Terminology

Question 1

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Answer 1

A rapid heartbeat that originates in one of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart

Question 2

Acute

Answer 2

Having a sudden onset and short course

Question 3

Synchronized Cardioversion

Answer 3

Uses a sensor to deliver a shock that is synchronized with a peak in the QRS complex

Question 4

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)

Answer 4

The early critical stage of necrosis

Of heart muscle tissue caused by blockage of a coronary artery

Question 5

SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation)

Answer 5

The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in arterial blood; indicates the degree of oxygenation; normal value= 95-100%

Question 6

Oropharyngeal Airway

Answer 6

A tube used to provide free passage of air between the mouth and pharynx

Question 7

Severe Hypothermia

Answer 7

When the patient’s body temperature is <86°F or <30°C

Question 8

Perfusion

Answer 8

The passage of fluid (such as blood) through a specific organ or area of the body (such as the heart)

Question 9

Supraglottic

Answer 9

Situated or occurring above the glottis

Question 10

Atrioventricular Block

Answer 10

A delay in the normal flow of electrical impulses that causes the heart to beat

Question 11

pH

Answer 11

Measurement of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration; indicates blood acidity or alkalinity; normal value= 7.35 to 7.45

Question 12

Tamponade (cardiac)

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer 13

A test that provides a typical record of normal heart action

Question 14

Atrial flutter

Answer 14

Rapid, irregular atrial contractions due to an abnormality of atrial excitation

Question 15

Intaosseous (IO)

Answer 15

Within a bone

Question 16

Encephalopathy

Answer 16

Degeneration of brain function. Also called cephalopathy, cerebropathy

Question 17

Hypothermia

Answer 17

A potentially fatal condition that occurs when body temperature falls below 95°F or 35°C

Question 18

Capnography

Answer 18

The measurement and graphic display of CO2 levels in airways, which can be performed by infrared spectroscopy

Question 19

Intravenous (IV)

Answer 19

Within a vein

Question 20

Hypovolemia

Answer 20

A decrease in the volume of circulating blood

Question 21

Hydrogen ion (acidosis)

Answer 21

The accumulation of acid and hydrogen ions or depletion of the alkaline reserve (bicarbonate content) in the blood and body tissues, decreasing the pH.

Question 22

PaCO2 (partial pressure or arterial carbon dioxide)

Answer 22

Concentration of CO2 in arterial blood; reflects whether ventilation of the lungs is adequate; normal value= 40 - 45 mm Hg

Question 23

Cardiac Arrest

Answer 23

Temporary or permanent cessation of the heartbeat

Question 24

Hypokalemia

Answer 24

An abnormally low concentration of potassium levels in the blood. Also called hypopotassemia

Question 25

Automated external defribrillator (AED)

Answer 25

A portable device used to restart a heart that has stopped.

Question 26

Coronary thrombosis

Answer 26

The blocking of the coronary artery of the heart by a thrombus

Question 27

Coronary sindrome

Answer 27

A group of clinical symptoms compatible with acute myocardial ischemia (also called coronary heart disease)

Question 28

Esophageal-tracheal tube

Answer 28

A double-lumen tube with inflatable balloon cuffs that seal the hypopharynx from the oropharynx and esophagus; used for airway management

Question 29

Oxygen saturation (oxyhemoglobin saturation)

Answer 29

The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen; an indirect measurement of oxygenation. Normal value = 94%-100%

Question 30

Bradycardia

Answer 30

Slow heartbeat, whether physiologically or pathologically

Question 31

PaO2 (partial pressure of arterial oxygen)

Answer 31

The concentration of oxygen in arterial blood; reflects the body’s ability to retrieve oxygen from the lungs;
Normal value= 80-100 mm Hg

Question 32

Endotracheal intubation

Answer 32

The passage of a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea for maintenance of the airway.

Question 33

Tension pneumothorax

Answer 33

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.

Question 34

Asystole

Answer 34

Absence of electrical and mechanical activity in the heart.

Question 35

Moderate hypothermia

Answer 35

When the patients temperature

Question 36

Basic life support (BLS)

Answer 36

Emergency treatment of a victim of cardiac or respiratory arrest through cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.