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OEC vocab
definition form then glossary of forth edition OEC book
259
Medical
Not Applicable
12/31/2010

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Abduction
Definition
Motion of a limb away from the middel
Term
Adsence seizure 
Definition
Seizure that may be characterized by a brief lapse he patient may stare and does not respond.  alson known as a petit mal seizure.
Term
Acetabulum
Definition
the depression of the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join,  in which the femoral head fits snugly 
Term
Acidosis
Definition
A pathologic condition resulting from the accumulation of acid in the body
Term
Acromioclavicular (A/C) Joint 
Definition
a simpel joint where the bony projections of the scapula and the clavicle meet and the top of the shoulder 
Term
Acromioclavicular separations 
Definition
The joint between the clavicle and the acromion of the scapula at the point of the shoulder
Term
Acromion 
Definition
The lateral extension of the spine of scapula that form the highest point of the shoulder 
Term
Acute Abdomen 
Definition
A condition of sudden onset of pain within the abdomen,  usually indicating peritonitis: demands immediate medical or surgical treatment
Term
Acute myocardial infraction (AMI)
Definition
heart attack; death of heart muscle following obstruction of blood flow to it.  Acute in this context means "new" or "happening right now"
Term
Adduction 
Definition
a motion of the limb toward the midline
Term
agonal respirations 
Definition
Occasional,  gasping breaths that occurs after the heart has stopped 
Term
Air embolsim
Definition
the presence of air in the veins, which can lead to cardiac arrest if it enters the heart
Term
air way
Definition
the upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx which includes the nose, mouth, and throat.  the lower airway includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli
Term
altered level of consciousness 
Definition
a mental state that patients may be unresponsive, combative, or confused, may thrash about, or may drift into and out of an alert state; also called mental status
Term
altered mental status 
Definition
a change in the way a person thinks and behaves that may be a signal disease in the central nervous system.
Term
alveoli
Definition
the sir sacs in the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place
Term
Anaphylactic shock
Definition
sever shock caused by allergic reactions  
Term
Anaphylaxis
Definition
an extreme,  possible life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that may includes shock and respiratory failure 
Term
aneurysm
Definition
a swelling of enlargement of a part of an artery resulting from weakening of the arterial wall
Term
angina pectoris 
Definition
transient (short lived) chest discomfort caused by partial or temporary blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle  
Term
angel of louis 
Definition
a ridge on the sternum that lies ar the level where the second rib is attached to the sternum;  provides a constant and reliable bony landmark on the anterior chest wall.
Term
anoxic
Definition
Diminished oxygen in that arterial blood despite normal ability of the blood to contain and carry oxygen.  may be due to the reduces oxygen supply, respiratory obstruction,reduced surface area in the lungs for exchange of gases,  or inadequate respiratory movements
Term
anterior superior lliac spines 
Definition
the bony prominences of the pelvis (ilium) at the front on each side of the lower abdomen below the plane of the umbilicus
Term
aphasia
Definition
the inability to communicate verbally.
