Vital signs and pain terms

Question 1

Acute Pain

Answer 1

Episode of pain that lasts from seconds to less than 6 months

Question 2

Apnea

Answer 2

Absence of breathing

Question 3

Arrhythmia

Answer 3

a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.

Question 4

Blood pressure

Answer 4

Force of blood against arterial walls

Question 5

Bradycardia

Answer 5

Slow heart rate

Question 6

Bradypnea

Answer 6

Slow rate of breathing

Question 7

Chronic pain

Answer 7

Episode of pain that lasts for 6 months or longer. May be continuous or intermittent

Question 8

Circadian rhythm

Answer 8

Rhythm that completes a full cycle every 24 hours: synonym for diurnal rhythm

Question 9

Core temperature

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Cutaneous pain

Answer 10

Superficial pain usually involving the skin or subcutaneous tissue

Question 11

Intractable pain

Answer 11

Severe pain that is extremely resistant to relief measures

Question 12

Dyspnea

Answer 12

Difficult or labored breathing

Question 13

Endorphins

Answer 13

Morphine-like substances released by the body that appear to alter the perception of pain

Question 14

Phantom pain

Answer 14

Sensation of pain without demonstrable physiologic or pathologic substance; commonly observed after the amputation of a limb

Question 15

Prostaglandins

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Pulse deficit

Answer 16

Difference between the apical and radial pulse rates

Question 17

Somatic pain

Answer 17

Pain originating in structures in the body’s external wall

Question 18

Substance P

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Tachycardia

Answer 19

Rapid heart rate

Question 20

Tachypnea

Answer 20

Rapid rate of breathing

Question 21

Tidal volume

Answer 21

The volume of air inspired or expired in a single breath during regular breathing. Also called tidal air.

Question 22

Visceral pain

Answer 22

Pain originating in the internal organs in the thorax, the cranium, or abdomen

Question 23

Korotkoff sounds

Answer 23

Series of sounds that correspond to changes in blood flow through an artery as pressure is released