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Common Clinical Terms > Terms > Flashcards

Terms Flashcards

1
Q

Adnexa

A

Refers to the appendages of an organ
Most commonly used to refer to ovaries and fallopian tubes (adnexa of uterus); adj.-adnexal

EX: Adnexal mass

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2
Q

Afebrile

A

Without fever.

EX: Patient is afebrile and nontoxic.

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3
Q

Ambulatory

A

Able to move about, not confined to a bed.

Patient is ambulatory with assistance of a walker.

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4
Q

Aneurysm

A

A bulge or widening in a blood vessel wall caused by weakness in the vessel wall.

EX: Aortic aneurysm

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5
Q

Angina pectoris (angina)

A

Chest pain caused by ischemia to the heart muscle.

EX: Clinical presentation is concerning for angina, will proceed with cardiac enzymes.

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6
Q

Anasarca

A

Generalized massive edema; often occurs in congestive heart failure, liver failure, or renal disease.

EX: On exam, patient had diffuse swelling of all extremities, consistent with anasarca.

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7
Q

Anorexia

A

Loss of appetite, especially for a prolonged period of time (term individually does not refer to eating disorder)

EX: Patient complains of nausea, anorexia, and cramping abdominal pain.

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8
Q

Anorexia nervosa

A

An eating disorder characterized by excessive food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body self-perception.

EX: Patient has a past medical history of Anorexia nervosa.

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9
Q

Arrhythmia

A

General term for abnormal electrical activity in the heart or irregular heart beat.

EX: Patient denies arrhythmias or any racing heart sensation

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10
Q

Arthralgia

A

Joint pain that is not associated with an inflammatory process.

EX: Patient describes arthalgia, most severely in her knees.

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11
Q

Articulation

A

Surface of contact between distinct bones.

EX: On exam, there is swelling at the third MCP and intercarpal articulation of the right hand.

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12
Q

Ascites

A

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

EX: Physical exam significant for ascites. Will proceed with paracentesis.

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13
Q

Atelectasis

A

Collapse or closure of alveoli in the lung resulted in decreased gas exchange; can be acute or chronic - not synonymous with pneumothorax.

EX: chest xray shows atelectasis vs. scarring of the right lower lobe.

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14
Q

Auscultation

A

Listening for internal sounds during an exam.

EX: Lungs are clear to auscultation.

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15
Q

Avulsion

A

General term referring to the pulling away of an area or structure.

EX: Avulsion fracture

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16
Q

Brady-/Tachy- cardia

A

Abnormally slow/fast heart rate.

EX: There is no bradycardia on exam.

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17
Q

Brady-/Tachy- pnea

A

Abnormally slow/fast respiratory rate.

EX: Vital signs are notable for tachypnea with a respiratory rate of 45.

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18
Q

Bruit

A

Unusual sound that blood makes when it rushes past and obstruction in a vessel.

EX: There is not corotid bruit on exam.

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19
Q

Cachectic

A

Loss of weight and muscle mass which produces the appearance of malnutrition.

EX: The patient is cachectic and ill-appearing on exam.

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20
Q

Cerumen

A

Wax (e.g. ear wax)

EX: On exam, tympanic membranes are clear with no cerumen impaction.

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21
Q

Cirrhosis

A

Replacement of tissue by scar tissue and regenerative nodules.

EX: Patient has a past history of cirrhosis and liver disease secondary to Hepatitis C.

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22
Q

Crepitus

A

Crackling sound made by two surfaces contacting one another, often bones, which can be heard without a stethoscope.

EX: There is crepitus of the knee with extension on the left.

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23
Q

Cyanotic

A

Describing a bluish or slatelike color of the skin or mucous membranes, caused by lack of blood supply.

EX: On exam, skin is warm and dry with no cyanosis.

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24
Q

Debridement

A

Removal of foreign or dead material from a wound.

EX: The patient had the ulcer debrided at the wound clinic prior to arrival.

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25
Q

Dihiscence

A

A separation between layers, often in reference to a surgical incision site.

EX: The incision site is healing will, with no evidence of dehiscence.

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26
Q

Diaphoresis

A

Sweating or perspiration.

EX: Patient is distressed and diaphoretic on exam.

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27
Q

Dysmenorrhea

A

Painful menstruation.

EX: Patient describes dysmenorrhea and irregular vaginal bleeding.

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28
Q

Dyspareunia

A

Painful intercourse.

EX: Patient describes positional dyspareunia.

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29
Q

Dyspepsia

A

Condition of impaired digestion.

EX: Patients abdominal pain and bloating likely represent dyspepsia or GERD.

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30
Q

Dysphagia

A

Difficulty swallowing.

EX: Patient reports dysphagia after getting a piece of food stuck in her esophagus.

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31
Q

Dysphasia

A

Impairment of speech and verbal comprehension associated with a brain injury.

EX: The patient’s dysphasia and facial droop began this morning.

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32
Q

Dyspnea

A

Shortness of breath, difficult and labored breathing.

