2.1.1 - 2.1.5 PLTW

primary care physician

provide care for any health problems that a patient might have; usually the first contact for a person with a basic health concern; provides routine checkups and physicals, and care to those with chronic, or persistent and long-lasting, illnesses.

chronic illness

A disease or condition that usually lasts for 3 months or longer and may get worse over time.

medical student

a person enrolled in medical school who is training to become a physician

medical assistant

Unlicensed caregiver who works primarily in doctors' offices and clinics. They assist their medical director through a wide variety of duties.

nurse

licensed healthcare professional who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health

medical technician

Uses sophisticated equipment and has different responsibilities. Some work directly with patients while others work in a lab.

patient liasion

Works with patients and their families to address needs and concerns. Acts as an intermediary between patients, their families and the hospital administration.

non-physician practicioner

health care provider who practices either in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician

pediatrician

A specialist physician who provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents.

medical history

A record of information about a patient’s past and current health. Includes information about the patient’s habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.

chief complaint

The patient’s description of what they feel is their main health problem.

physical signs

Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can be observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.

symptoms

Any subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue. Allow the health care provider to narrow down the possible conditions that may be affecting the patient and then run tests to make a diagnosis.

diagnosis

The process of determining which disease or condition explains a person’s symptoms and signs.

current history

Patient’s chief complaint and any other current health issues, symptoms, and any treatments or tests the patient has recently had or is scheduled to have related to these conditions. Nutrition, allergies, medication, and health habits, such as exercise are also part of the patient’s current history.

previous history

Includes information about any past health issues, procedures, medications, vaccinations, and previous hospital stays.

social history

Addresses aspects of the patient’s life, such as living situation, occupation, school, travel, and other activities that could have a direct or indirect impact on health.

family history

Includes medical information about the patient’s close relatives. 

demeanor

Outward behavior or bearing. A doctor might have a cheerful, peaceful, or friendly demeanor and put the patient at ease. (CHEERFUL)

Tact

Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with others. When doctors choose their words carefully so as to not upset a patient when they must deliver bad news. (SENSITIVE)

empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. (UNDERSTANDING)

vital signs

Measurements—specifically pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure—that indicate the state of a patient’s essential body functions.

homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal physiological conditions (like body temperature or the pH of blood), which enables the optimal functioning of an organism.

triage

The sorting and prioritization of patients based on the urgency of their need for care.

pulse

number of heart beats in one minute

how is pulse measured

with a in BPM (beats per minute)

respiratory rate

number of breaths taken per minute

how is respiratory rate measured

in BPM (breaths per minute)

blood pressure

the force of blood moving through blood vessels

how is blood pressure measured

with a sphygmomanometer in mm Hg (millimeters of mercury)

Body mass index (BMI)

a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body to its height

how is BMI calculated

(weight (lbs) / \[height (in)\]² x 703

oxygen saturation (SpO2)

the amount of oxygen in the blood

how is oxygen saturation measured

as a percentage % using a pulse oximiter

what is this and what does it measure

Its a sphygmomanometer and it measures blood pressure

what is this and what does it measure

its a stethoscope and it measures lungs/breathing sounds

what is this and what does it measure

its a calculator and it measures body mass index (BMI)

what is this and what does it measure

its a measuring tape and it measures height

what is this and what does it measure

its a thermometer and it measures body temperature

what is this and what does it measure

its a pulse oximeter and it measures oxygen saturation (SpO2)

licensed practical nurse (LPN)

provides patient care under the supervision of an RN, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, physician, dentist, or podiatrist. They provide bedside nursing care and emotional support to patients.

registered nurse (RN)

provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

nurse practitioner (NP)

registered nurses who work to diagnose and treat patients who are ill. Their extensive qualifications enable them to examine patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication and treatment and ensure quick recoveries. They either work alone or with a variety of other medical professionals.

what is the normal range for body temperature in an adult

97\.8 to 99 °F

what is the normal range for an adults heart rate

60-100 beats per minute (BPM)

what is the normal range for an adults respiratory rate

12-20 breaths per minute (BPM)

what is the normal range for an adults oxygen saturation

95-99%

what is the normal blood pressure range for an adult

__less than 120__ mm Hg

less than 80

where can the pulse be measured

in the carotid or radial arteries

where is the carotid artery

either side of the neck

where is the radial artery

wrists

systolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart is pushing blood throughout the body.

diastolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest and not pumping blood

where is the blood pressure measured

the brachial artery

where is the brachial artery

bicep

hypertension

An abnormally high blood pressure.

prehypertension

__120-129__

less than 80

hypertension stage 1

__130-139__

80-89

hypertension stage 2

__140 or higher__

90 or higher

hypertensive crisis

__higher than 180__

higher than 120

what is this and what does it test

this is a snellen eye chart that tests visual acuity

first number (visual acuity)

Distance (in feet) that you stand from the chart

second number (visual acuity)

Distance (in feet) at which a person with normal eyesight could read the same line you read correctly.

how do medical professionals examine the external anatomy of an eye

with an ophthalmoscope

cornea

the outermost layer of your eye. It is clear and shaped like a dome. helps to shield the rest of the eye from germs, dust, and other harmful matter. It also helps your eye to focus.

pupil

helps control the amount of light entering the eye

retina

light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that processes images and converts them into nerva signals

how do doctors examine the ear

with an otoscope

Erythrocytes

red blood cells

Leukocytes

white blood cells

Thrombocytes

platelets

Which part of the ear is shown by #1

eustachian tube

which part of the ear is shown by #2

ear canal

which part of the ear is shown by #3

cochlea

which part of the ear is shown by #4

tympanic membrane

what tool do doctors use to examine nasal passages

an otoscope

what do tonsils do

work in the lymphatic system and help to fight infections

which part of the skin does #1 show

epidermis

which part of the skin does #2 show

dermis

which part of the skin does #3 show

subcutaneous fatty tissue

which part of the skin does #4 show

muscle fibers

what system do dermatologists refer to when examining moles/growths on skin

ABCDE method

what does ABCDE stand for

asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, evolving

what does MVR stand for and what is it

it stands for mitral valve regurgitation and occurs when there is backflow from the left ventricle to left atria (mitral valve does not close properly)

clear breathing sounds

A clear woosh of air with each inhalation and exhalation.

wheezing sounds

A high-pitched whistling sound due to narrowed air ways

crackles (rales)

Short and intermittent clicking, rattling, or popping sounds heard during inhalation when air is forced through an airway narrowed by fluid.

stridor

Harsh, shrill sound, similar to wheezing, usually heard closest to the back of the neck, as it is caused by a partially obstructed windpipe.

rhonchi

A snore-like sound heard when airways are partially obstructed.

what does AOM stand for and what is it

it stands for acute otitis media and is an infection of the middle ear

Where do doctors typically draw blood from

the median cubital vein

what is a phlebotomist

a technician trained to draw blood from patients

too much cholesterol can be

a risk factor for heart disease

what are ways cholesterol can be produced

by being naturally produced by the liver, and being absorbed by food as it passes through the intestines.

what are examples of things cholesterol is needed to make

vitamins, hormones, cell membranes

what does CBC stand for and what does it measure

complete blood count and measures the amount of blood cells in our system

White blood cells (WBC)

The five types of cells that the body uses to fight infection and injury and maintain our health.

Red blood cells (RBC)

The cells that transport oxygen around the body.

Hemoglobin (HB/Hgb)

The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.