TERMS & DEFINITIONS Flashcards
What is an Air Embolism and what causes it?
An obstruction caused by a bolus of air that enters the vein through an:
Inadequately primed IV line
Loose connection on an IV
During an IV tubing Change
Or through the removal of an IV line
What is an Allen’s Test? How do we do it? Why do we do it?
A test that assesses the collateral circulation to the hand by evaluating the radial and ulnar arteries.
Done by asking the patient to make a fist, compressing either the ulnar and radial arteries of the lower forearm, ensuring that blood returns to the hand through the non-compressed artery.
This test is completed to ensure that an embolism does not exist in these arteries prior to the insertion of an arterial catheter.
What does fluid volume deficit mean?
Dehydration, in which the fluid intake of the body does not match fluid loses/needs
What is FFP (Fresh Frozen Plasma) used for?
Blood product administered to increase the level of clotting factors in clients with clotting deficiencies or as a plasma expander for plasma loss
This helps regulate bone formation, blood coagulation, excitation of cardiac and smooth muscle, and the synthesis and regulation of the endocrine and exocrine glands.
Calcium
This is concentrated in bone, cartilage and within cells and is a source of energy. It is needed for the factor of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and contraction of muscular tissues.
Magnesium
Define Metabolic Alkalosis. Name ways this can occur.
A deficit or loss of Hydrogen ions or acids and an excess of Bicarbonate that results from the concentration of alkalinic substances or the loss of acid without a compensatory mechanism.
Hypovolemia Loss of gastric fluids Excessive bicarbonate intake Massive transfusion of whole blood Hyperaldosteronism
What are Packed Red Blood Cells?
A blood product used to replace Erythrocytes (RBCs) that were lost due to various complications.
What is Phlebitis and how is it caused?
An inflammation of the vein that occurs from, mechanical, or chemical trauma, or local infections.
This is needed for the generation of new bony tissues and functions in the metabolism of glucose and lipids, in the maintenance of acid-base balances, and the storage and transfer of energy from one site in the body to another.
Phosphorus
Why might someone need a platelet transfusion?
Patients with low platelet counts or to thrombocytopenic patients who are bleeding actively or are scheduled for invasive procedures.
This is found in intracellular fluids and is the primary buffer within the cell itself. It is required for nerve conduction, muscle functioning, acid-base balance, and osmotic pressure. Control the rate and force of cardiac muscle contraction and cardiac output.
Potassium
Differentiate between Respiratory Acidosis and Respiratory Alkalosis.
Respiratory Acidosis
- A low concentration of a base that results from a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (acids) than the body can manage.
- Primarily caused by defects in respiratory function or changes in breathing patterns as the result of secondary problems.
- Caused by Understimulation of respiratory system (Bradypnea)
- Not getting enough O2 (base) and retaining CO2 (Acid)
Respiratory Alkalosis
- A Low concentration of carbonic acid or a decrease in the circulating hydrogen ions that results in the accumulation of base from the loss of acid without compensation.
- Occurs due to the overstimulation of the respiratory system (Tachypnea)
- Expiring too much CO2 (acid), and breathing in too much O2 (Base)
What is septicemia?
The presence of infectious agents in the bloodstream.
This abundant electrolyte mainatians osmotic pressure and acid-balance balance, and also transmits nerve impulses.
Sodium
What is Herpes Zoster and what signs and symptoms might you expect from a patient with Herpes Zoster?
Shingles
Recurrent infection caused by dormant Varicella-zoster virus that occurred during chickenpox
Signs and symptoms: Unilateral clustering of skin vesicles along dermatomes Fever, malaise Burning and pain Paresthesia (pins and needles) Pruritus (itching)
How do you treat Poison Ivy?
Cleanse skin of oils
Apply cold to reduce itching
Topical ointments to relieve itching and discomfort
Topical or oral glucocorticoids
What is psoriasis?
What can precipitate it?
Chronic non-infectious skin inflammation causing psoriasis patches. Skin can break down and break; thus, leading to infection
Precipitated by: Stress Trauma Infection Hormones Obesity Autoimmune reaction Climate changes Genetic predisposition
What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome? Who does it most commonly effect?
Drug-induced reaction that occurs through an immunological response that can be mild or severe
May cause vesicles, erosions and crusts on the skin.
Most commonly occurs in cancer patients receiving chemo and immunotherapies.
