Vocabulary Flashcards
Abandonment
the act of discontinuing emergency care without ensuring that another health care professional with equivalent or better training will take over.
Abdominal Aorta
the portion of the descending aorta that extends from the thoracic portion of the aorta to the distal point where the aorta divides into the iliac arteries. Arteries branching from the abdominal aorta supply the abdominal organs.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
a weakened, ballooned, and enlarged area of the wall of the abdominal aorta.
Abdominal Cavity
the space located below the diaphragm that extends to the top of the pelvis.
Abdominal Evisceration
Abdominal organ protrusion through an open wound to the abdomen.
Abdominal Quadrants
the four parts of the abdomen as divided by imaginary horizontal and vertical lines through the umbilicus.
Abrasion
an open injury to the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) caused by a scraping away, rubbing, or shearing away of the tissue.
Abruptio Placentae
the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
acetabulum
the rounded cavity or socket on the external surface of the pelvis that receives the head of the femur.
acetylcholine (ACh)
a neurotransmitter that is distributed throughout the body and is necessary for normal function of the parasympathetic nervous system.
acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Nerve agents inhibit the action of this enzyme, allowing acetylcholine to accumulate.
Acromion
the lateral triangular projection of the scapula that forms the point of the shoulder.
Activated Charcoal
a distilled charcoal in powder form that can adsorb many times its weight in contaminants to prevent their adsorption by the body; no longer commonly administered in the emergency care of patients who have ingested a poison.
Acute
With rapid onset
Acute Abdomen
a sharp, severe abdominal pain with rapid onset.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
a group of s/s resulting from a variety of conditions that can affect the heart in which the coronary arteries are narrowed or occluded by fat deposits, clots, or spasm.
Acute Renal Failure (ACF)
a rapid loss of renal function that results in poor urine production, electrolyte disturbance, and fluid balance disturbance.
Administration
the route and form by which a drug is given.
Advance Directive
instructions, written in advance, such as a DNR, living will, or durable power of attorney
Advanced EMT
EMT with advanced airways, monitoring of blood glucose levels, intravenous and intraosseous infusions, and more meds.
Aerobic Metabolism
chemical and physical changes that take place within the cells in the presence of oxygen.
Afterbirth
the placenta and other tissues that are expelled after the delivery of the fetus.
Afterload
the force of contraction that the left ventricle has to generate to overcome the resistance in the aorta to eject the blood.
Agitated/Excited Delirium
a mental and physiologic state of arousal that is usually characterized by extreme strength and endurance, tolerance to pain, hostility, and hyperactive behavior; may result in sudden cardiac death.
Agonal Respirations
gasping type respirations that have no pattern and occur very infrequently; a sign of impending cardiac arrest
Air Embolism
an air bubble that enters the bloodstream and obstructs a blood vessel
Airway Resistance
the restriction of airflow that is related to the diameter of the airways
Alpha Radiation
a very heavy and slow-moving particle that travels only inches in air and is stopped by clothing or the outer layer of the skin. It is a very serious internal contaminant and can be ingested or inhaled.
Alveolar Ventilation
the amount of inspired air that reaches the alveoli of the lungs
Alveoli
Air sacs of the lungs
Amniotic Sac
a thin, transparent membrane that forms the sac that holds the fetus suspended in amniotic fluid.
Anaerobic Metabolism
chemical and physical changes that take place within the cells without the presence of oxygen.
Antepartum
the period of pregnancy prior to the onset of labor
Anterior chamber
the front of the chamber of the eye containing the aqueous humor.
Anterior Cord Syndrome
loss of most function below the site of injury to the anterior portion of the spinal cord.
Anterior plane
the front
Anterograde Amnesia
inability to remember circumstances after an incident
antibodies
special proteins produced by the immune system that search out antigens and combine with and help to destroy them.
antidote
a substance that neutralizes the effect of a poison or a toxic substance.