Term
apnea 
Definition
absence of breathing 
Term
appendix
Definition
a small tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen 
Term
arteriole
Definition
the smallest branch of an artery leading to the vast network of capillaries
Term
aspiration 
Definition
the introduction of vomit or other foreign material into the lungs 
Term
asthma
Definition
a disease of the lungs in which muscle spasms in the small air passageways and the production of the large amounts of mucus results in the airway obstruction 
Term
asystole 
Definition
complete absence of the heart's electrical activity 
Term
ataxia
Definition
loss of muscle coordination leading to the difficulty in maintaining balance in the inability to walk 
Term
auscultation
Definition
a method of listening to sounds within an organ with a stethoscope 
Term
autonomic (involuntary) nervous system
Definition
the part of the nervous system that regulates functions that are not controlled by conscious will, digestion and sweating such as digest
Term
AVPU
Definition
a mnemonic for assessing the patient's level of responsiveness be determining whether a patent is awake and alert, responsive to verbal stimulas or pain, or unresponsive; used principally in the initial assessment 
Term
avulsion
Definition
an injury in the soft tissue either if torn completely loose or is a hanging flap
Term
battle's sign
Definition
bruising behind the ear over the mastoid process that may indicate a skull fracture  
Term
bilateral 
Definition
a body part that appears on both sides of the midline 
Term
blunt injury
Definition
injury to the head in which the brain has been injured but the skin in unbroken 
Term
brachial artery
Definition
the major vessel in the upper extremity that supplies blood to the arem 
Term
bradycardia 
Definition
a heart heart that is less than 60 beats/min in children and less then 80 beats/min in infants
Term
brain stem
Definition
the part of the central nervous system that controls virtually all functions that are necessary for life,  including the cardiac and respiratory systems  
Term
bronchi
Definition
the tubular air passage of the lungs
Term
Bronchioles 
Definition
the smallest part of the bronchi
Term
calcaneus 
Definition
the heel bone
Term
capillary
Definition
any one of the small blood vessels that connect the arteriole and the venule and through whose walls various substances pass into and out of the interstitial tissues and then onto the cells 
Term
capillary refill
Definition
a test that evaluates distal circulatory system function by squeezing (blanching) blood from an area such as nail bed and watching the speed of the its refill after releasing pressure 
Term
cardiogenic shock 
Definition
a state in which not enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body, causes by low output of blood from the heart.  it can be a severe complication of a lage acute myocardial infarction, as well as other conditions 
Term
carotid artery
Definition
the major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain 
Term
cerebellum
Definition
one of three major subdivisions of the brain sometimes called "the little brain"; coordinates the various activities of the brain, particularly body movements 
Term
cerebral edema 
Definition
swelling in the brain 
Term
cerebral embolism 
Definition
obstruction of the cerebral artery caused by a clot that was formed elsewhere in the body and traveled to the brain 
Term
 cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Definition
an interruption of  blood flow to the brain hat results in the loss of brain function  
Term
cerebrum 
Definition
the largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain,  sometimes calles the "gray matter"; made up several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality 
Term
cervical spin 
Definition
the portion of the spinal column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lies in the neck 
Term
circulation, motion, sensation (CMS)
Definition
an abbreviation or what to check for in an injured extremity 
Term
circulatory system 
Definition
a complex arrangent of connected tubs including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, that moves blood. oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular wast throughout the body 
Term
clavicle 
Definition
the collarbone;  it is a lateral to the sternum and medial to the scapula
Term
closed fracture 
Definition
a fracture in which the overlying skin is not broken 
Term
coccyx
Definition
the last four vertebrae of the spin; the tailbone  
Term
cognitive disability
Definition
damage or deterioration in any portion of the brain it affects the ability to process information, coordinate and control the body, and r move in space
Term
colic
Definition
acute, intermittent cramping abdominal pain 
Term
compensated shock 
Definition
the early stage of shock, in which the body can still compensate for the blood loss  
Term
concussion 
Definition
a temporary loss or alteration of part or all of the brain's ability to function without acute physical damage to the brain
Term
congestive heart failure (CHF)
Definition
a disorder in which the heart loses part of its ability to effectively pump blood,  usually as a result of damage to the heart muscle and usually resulting in a backup of fluid in the lungs 
Term
conjunctiva 
Definition
the delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eye 
Term
contusion 
Definition
a bruise without a break in the skin 
Term
core
Definition
the central nervous system,heart, lungs, liver and other important organs of the body.
