CCMA "S" Definitions List

seasonal affective disorder

depression associated with late autumn and winter and thought to be caused by a lack of light

subcutaneous

relating to the skin; situated or applied under the skin

Safety Data Sheets

detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical that describes the physical and chemical properties of the product, includes safety information related to exposures, emergencies and first aid

sigmoidoscopy

examination of lowest portions of the large intestine (rectum and sigmoid colon) by means of a lighted, flexible instrument inserted through the anus

subjective, objective, assessment, plan

widely used method of documentation by healthcare providers that details what the patient states is the reason for the visit including any symptoms experienced (S), what the provider can observe as signs of an illness/injury (O), the provider’s evaluation of the patient (A) and the plan suggested in order to definitively diagnose and subsequently treat the patient (P)

source-oriented medical record

medical records that are grouped together based on point of origin; physician’s notes are filed together, nursing records are kept together; there are separate sections for medications, laboratory, and radiology reports; other sections may include physical therapy, dietary, social work, etc.

suture removal

notation made in the daily schedule or patient’s chart indicating that the patient needs to have stitches or staples removed from a surgical incision or injury

staphylococcus

bacteria arranged in clusters that cause infection with pus, especially skin infections

streptococcus

bacteria arranged in chains that cause infection, especially throat infections

superior vena cava

large vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the head, arms and upper body

supraventricular tachycardia

a dysrhythmia originating at or above the AV node causing a condition where the heart suddenly beats much faster than normal

saline in water

an IV solution containing both normal saline and sterile water for the purpose of rehydration and to supply electrolytes