Terminology Flashcards
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
A rapid heartbeat that originates in one of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart
Acute
Having a sudden onset and short course
Synchronized Cardioversion
Uses a sensor to deliver a shock that is synchronized with a peak in the QRS complex
Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)
The early critical stage of necrosis
Of heart muscle tissue caused by blockage of a coronary artery
SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation)
The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in arterial blood; indicates the degree of oxygenation; normal value= 95-100%
Oropharyngeal Airway
A tube used to provide free passage of air between the mouth and pharynx
Severe Hypothermia
When the patient’s body temperature is <86°F or <30°C
Perfusion
The passage of fluid (such as blood) through a specific organ or area of the body (such as the heart)
Supraglottic
Situated or occurring above the glottis
Atrioventricular Block
A delay in the normal flow of electrical impulses that causes the heart to beat
pH
Measurement of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration; indicates blood acidity or alkalinity; normal value= 7.35 to 7.45
Tamponade (cardiac)
A condition caused by accumulation of fluid between the heart and the pericardium, resulting in excess pressure on the heart. This impairs the heart’s ability to pump sufficient blood.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A test that provides a typical record of normal heart action
Atrial flutter
Rapid, irregular atrial contractions due to an abnormality of atrial excitation
Intaosseous (IO)
Within a bone
Encephalopathy
Degeneration of brain function. Also called cephalopathy, cerebropathy
Hypothermia
A potentially fatal condition that occurs when body temperature falls below 95°F or 35°C
Capnography
The measurement and graphic display of CO2 levels in airways, which can be performed by infrared spectroscopy
Intravenous (IV)
Within a vein
Hypovolemia
A decrease in the volume of circulating blood
Hydrogen ion (acidosis)
The accumulation of acid and hydrogen ions or depletion of the alkaline reserve (bicarbonate content) in the blood and body tissues, decreasing the pH.
PaCO2 (partial pressure or arterial carbon dioxide)
Concentration of CO2 in arterial blood; reflects whether ventilation of the lungs is adequate; normal value= 40 - 45 mm Hg
Cardiac Arrest
Temporary or permanent cessation of the heartbeat
Hypokalemia
An abnormally low concentration of potassium levels in the blood. Also called hypopotassemia
Automated external defribrillator (AED)
A portable device used to restart a heart that has stopped.
Coronary thrombosis
The blocking of the coronary artery of the heart by a thrombus
Coronary sindrome
A group of clinical symptoms compatible with acute myocardial ischemia (also called coronary heart disease)
Esophageal-tracheal tube
A double-lumen tube with inflatable balloon cuffs that seal the hypopharynx from the oropharynx and esophagus; used for airway management
Oxygen saturation (oxyhemoglobin saturation)
The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen; an indirect measurement of oxygenation. Normal value = 94%-100%
Bradycardia
Slow heartbeat, whether physiologically or pathologically
PaO2 (partial pressure of arterial oxygen)
The concentration of oxygen in arterial blood; reflects the body’s ability to retrieve oxygen from the lungs;
Normal value= 80-100 mm Hg
Endotracheal intubation
The passage of a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea for maintenance of the airway.
Tension pneumothorax
Pneumothorax resulting from a wound in the chest wall which acts as a valve that permits air to enter the pleural cavity but prevents it’s escape.
Asystole
Absence of electrical and mechanical activity in the heart.
Moderate hypothermia
When the patients temperature
Basic life support (BLS)
Emergency treatment of a victim of cardiac or respiratory arrest through cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.