Term
coronary artery
Definition
a blood vessel that carries blood and nutrients to the heart muscle 
Term
costal arch 
Definition
a bridge of cartilage that connects the ends of the sixth through the tenth ribs with the lower portion of the sternum 
Term
cranium
Definition
the area of the head above the ears and eyes;  the skull.  the cranium contains the brain 
Term
crepitus 
Definition
a grating or grinding sensation caused by a fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together 
Term
cricoid cartilage 
Definition
a firm ridge a cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx
Term
croup
Definition
an infectious disease of the upper respiratory system that may cause partial airway obstruction and is characterized by a barking cough;  usually seen in children 
Term
crushing injury
Definition
an injury caused by compression that involves both direct injury and injury caused by circulation disturbance resulting from pressure on blood vessels 
Term
cyanosis
Definition
a bluish-gray skin color that is caused by reduced levels of oxygen in the blood 
Term
DCAP-BTLS
Definition
a mnemonic for assessment of which each area of the body is evaluated for deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures, burns, tenderness, lacerations, and swelling 
Term
decompensated shock
Definition
the late stages of shock when blood pressure is falling 
Term
defidrillation 
Definition
ti shock a fibrillating (chaotically beating) heart with specialized electronic current in an attempt to restore normal rhythmic beat 
Term
dermis
Definition
the inner layer of skin, containing hair follicles, swear glands, nerve endings. and blood vesseles 
Term
diabetic coma 
Definition
unconsciousness caused by dehydration, very high blood glucose levels, and acidosis in diabetes
Term
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Definition
a form acidosis in uncontrolled diabetes in which  certain acids accumulate when insulin is not available 
Term
diaphoretic
Definition
characterized by profuse sweating
Term
diastole 
Definition
a relaxation or period of relaxation of the heart especially of the ventricles 
Term
diastolic blood pressure 
Definition
the lowest point of the blood pressure curve 
Term
diffusion 
Definition
a process in which molecules move form the area of the higher concentration to the area of the lower concentration 
Term
dilation 
Definition
widening of a tubular structure such as coronary artery 
Term
disarticulation 
Definition
an amputation that occurs at a joint 
Term
dislocation 
Definition
disruption of a joint in which ligaments are damaged and the bone ends are no longer in normal contact 
Term
displaced fracture 
Definition
a fracture in which the bone fragments are separated form one another and not in anatomic alignment 
Term
distal 
Definition
nearer to the tips of the extremities 
Term
dorsal 
Definition
the posterior surface of the body, including the back of the hand 
Term
dysarthria 
Definition
the inability to produce speech clearly, often a result of blood flow to the right hemisphere of the brain 
Term
dysphagin 
Definition
difficulty in swallowing 
Term
dyspnea 
Definition
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
Term
ecchymosis 
Definition
discoloration of the skin associated with a closed wound; breathing 
Term
eclampsia 
Definition
convulsions (seizures) resulting from sever hypertension in pregnant woman 
Term
edema 
Definition
the presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid between cells in body tissue, causing swelling of the affected area 
Term
embolus 
Definition
a blood clot or other substance in the circulatory system that travels to the blood vessel where it causes a blockage 
Term
emesis 
Definition
vomiting 
Term
emphysema 
Definition
a disease of the lungs in which there is a extreme dilation and eventual destruction of the pulmonary alveoli with poor exchange or oxygen and carbon dioxide; it is one from of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
Term
epidermis 
Definition
the outer layer of skin which is made of cells that are sealed together to form a watertight protective covering for the body 
Term
epiglottis 
Definition
a thin leaf-shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food or liquid form eating 
Term
epinephrine 
Definition
a substance produced by the body (adrenalin) and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate ad blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction 
Term
epistaxis 
Definition
nosebleed 
Term
esophagus 
Definition
a collapsible tube that extends form the pharynx to the stomach; contractions of the muscle in the wall of the esophagus propel food and liquids through it to the stomach 
Term
evisceration 
Definition
the displacement of organs outside of the body 
Term
fascia 
Definition
a sheet or band of tough fibrous connective tissue; lies deep under the skin and forms a outer layer for the muscles 
Term
febrile seizures 
Definition
convulsions that result for sudden high fevers particularly in children 
Term
femoral artery
Definition
the principal artery of the thigh that supplies blood to the lower extremities 
Term
femur
Definition
the thigh bone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body 
Term
fibula 
Definition
the lateral of the two bones of the lower leg 
Term
flex
Definition
to bend 
Term
floating ribs 
Definition
the eleventh and twelfth ribs, which do not attach to the sternum through the costal arch 
Term
flutter valve 
Definition
a one way valve that allows air to leave the chest cavity but not return. formed by taping three sides of a occlusive dressing to the chest wall leaving the fourth open as a valve 
Term
foramen magnum
Definition
 a large opening at the bass of the skull which the brain connectes to the spinal cord 
Term
flowler's position 
Definition
the position in which the patient is sitting up or semisttting with the knees bent 
Term
fracture 
Definition
a break in the continuity of the bone 
Term
full-thickness (third degree) burn 
Definition
a burn that affects all skin layers and may affect the subcutaneous layers, muscle, bone, and internal organs, leaving the area dry, leathery white, dark brown, or charred 
Term
gag reflex 
Definition
a normal reflex mechanism that causes retching; activated by touching the soft or the back of the throat 
Term
gastric distention 
Definition
a condition in which in fill the stomach as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation 
Term
glenoid fossa 
Definition
the art of the scapula that joins the humeral head to the form the glenohumeral joint 
Term
glucose 
Definition
one of the basic sugars; it is primary fuel, along with oxygen, for cellular metabolism 
Term
guarding 
Definition
involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of the abdominal wall, and effort to protect the inflamed abdomen 
Term
heat cramps 
Definition
painful muscle spasms usually associated with vigorous activity in a hot environment 
Term
heat exhaustion 
Definition
a form of heat injury in which the body looses significant amounts of fluid and electrolytes because of heavy sweating: also called heat prostration or heat collapse 
Term
heatstroke 
Definition
a life-threatening condition of sever hyperthermia caused by exposure to excessive natural or artificial heat, marked by warm, dry; severely altered mental status; and often irreversibel coma   
Term
hematemsis 
Definition
vomiting blood 
Term
hematoma 
Definition
the collection of blood in a space, tissue or organ due to a break in the wall of a blood vessel 
Term
hematuria 
Definition
the presence of blood in the urine 
Term
hemiparesis 
Definition
weakness on one side of the body 
Term
hemoptysis 
Definition
spitting or coughing up blood 
Term
hemorrhage 
Definition
profuse bleeding 
Term
hemorrhagic stroke 
Definition
one of the two main types of stroke; occurs as a result of bleeding inside of the brain
Term
hemothorax 
Definition
collection of blood in the chest 
Term
hernia 
Definition
the protrusion of a loop of an organ or tissue through an abnormal body opening 
Term
high altitude cerebral edema (HACE)
Definition
a serious complication of acute mountain sickness characterized by swelling of the brain, ataxia and altered mental status 
Term
high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)
Definition
a type of high altitude illness characterized by the lungs filling with edema fluid 
Term
histamine 
Definition
a substance released by the immune system i allergic reaction that is responsible for many of the symtoms of the anaphylaxis 
Term
hollow organs 
Definition
structures through which materials pass, such as the stomach, small intestines, large intestins,  ureters, and bladder 
Term
hormone 
Definition
a chemical substance that regulates the activity of the body organs and tissues; produced by a gland 
Term
humerus
Definition
the supporting bone of the upper arm that joins with the scapula to form the shoulder joint and with the ulna and radius to form the elbow joint 
Term
hypextension 
Definition
extreme or abnormal extension 
Term
hyperflexion 
Definition
extreme or abnormal flexion 
Term
hyperglycemia
Definition
abnormally high glucose level in the blood 
