
Cardiology
A branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the cardiovascular system
Cephalgia
Another word for headache
Geriatric
Pertaining to the elderly
Hepatic
Pertaining to the liver
Nebulizer
A device used to deliver medication in an aerosol form through inhalation
Abatement
A diminution, decreasing or easing
Ambulatory Care
Outpatient care
Compound Fracture
Bone fracture that is also accompanied by a break in the skin
Etiology
The cause, set of causes, or manner of causation of a disease or condition
Hematemesis
The vomiting of blood
Outpatient
A patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital
Neurology
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system
Polyp
A small growth, usually benign and with a stalk, protruding from a mucous membrane
Terminal
A disease that can not be cured
Topical
Medicine applied to the skin externally
Palpitations
Sensations of a rapid or irregular heartbeat that the patient can feel in the chest or throat
Atrium
Upper chambers of the heart
Ventricles
The lower chambers of the heart
Heart failure
Disorder in which the heart fails to pump blood efficiently resulting in severe complications
Repolarization
Relaxation of the heart muscles in its resting state
Depolarization
Activation of the cells of the heart by an electrical impulse for the purpose of initiating a contraction
Intercostal
Between the ribs
Precordial
In front of the heart
Thrombus
Blood clot
Electrodes
Small sensors placed on the skin to detect and record the hearts electrical activity
Echocardiogram
Test of the action of the heart using ultrasound waves to produce a visual display, accesses structure and movements of various parts of the heart
Interval
Duration and distance between waves
Stylus
(Needle) of EKG machine moves up and down with changing voltage. Waves are recorded on ECG paper which means beneath the stylus
Holter Monitor
Device used to measure the electrical activity of the heart over a 24-48 hour period
AED
Automated external defibrillator
Dextrocardia
Congenital condition in which the hearts position is reversed (heart is on the right side)
Hypercalcemia
Higher than normal calcium levels in the blood
Histology
The study of the microscopic structure of tissues
Side effect
A secondary and usually adverse effect of a drug or therapy
SA Node
The hearts natrual pacemaker-located in the right atrium
Latrogenic anemia
Deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This is caused by repeated or excessive blood collections for diagnostic testing
Hematoma
Collection of blood underneath the skin, a bruise
Anticubital
Area of the anterior surface of the arm situated in front of the elbow, where rhe arm bends
Occult
Not visible
Phlebitis
Inflammation of a blood vessel, making the area tender, warm, and red
Hemolysis
The breakdown of red blood cells
Lumen
Middle area
Hemostasis
The stoppage of blood flow
Anticoagulant
Chemical substance that prevents or reduces coagulation of blood
Centrifuge
Machine which spins tests tubes at Hugh speeds, causing the heavier particles to settle to the bottom & the lighter particles to rise to the top
