Medical Technologies Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts in medical technologies.

What are the four vital signs checked during a medical examination?

Temperature, Pulse, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure.

What factors can affect the measurements of the four vital signs?

Age, activity level, stress, illness, and environmental factors.

Name two common biochemical tests and an example of an anomaly each can detect.

Blood glucose test (can detect diabetes), lipid profile (can detect hyperlipidemia).

Define radiography and its utilities.

Radiography is the use of X-rays to view the internal structure of an object. Its utility includes diagnosing fractures and tumors.

Describe the purpose of an ultrasound.

An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of internal organs, commonly used during pregnancy to monitor fetal development.

What is endoscopy and when is it used?

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the interior of a hollow organ; used for diagnostics and some treatments.

Explain the role of MRI in medical diagnostics.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues; helps in diagnosing soft tissue diseases.

What is the significance of coloscopy?

Coloscopy is used to examine the colon for abnormalities such as polyps or cancer.

List two treatments available for people with diseases.

Medications (like antibiotics) and physical therapy.

What are biomedical technologies used for replacing organs and limbs?

Prosthetics for limbs and artificial organs such as heart valves.

What are two examples of conventional treatment and soft treatment approaches?

Surgery (conventional) and acupuncture (soft treatment).

What is the advantage of amniocentesis for diagnosing genetic disorders?

It provides valuable information about genetic conditions of the fetus, but carries risks of miscarriage.

Which technology would not diagnose a knee ligament tear: X-ray, MRI, or CT scan? Explain.

X-ray, because it primarily shows bone structure and cannot visualize soft tissue damage.

Differentiate between invasive and non-invasive procedures.

Invasive procedures involve entering the body (e.g., surgery), while non-invasive procedures do not breach the skin (e.g., MRI, ultrasound).

Why do chemotherapy and radiotherapy affect healthy cells? Are there developments to target only cancer cells?

They target rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancerous and healthy cells; research is ongoing for targeted therapies.

What are the benefits of laser eye surgery compared to corrective lenses?

Benefits include permanent vision correction and reduced dependency on glasses; drawbacks can include potential complications.

What is the purpose of prosthetics?

Prosthetics are used to replace missing limbs or body parts to restore function.

Why are joint prosthetics custom-made?

To ensure proper fit and function, tailored to the individual’s anatomy and needs.

Why is it important to develop artificial hearts and kidneys?

To address organ failures and improve survival rates for patients with severe organ deficiencies.

List the advantages and risks of plastic surgery.

Advantages include improved appearance and functionality; risks include complications from surgery and dissatisfaction with outcomes.

Describe two diagnostic tests a pregnant woman may undergo.

Ultrasound to monitor fetal development and blood tests for prenatal screening.

Give three examples of medical technologies developed for heart disorders.

Stents, pacemakers, and cardiac catheterization.

Evaluate the impact of an aging population on jobs in medical technologies.

Increased demand for healthcare services and technologies, leading to more job opportunities in the field.

What are potential consequences of medical technology granting immortality?

Overpopulation, resource scarcity, and ethical dilemmas regarding life extension.

Sketch the human body indicating structures that can be improved or replaced.

Draw and label parts such as heart, kidneys, joints, etc., indicating potential for medical technology enhancement.