Term
hypertension 
Definition
blood pressure that is higher than the normal range 
Term
hyperthermia 
Definition
a condition in which core temperature raises to 101 or more
Term
hyperventilation 
Definition
rapid or deep breathing that lowers blood carbon dioxide levels below normal 
Term
hypoglycemia 
Definition
 a condition characterized by low blood glucose levels 
Term
hypotension 
Definition
blood pressure that is lower than the normal range 
Term
hypothermia 
Definition
a condition of which the internal body temp falls below 95 usually as a result of prolonged exposure to cold or freezing temps 
Term
hypovolemic schock 
Definition
a condition in which low blood volume, due to either massive internal or external bleeding extensive loss of body water, results in inadequate perfusion 
Term
hypoxia 
Definition
a dangerous condition in which the body tissue and cells do not have enough oxygen 
Term
hypoxia drive 
Definition
a "backup system" to control restorations; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood 
Term
lleus 
Definition
paralysis of the bowl arising form any one of the several causes; stops contractions that moves through the intestines 
Term
lliac crest 
Definition
the rim of the pelvis bone 
Term
llium
Definition
one of the three that fuses to form the pelvic ring 
Term
impairment 
Definition
any loss of abnormality of psychological physiologic, or anatomic structure or function 
Term
incontinent 
Definition
loss of bowl or bladder control due to generalized seizure 
Term
infraction 
Definition
death of a body tissue, usually caused by interruption of its blood supply 
Term
infection 
Definition
the abnormal invasion of a host or a host tissues by an organism such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, with or without signs or symptoms of disease 
Term
inferior 
Definition
the part of the body, or any part nearer to the feet 
Term
inferior vena cava 
Definition
one of the two largest veins in the body carries blod form the lower extremities and the pelvic and abdominal organs to the heart 
Term
inguinal ligament 
Definition
the tough fibrous ligament that stretches between the lateral edge of the public symphysis and the anterior iliac spin 
Term
insulin shock 
Definition
unconsciousness or altered mental status in the patient whit diabetes caused by  the significant hypoglycemia; usually the result of excessive exercise and activity or failure to eat after to routine dose of insulin 
Term
intercostal muscles 
Definition
the muscles between the ribs 
Term
intervention 
Definition
an urgent measure that interrupts assessment in order to car for a condition that threatens life or limb and requires immediate care 
Term
irreversible shock 
Definition
the final stage of shock, resulting in death 
Term
ischemia 
Definition
a lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow; potentially reversible since permanent injury has not yet occurred 
Term
ischemic stroke 
Definition
one of the two main types of stroke; occurs when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is cut off by a blockage inside a blood vessel 
Term
ischium
Definition
one of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring 
Term
jaundice 
Definition
a yellowing of the skin or sclera color that is caused by liver disease or dysfunction 
Term
kussmaul respirations 
Definition
deep rapid breathing; usually the result of an accumulation of certain acids when insulin is not available in the body 
Term
labored breathing 
Definition
breathing that requires visibly increased effort; characterized by grunting, stridor; and the use of accessory muscles 
Term
laceration 
Definition
a smooth or jagged open wound 
Term
laryngospasm  
Definition
a severe constriction of the larynx and vocal cords 
Term
lateral 
Definition
parts of the body that lie farther form the midline; also calle outer structures 
Term
leukotrienes 
Definition
chemical substance that contributes to anaphylaxis; released by the immune system in the allergic reactions 
Term
ligament 
Definition
a band of fibrous tissue tat connects bone to bone, and supports the strengths a joint 
Term
liver 
Definition
a large solid organ that lies in the upper right quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; it produces mand substances that help regulate immune responses 
Term
lumbar spine 
Definition
the lower part of the back, formed by the lowest five non fused vertebrae; also called the dorsal spine 
Term
mandible 
Definition
the bone of the lower jaw 
Term
manubrium 
Definition
the upper quadrant of the sternum  
Term