EX: The patient experience dyspnea on exertion associated with her pregnancy.

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33
Q

Dysuria

A

Burning sensation or pain during urination.

EX: Patient denies any dysuria or frequency of urination.

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34
Q

Ecchymosis

A

A purple discoloration of the skin due to the blood escaping from a ruptured blood vessel into the subcutaneous tissues (a bruise).

EX: On exam, there is a 5 x 3 cm irregularly shaped ecchymosis on the anterior right lower extremity.

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35
Q

Eczema

A

Acute or chronic inflammation of the skin involving a scaly and itchy rash, which may include papules, vesicles, oozing, crusting, and scaling.

EX: On the skin exam, there is an area of eczema on the right antecubital fossa.

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36
Q

Edentulous

A

Lacking teeth.

EX: The patient’s mouth is endentulous.

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37
Q

Effusion

A

Escape of fluid into a body cavity.

EX: Swelling of the right knee could suggest a joint effusion.

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38
Q

Emaciated

A

Extremely thin an weak.

EX: The patient appeared emaciated and pale.

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39
Q

Embolism

A

Obstruction of a blood vessel due to a clot of foreign substance.

EX: CTA of the chest reveals a left pulmonary embolism.

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40
Q

Emesis

A

Vomiting

EX: Patient had five episodes of emisis prior to arrival.

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41
Q

Epistaxis

A

Hemorrhage from the nostrils, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. (Nosebleed)

EX: The patient’s epistaxis began after blowing her nose.

42
Q

Erythema

A

Redness of the skin.

EX: An are of erythema could be a sign of infection.

43
Q

Evulsion

A

Act of tearing away or forcible extraction.

EX: The patient’s finger got stuck between two bleachers resulting in a complete evulsion of his right thumb nail.

44
Q

Febrile

A

Having symptoms of a fever.

EX: The patient is febrile on exam.

45
Q

Fluoroscein

A

Red or orange-colored dye applied to the eye in order to detect corneal lesions, abrasions, or foreign bodies.

EX: The fluoroscein uptake in the right eye indicated abnormality of the cornea.

46
Q

Fundus

A

Anatomical term referring to the portion of an organ opposite from its opening; base or bottom.

EX: The ultrasound shows a fibroid attached to the fundus of the uterus.

47
Q

Gingiva

A

Gums

EX: There is no gingival tenderness on exam.

48
Q

Gravid

A

State of pregnancy.

EX: The physical exam revealed a gravid uterus.

49
Q

Hemangioma

A

Tumor consisting of blood vessels.

EX: On exam, there is an hemangioma on the left anterior chest wall.

50
Q

Hematemisis

A

Vomiting blood.

EX: The patient reports and episode of hematemisis yesterday.

51
Q

Hematochezia

A

Bright red, bloody stools.

EX: After having an episode of hematochezia at home, the patient promptly came to the ED.

52
Q

Hematoma

A

Localized collection of blood in an organ or tissue due to a ruptured blood vessel.

EX: The patient developed a large subdural hematoma after hitting her head on the ground.

53
Q

Hematuria

A

Blood in urine

EX: The urinalysis reveals hematuria with 50-100 red blood cells.

54
Q

Hemoptysis

A

Coughing up of blood or bloody sputum.

EX: During a severe coughing episode, the patient noticed a moderate amount of hemoptysis.

55
Q

Hemorrhage

A

Excessive or profuse bleeding.

EX: Intracranial hemorrhage; subarachnoid hemorrhage

56
Q

Hemothorax

A

Collection of blood in the pleural cavity.

EX: Chest xray reveals a right hemothorax.

57
Q

Hyper-/Hypo- glycemia

A

Elevated/Low blood sugar

EX: Chemistry panel reveals hyperglycemia with a glucose >300

58
Q

Hyper-/Hypo- kalemia

A

Elevated/Low potassium concentration in the plasma.

EX: Labs reveal hypokalema with a potassium level of 3.0.

59
Q

Hyper-/Hypo- natremia

A

Elevated/Low sodium concentration in the plasma.

EX: Labs reveal hypernatremia with a sodium level of 150.

60
Q

Hyper-/Hypo- tension

A

Elevated/Low arterial blood pressure.

EX: The patient has a history of hypertension.

61
Q

Ileus

A

Disruption of the contraction of the intestinal muscle resulting in failure of intestinal contents to pass through.

EX: The patient’s abdominal pain could be due to an ileus.

62
Q

Induration

A

Area of hardened tissue.

EX: On exam, there is a 1x 2 cm area of induration on the right arm.

63
Q

Infarct

A

Necrotic area of tissue following cessation of the blood supply.

EX: Myocardial infarct, cerebral infarct, splenic infarct.

64
Q

Ischemia

A

A decrease in the blood supply.

EX: Myocardial ischemia, cerrbral ischea.

65
Q

Keloid

A

Scar formation consisting of dense tissue.

EX: Thre is a 2cm lineaakeloid formation over the sternum.

