Vital signs and pain terms Flashcards
Acute Pain
Episode of pain that lasts from seconds to less than 6 months
Apnea
Absence of breathing
Arrhythmia
a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.
Blood pressure
Force of blood against arterial walls
Bradycardia
Slow heart rate
Bradypnea
Slow rate of breathing
Chronic pain
Episode of pain that lasts for 6 months or longer. May be continuous or intermittent
Circadian rhythm
Rhythm that completes a full cycle every 24 hours: synonym for diurnal rhythm
Core temperature
Rectal and temporal measurements, or measurements taken directly inside the body cavity, are typically slightly higher than oral measurements, and oral measurements are somewhat higher than skin temperature. The commonly accepted average core body temperature (taken internally) is 97-99.5 deg F
Cutaneous pain
Superficial pain usually involving the skin or subcutaneous tissue
Intractable pain
Severe pain that is extremely resistant to relief measures
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing
Endorphins
Morphine-like substances released by the body that appear to alter the perception of pain
Phantom pain
Sensation of pain without demonstrable physiologic or pathologic substance; commonly observed after the amputation of a limb
Prostaglandins
One of a number of hormone-like substances that participate in a wide range of body functions such as the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, control of blood pressure, and modulation of inflammation. Prostaglandins are derived from a chemical called arachidonic acid
Pulse deficit
Difference between the apical and radial pulse rates
Somatic pain
Pain originating in structures in the body’s external wall
Substance P
a neuropeptide - a substance that functions as a neurotransmitter and as a neuromodulator. Sensitizes receptors on nerves to feel pain and also increase the rate of firing of nerves
Tachycardia
Rapid heart rate
Tachypnea
Rapid rate of breathing
Tidal volume
The volume of air inspired or expired in a single breath during regular breathing. Also called tidal air.
Visceral pain
Pain originating in the internal organs in the thorax, the cranium, or abdomen
Korotkoff sounds
Series of sounds that correspond to changes in blood flow through an artery as pressure is released