mastoid process 
Definition
the prominent bony mass at the base of  the skull about 1'' posteror of the external opening of the ear 
Term
maxilla 
Definition
the bone that forms the upper jaw on either side of the face and contains the upper teeth the orbit of the eye and the nasal cavity and the palate 
Term
mechanism of injury 
Definition
the way in which traumatic injuries occur; the forces that act on the body to cause damage 
Term
medial 
Definition
parts of the body that are closer to the midline 
Term
medial collateral ligament 
Definition
condensation or thickness of the medial joint capsule of the knee that provides medial stability to the knee joint; most frequently injured knee ligaments in snow sports 
Term
meninges 
Definition
three distinct layers that surround and protect the brain and the spinal cord within the skull and the spinal canal 
Term
midaxillary line 
Definition
an imaginary line drawn through the middel of the axilla (armpit), parallel to the midline 
Term
midclavicular line 
Definition
an imaginary line drawn through the middle portion of the clavicle and parallel to the midline 
Term
midline 
Definition
an imaginary vertical line drawn form the middel fo the forehead through the nose and the umbilicus to the floor 
Term
mucous membrane 
Definition
the lining of the body's cavities and passages that are in direct contact with the outside environment  
Term
multiple sclerosis 
Definition
a neuralgic condition that causes weakness or paralysis of the extremities, loss of stamina, and balance difficulties  
Term
myocardial contusion 
Definition
a bruise of the heart muscle 
Term
occiput 
Definition
the most posterior portion of the skull 
Term
occlusion 
Definition
blockage, usually of a tubular structure such as a blood vessel 
Term
occlusive dressing 
Definition
dressing made of Vaseline gauze, aluminum foil, or plastic that prevents air and liquids from entering or exiting a wound 
Term
open injury 
Definition
an injury in which there id a break in the surface of the skin or the mucous membrane, exposing deeper tissue to the potential contamination 
Term
opiods 
Definition
 any drug or agent with actions similar to morphine 
Term
OPQRST
Definition
the six pain question: onset, provoking factors, quality, radiation, severity, time
Term
orbit 
Definition
the eye socket made up of the maxilla and zygoma 
Term
oropharynx 
Definition
a tubular structure that extends vertically form the back of the mouth to the esophagus and trachea 
Term
palpate 
Definition
examine by touch 
Term
pancreas 
Definition
 a flat solid organ that lies below and behind the liver and the stomach; it is a major source of digestion enzymes and produces the hormon insulin 
Term
paradoxical motion 
Definition
the motion of the portion of the chest; the motion in during inhalation out during exhalation- is exactly the opposite of normal chest wall motion during breathing 
Term
partial regions 
Definition
the areas between the temporal and occiput regions of the cranium 
Term
partial airway obstruction 
Definition
condition in which an obstruction leaves the patient able to exchange some air, but also causes some degree of respiratory stress 
Term
partial- thickness (second degree) burn
Definition
a burn affect the epidermis and some portion of the dermis but not the subcutaneous tissue characterized by blisters and skin that is white and red, moist, and mottled 
Term
patella 
Definition
the kneecap; a specialized bone that lies within the tenon of the quadriceps muscle 
Term
pedal edema 
Definition
swelling of the feet and ankles caused by collection of fluid on the tissues; a possible sign of congestive heat failure 
Term
pelvic cavity 
Definition
the cavity in the lowest part of the trunk.  continuous with abdominal cavity, to contains the bladder, rectum, and female repo organs 
Term
pelvis 
Definition
a cone shape bony ring made up of the right and left pelvic bones joined in front at the pubis and in the back to the sacrum at the sacroiliac joints.  each pelvis bone is made up of three fused bones; the ilium ischium and the pubic bones.  te pelvis contains the pelvic cavity 
Term
penetrating wound 
Definition
an injury resulting from sharp pointed object 
Term
perfusion 
Definition
the circulation of blood within an organ or tissue inadequate amounts of meet cells' current needs  
Term
pericardial tamponade 
Definition
compression of the heart due to a buildup of bood or other fluid in the pericardial sac 
Term
pericardium 
Definition
the fibrous sac that surrounds the heart 
Term
peristalsis 
Definition