What are some initial emergency actions to take during a burn injury?
Assess airway Give oxygen Obtain vitals IV fluid replacement Elevate extremities burned Keep client warm & place on NPO
Why would you want to elevate affected extremities in a burn patient?
It reduces fluid loss and subsequent hypovolemic shock from the burn injury.
What symptoms would you expect from a patient who received carbon monoxide poisoning and has 55% carbon monoxide levels in their blood?
Coma
Seizures
What is Leukemia?
Malignancy involving overproduction of leukocytes which usually remain at an immature stage in the bone marrow.
What is lymphoma?
Classified as Hodgkin’s or Non-Hodgkin’s
Malignancy of the lymph nodes that is characterized by abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes.
What is the Difference between Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
If there is a presence of Reed-Sternberg Cells then it is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, if no Reed-Sternberg Cells are present, then it is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Malignant proliferation of PLASMA cells in the bone. Excessive proliferation of plasma cells invade the bone marrow and ultimately destroy the bone; invade lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Can lead to kidney failure due to increased Uric acid and calcium.
HPV posses an increased risk of which type of Cancer?
Cervical cancer
What is Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?
When a tumour produces and secretes or stimulates substances that mimic antidiuretic hormone. Leads to hyponatremia that can eventually cause seizures, coma and then death.
What is superior Vena Cava syndrome?
Occurs when SVC is compressed or obstructed by tumour growth. Early signs may be orbital puffiness and facial swelling in the morning, but can then extend to edema in the arms and hands, dyspnea, and nosebleeds in later stages.
What is tumour lysis syndrome?
Occurs when large quantities of tumour cells are destroyed rapidly and intracellular components like K+ and uric acid are released into the blood faster than the body can eliminate them.
Can indicate the treatment is destroying tumour cells, but if left untreated can cause severe tissue damage and death
What is Addisonian Crisis?
Adrenal hormone insufficiency that can be life-threatening. Can lead to shock and eventual death due to vascular collapse or hyperkalemia
What is the Chvostek’s Sign?
Spasm of facial muscles caused by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear.
Indicates hypocalcemia
This is known as the master gland and directly affects the function of all other endocrine glands
Pituitary gland
This gland secretes cortisol, cortisone and is responsible for glucose metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, and suppression of inflammatory response to injury.
Adrenal Gland
On top of the Kidney
What is diabetes insipidus?
The hyposecrretion of Antidiuretic hormone caused by a stroke or trauma or could be idiopathic. Much water is released
Kidney tubules fail to resorb water.
What is Addison’s Disease characterized by?
Hyposecretion of the adrenal cortex hormones (Cortisol, cortisone, etc).
Fatal if untreated. (Addisonian Crisis)
What medications are given to a client with Addisonian Crisis?
Glucocorticoids (Cortisone, cortisol, dexamethasone, etc)
What is Cushing's Disease characterized as? A/ Hypo-secretion of mineralocorticoids B/ Hyper-secretion of glucocorticoids C/ Excess secretion of ADH D/ Hyper-secretion of aldosterone
B/ Hyper-secretion of glucocorticoids
Abnormal secretions of cortisol that leads to characteristics like: moon face Trunchal obesity Buffalo hump Thin arms and legs Abdominal striae
What are catecholamines?
Hormones that illicit the fight-or-flight response. Epineprhine, norepinephrine and dopamine.
They increase Heart rate, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
What symptoms may be seen in hypothyroidism?
Lethargy and fatigue Weakness Intolerance to cold Weight gain Dry skin and loss of body hair Bradycardia Constipation Possible edema in the face and eyes Loss of memory menstural disturbances Cardiac enlargement with a tendency to develop heart failure Possible goiter
What is a Myxedema Coma? (MY-X-Edema)
Rare but serious disorder resulting from persistently low thyroid production. Very severe hypothyroidism caused by acute illness, rapid withdrawal of thyroid medication, anesthesia or surgery, hypothermia, or sedative and opioid use.
Can lead to respiratory failure and coma.
What are some symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Personality changes: irritable, agitated, mood swings Nervousness Fine tremor of the hands Heat intolerance Weight loss Smooth soft skin Palpitations, cardiac dysrhythmias Tachycardia and possible A-fib Diarrhea Protrusion of the eyes possible Diaphoresis Hypertension
