Studied by 21 people
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.
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