the wavelike contraction of smooth muscle by which the ureters or other tubular organs propel the contents 
Term
peritoneal cavity 
Definition
the abdominal cavity 
Term
peritoneum 
Definition
the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs 
Term
pertonitis 
Definition
inflammation of the peritoneum 
Term
plantar 
Definition
the bottom of the foot 
Term
plasma 
Definition
a sticky, yellow fluid that carries blood cells and nutrients and transports cellular waist material to the organs of excretion 
Term
platelets 
Definition
tiny, disk like shaped elements that are much smaller then cells they are essential in the initial formation of a blood clot 
Term
pleural effusion 
Definition
a collection of fluid between the lung and the chest wall that may compress the lung 
Term
pleural space 
Definition
the potential space between the partial pleura and the visceral pleura.  it is described as potential because under normal conditions the lung fills this space 
Term
pneumonia 
Definition
an infectious disease of the lung that damages lung tissue 
Term
pneumothorax
Definition
a partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space 
Term
polydipsia 
Definition
excessive thirst persisting of long periods of time despite reasonable fluid intake; often the result of excess urnation 
Term
polyphagia 
Definition
excessive eating; in diabetes the inability to use glucose properly con cause a sense of hunger 
Term
polyuria 
Definition
the passage of an unusually large volume of urine in a given period 
Term
posterior 
Definition
the back surface of the body;the side away form you in the standers anatomic position 
Term
postictal state 
Definition

the period fallowing a seizure that lasted between 5 and 30 minutes, characterized by labored restorations and some degree altered mental status. also called postictal period 

 

Term
prone position 
Definition
the position in which the body is lying face down 
Term
proximal 
Definition
structures that are closer to the trunk 
Term
psychogenic 
Definition
a symptom or illness that caused by mental or emotional factors as opposed to physical ones 
Term
psychogenic shock 
Definition
shock caused by sudden temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain that causes fainting 
Term
pubic symphysis 
Definition
a hard bony prominence that is found in the midline in the lowest portion of the abdomen 
Term
pubis 
Definition
one of the three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring 
Term
pulmonary artery 
Definition
artery form the right vertical if the heart to the lungs; it carries oxygen poor blood 
Term
pulmonary contusion 
Definition
a bruise of the lung 
Term
pulmonary edema 
Definition
a buildup of fluid in the lungs, usually as a result of congestive heart failure, also form high altitude 
Term
pulmonary embolism 
Definition
a blood clot that breaks off form a large vein ans traves to the blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow 
Term
pulmonary veins 
Definition
the four veins that returen oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart
Term
pulse 
Definition
the wave of pressure created as the heart contracts and forces blood out of the eft venatical ans into the major arteries 
Term
putrefaction 
Definition
decomp of body tissues 
Term
radius 
Definition
the bone on the thumb side of the forearm: most important in wrist function 
Term
rales 
Definition
a cracking breath sound caused by flow of air through liquid in the lungs; a sign of a lower airway obstruction 
Term
recovery position 
Definition
the preferred body position for an unconscious patient with no suspecter spin injury.  the patient lies on his or her side with the opposite knee flexed and the head cushioned on the hand. also called the semi prone, rescue, stable side or NATO positon   
Term
red blood cells 
Definition
cells that carry oxygen to the body's tissues alos called erythrocytes 
Term
referred pain 
Definition
pain felt in an area of the body other then the area where the cause of pain is located 
Term
respiration 
Definition
a general term for the process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between then atmosphere and the body cells.  frequently used as a synonym for breathing  
Term
responsiveness 
Definition
the way in which the patient responds to external stimuli, including verbal, touch and painful stimuli 
Term
retractions 
Definition
movements in which the skin pulls around the ribs during respirations 
Term
retrograde amnesia 
Definition
the inability to remember events that lead up to the brain injury 
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