EMT CH 13

aneurysm

a swelling or enlargement of a part of an artery, resulting from weakening of the arterial wall

autonomic nervous system

the part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary activities of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion of food

cardia tamponade

compression of the heart as the result of buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output

cardiogenic shock

a state in which not enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body, caused by low output of blood from the heart. It can be a severe complication of a large acute myocardial infraction as well as other conditions

compensated shock

the early stage of shock, in which the body can still compensate for blood loss

cyanosis

a blue skin discoloration that is caused by a reduced level of oxygen in the blood. Although paleness, or a decrease in blood flow, can be difficult to detect in dark-skinned people, it may be observed by examining mucous membrane inside the inner lower eyelid and capillary refill. On general observation, the patient may appear ashen or gray

decompensated shock

the late stage of shock when blood pressure is falling

dehydration

loss of water from the tissues of the body

distributive shock

a condition that occurs when there is widespread dilation of the small arterioles, small venules or both

edma

the presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid between cells in body tissues, causing swelling of the affected area

homeostasis

a balance of all systems of the body

hypothermia

a condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95 degree F

hypovolemic shock

a condition in which low blood volume, due to massive internal or external bleeding or extensive loss of body water, results in inadequate perfusion

irreversible shock

a condition defined by the inability to successfully achieve resuscitation regardless of the methods employed

myocardial contractility

the ability of the heart muscle to contract

preload

the pre-contraction pressure in the heart as the volume of blood builds up

psychogenic shock

shock caused by a sudden temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain that causes fainting (syncope)

pulmonary embolism

a blood clot that breaks off from a large vein and travels to the blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow

pulse pressure

the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures

sensitization

developing a sensitivity to a substance that initially caused no allergic reactio.

septic shock

shock caused by severe infection, usually bacteria

shock

a condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to maintain normal cellular functions, also called hypoperfusion

sphincters

muscles that encircle and by contracting constrict a duct, tube or opening

syncope

a fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness