Vocabulary Flashcards
words to know
Defibrillator
a device used to deliver a shock to the heart in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias
EKG/ECG
a test that records the electrical activity of the heart
Hemorrhage
heavy bleeding or blood loss, often a medical emergency
Hypoxia
a condition where the body or a part of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply
Triage
the process of sorting patients based on the severity of their injuries or illness to prioritize treatment
Shock
insufficient blood flow to the body’s organs, which can lead to organ failure
Tension Pneumothorax
life threatening condition where air accumulates in the chest cavity and puts pressure on the lungs and heart
GCS (Glass Coma Scale)
A scale used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor response
Nitroglycerin
a medication often used for chest pain (Angina) by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow
Contusion
A bruise
ICP (Intracranial Pressure)
Pressure inside the skull, which can increase due to brain injury or illness
Anaphylaxis
a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties, shock, and even death if not treated
Oxygen Saturation (Sp02)
the amount of oxygen in the blood, usually measured by a pulse oximeter
Laceration
A deep cut or tear in the skin or tissue
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
a life-threatening heart rhythm that can cause cardiac arrest
Systolic
the pressure where the heart beats
Diastolic
the pressure when the heart rests between beats
Acidosis
a condition in which the blood becomes too acidic
Angina
Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to heart muscle, often a sign of heart disease
Asystole
A complete absence of electrical activity in the heart (Flatline)
Bradycardia
an abnormally slow heart rate, typically less than 60 beats per min
Cardiac Arrest
heart stops beating effectively, leading to loss of blood circulation
Cardiogenic shock
shock caused by the heart’s inability to pump enough blood to the body, usually due to a heart attack
Dysrhythmia
An abnormal heart rhythm, could either be too fast, too slow or irregular
Edema
swelling caused by accumulation of fluid in the tissues
Embolism
A blockage in a blood vessel caused by an air bubble, fat or blood clot that travels through the bloodstream
Hemoptysis
coughing up blood from the lungs
Infarction
tissue death caused by a lack of blood flow, such as in a heart attack or stroke
Myocardial infarction
A heart attack, when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked causing tissue death
Orthopnea
difficulty breathing while lying flat
Pneumothorax
a collapsed lung. the presence of air or gas in the pleural space around the lungs
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
a blockage in the lungs’ blood vessel
Bilateral
referring to both sides of the body or both limbs
Dyspnea
difficulty or discomfort in breathing, often associated with asthma or heart failure
Hypovolemic Shock
a type of shock caused by severe blood or fluid loss
Myocardial Ischemia
blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked
Perfusion
the process of delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues through the blood
Rales
abnormal lung sounds, often described as crackling or bubbling, heard during breathing
Tachypnea
Rapid breathing, often sign of respiratory distress, fever or anxiety
Vasoconstriction
the narrowing of the blood vessel, often in response to clod, stress or certain medications, which can increase blood pressure
Auscultation
the act of listening to the sounds of the body
Hypovolemia
a condition where there is a low volume of blood or their body fluids, often due to dehydration, bleeding, or fluid loss
Kussmaul Respirations
Deep, labored breathing
