EMT Q4

Apneic

Not breathing.

Paresthesia

Abnormal skin sensation, like tingling or numbness.

Pericardial tamponade

Fluid buildup in the pericardium compressing the heart.

Pericardial sac

The membrane surrounding the heart.

Oxygenation

The process of delivering oxygen to the blood.

Chronic

Long-lasting or persistent condition.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Autonomic nervous system

Controls involuntary body functions like heart rate and digestion.

Somatic nervous system

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Sympathetic nervous system

Triggers the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Controls 'rest and digest' functions.

Inhalation

Breathing air into the lungs.

Exhalation

Breathing air out of the lungs.

Inspiration

Another term for inhalation.

Ventilation

Movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

Congestive heart failure

The heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.

Inferior vena cava

The large vein that returns blood to the heart from the lower body.

Renal arteries

Blood vessels supplying the kidneys.

Splenic arteries

Blood vessels supplying the spleen.

Coronary sinus

Large vein that collects blood from the heart muscle.

Coronary artery

Supplies oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

Pneumonia

Infection causing inflammation in the lungs.

Bronchiolitis

Inflammation of the small airways in the lungs.

Pertussis

Also called whooping cough; a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract.

Atherosclerosis

Hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.

Acute coronary syndrome

A range of conditions caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Myocardial infarction

A heart attack; caused by blockage of a coronary artery.

Angina

Chest pain due to reduced oxygen to the heart.

Informed consent

When a patient agrees to treatment after being fully informed.

Thrombotic stroke

Stroke caused by a blood clot forming in an artery supplying the brain.

Actual consent

When a patient directly agrees to treatment.

Ischemic stroke

A stroke caused by a blockage in an artery.

Embolic stroke

A stroke caused by a clot that traveled to the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.

Evisceration

Organs protruding from an open wound.

Arteriosclerosis

Thickening and stiffening of the artery walls.

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing.

Compartment syndrome

Increased pressure within a muscle compartment, causing tissue damage.

Edema

Swelling due to fluid accumulation.

Left heart failure

The left side of the heart cannot pump blood effectively.

Right heart failure

The right side of the heart cannot pump blood effectively.

Embolism

A clot or foreign material blocking blood flow.

Placenta previa

The placenta covers the cervix, causing bleeding during pregnancy.

Abruptio placentae

The placenta separates from the uterus before delivery.

Ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy occurring outside the uterus.

Ovarian cyst

A fluid-filled sac in the ovary.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a virus.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges, the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord.

Tuberculosis

A bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.

Ataxic respirations

Irregular breathing due to brain injury.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep, rapid breathing often due to severe acidosis.

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Alternating deep and shallow breathing with periods of apnea.

Eupneic respirations

Normal breathing.

Vesicant agent

A chemical causing severe blisters.

Hypoxia

Low oxygen levels in the body.

Hypoxic drive

When low oxygen levels (instead of high CO2) trigger breathing.

Patent

Open or unobstructed (e.g., a patent airway).

Hemothorax

Blood collecting in the pleural space of the chest.

Pneumothorax

Air in the pleural space causing lung collapse.

Shock/hypoperfusion

Inadequate blood flow to the body's tissues.

Standing orders

Pre-approved treatment protocols for EMTs.

Hot zone

The most dangerous area at a hazardous materials incident.

Warm zone

The area where decontamination occurs at a hazardous materials scene.

Cold zone

The safe area at a hazardous materials incident.

Postictal

The recovery phase after a seizure.

Compensated shock

Early stage of shock where the body maintains blood pressure.

Decompensated shock

Late stage of shock where blood pressure drops.

Hypovolemic shock

Shock caused by severe blood or fluid loss.

Cardiogenic shock

Shock caused by heart failure.

Septic shock

Shock caused by a severe infection.

Insulin shock

Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Obstructive shock

Shock caused by a physical blockage in circulation.

Anaphylactic shock

A severe allergic reaction causing shock.

Neurogenic shock

Shock caused by spinal cord injury leading to blood vessel dilation.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside a blood vessel.

Ecchymosis

Bruising caused by bleeding under the skin.

Mottling

Patchy skin discoloration due to poor circulation.

Hepatitis A

Liver infection caused by contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

Liver infection transmitted through blood or bodily fluids.

Hepatitis C

Liver infection primarily spread through blood contact.

Braxton Hicks contractions

False labor contractions during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia

High blood pressure and organ damage during pregnancy.

Eclampsia

Severe preeclampsia with seizures.

Intercostal retractions

Skin pulling between ribs during difficulty breathing.

Pallor

Pale skin due to reduced blood flow.

Hyperpnea

Deep breathing, often due to metabolic demands.

Epistaxis

Nosebleed.

Hemiparesis

Weakness on one side of the body.

Hypertension

High blood pressure.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure.

Bradycardia

Slow heart rate (below 60 bpm).

Tension pneumothorax

A severe pneumothorax where trapped air compresses the lungs and heart.

Tachycardia

Fast heart rate (above 100 bpm).

Bradypnea

Slow breathing rate.

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar levels.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemic ketoacidosis

A life-threatening condition from uncontrolled diabetes.

Battery

Unlawful physical contact with a patient.

Assault

Threatening or attempting to harm someone.