66
Q

Leukocytosis

A

Elevated white blood count above normal range.

EX: CBC reveals leukocytosis with white blood count of 35,000.

67
Q

Lymphadenopathy

A

Enlargement of the lymph nodes.

EX: On exam there is a mild cervical lymphadenopathy.

68
Q

Macule

A

Small colored spot on the skin that is not elevated or depressed.

EX: There is a small macule on the right arm.

69
Q

Malaise

A

General feeling of discomfort or weakness.

EX: The patient reports generalized malaise and fatigue.

70
Q

Malocclusion

A

Misalignment of teeth.

EX: After sustaining facial trauma, the patient exhibits malocclusion.

71
Q

Melena

A

Black, tarry stool.

EX: Rectal exam reveals no melena.

72
Q

Menorrhagia

A

Abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period at regular intervals.

EX: The patient describes pelvic pain and a history of menorrhagia.

73
Q

Nares

A

Nostrils

EX: Exam reveals active bleeding from the bilateral nares.

74
Q

Neuralgia

A

Sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve due to irritation or damage to the nerve.

EX: The patient’s facial pain could be due to trigeminal neuralgia.

75
Q

Nystagmus

A

Involuntary rapid eye movement, can be described as horizontal or vertical.

EX: Eyes are equal, round and reactive, without nystagmus.

76
Q

Odynophagia

A

Painful swallowing.

EX: The patient reports odynophagia; however, his pharynx appears normal on exam.

77
Q

Os

A

Mouth or orifice

EX: Cervical os is normal on pelvic exam.

78
Q

Pallor

A

A pale appearance of the skin.

EX: The patient has significant pallor on exam.

79
Q

Para

A

Number of viable offspring

EX: The patient’s obstetrical history is gravida 3 and para 2 (G3P2)

80
Q

Paresthesia

A

Abnormal tactile sensation often described as numbness, tingling, burning, or pricking.

EX: Patient reports paresthesias in her bilateral lower extremities.

81
Q

Paronychia

A

Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail.

EX: There is evidence of paronychia on the right third digit.

82
Q

Paroxysmal

A

A sudden attack, recurrence, or intensification of symptoms.

EX: Paroxysimal benign positional vertigo.

83
Q

Petechiae

A

Pinpoint-sized red spots on the skin.

EX: On exam the patient has diffuse petechial rash.

84
Q

Pleurisy

A

Inflamation of the pleura of the lungs.

EX: Chest pain that is exacerbated by deep breaths or coughing could be due to pleurisy.

85
Q

Pneumothorax

A

Abnormal collection of gas in the pleural space.

EX: CXR reveals a pneumothorax.

86
Q

Purulent

A

Containing, discharging, or causing the production or pus.

EX: On exam, there is a 2cm abscess with purulent drainage.

87
Q

Rale

A

An abnormal respiratory sound characterized by a cracking noise.

EX: On auscultation, there are rales in the right base.

88
Q

Rhinorrhea

A

Thin, watery discharge from the nose.

EX: The patient reports rhinorrhea, but denies any nasal congestion.

89
Q

Rhonchi

A

Course, rattling or snoring sound heard on auscultation, due to partial obstruction of air channels.

EX: On auscultation of the lungs, there are diffuse rhonchi.

90
Q

Sepsis

A

Severe response to the presence of a pathological microorganism or toxin in the blood.

EX: Clinical picture is concerning for sepsis.

91
Q

Sputum

A

Matter expectorated from the respiratory system, such as mucus.

EX: The patient has had a productive cough with yellow sputum for the past two weeks.

92
Q

Stellate

A

Star-shaped, radiating from the center.

EX: Stellate fracture

93
Q

Stenosis

A

Abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure.

EX: Aortic stenosis

94
Q

Stridor

A

Highpitched respiratory sound caused by an obstruction of the larynx or pharynx.

EX: On exam, he child has stridor along with subcostal retractions.

95
Q

Syncope

A

Loss of consciousness.

EX: Per family, the patient had two episodes of syncope prior to arrival.

96
Q

Tinea

A

Skin infection caused by a fungus

EX: On exam, there is evidence of tinea corporis.

97
Q

Tinnitus

A

Noise or ringing in the ears.

EX: The patient has tinnitus in association with his vertigo.

98
Q

Torsion

A

Twisting of a bodily organ on its own axis.

EX: Ovarian torsion; Testicular torsion

99
Q

Trismus

A

Difficulty opening mouth due to spasm of the masticatory muscles.

EX: The patient exhibits trismus associted with his contraction of tetanus.

100
Q

Turgor

A

The normal fullness or tension produced by the fluid content of blood vessels, capillaries, and cells.

EX: On exam, skin turgor is normal.

101
Q

Urticaria

A

Raised, itchy red welts on the surface of the skin that are accompanied by itching.

EX: The patient developed a diffuse urticarial rash due to an adverse drug reaction.

Common Clinical Terms (3 decks)

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