Physics and Student Welfare Services

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts in student welfare services and basic principles of fluid dynamics and pressure in physiology.

What is the primary role of the Student Welfare Team within the CoMPPAS service?

To provide confidential one-to-one support for students and empower them to overcome challenges in their studies.

What service number can be contacted for GP support?

01 402 2300 (Mercers Medical Centre GP support).

Define 'density' in terms of mass and volume.

Density is defined as mass per unit volume.

What is Pascal’s Principle?

Any change in pressure applied to a completely enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to all parts of the fluid.

What does Laplace’s law explain in the context of bladder pressure?

It explains how pressure varies with volume in the bladder.

What is the unit of pressure defined as force per unit area?

The pascal (Pa).

What are the two main parts of fluid study?

Hydrostatics (fluids at rest) and Hydrodynamics (fluids in motion).

How is pressure related to fluid depth?

Hydrostatic pressure is defined as ext{pressure} =
ho g h, where
ho is the fluid density, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is the depth of the fluid.

Define 'absolute pressure'.

Absolute pressure is the total pressure at a point including atmospheric pressure.

What is the significance of a manometer in fluid mechanics?

A manometer is used to measure fluid pressure.

How does atmospheric pressure affect breathing?

Breathing relies on equilibrium between outside air pressure and air pressure inside the lungs.

What happens to fluid pressure in the bladder during coughing?

Bladder pressure can increase during coughing.

What is the effect of an aneurysm on wall tension according to Laplace's Law?

An aneurysm increases the radius, which increases the tension on the already weakened wall.

What happens during a spinal tap in relation to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure?

A spinal tap can determine CSF pressure, which can indicate the presence of brain tumors.

Define 'gauge pressure'.

Gauge pressure is the pressure of a system measured relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

What is hydrostatic squeeze in medical rescue?

It refers to the critical medical consideration during cold water rescues where the victim must be kept horizontal to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.

What is the pressure produced by the heart muscle when maximum wall tension is achieved?

It can be calculated based on the radius of the ventricle and maximum wall tension.

What are decubitus ulcers?

Pressure ulcers that occur due to prolonged pressure in certain body regions.

What does the term 'stroke volume (SV)' refer to?

Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood pumped from one ventricle of the heart with each beat.

What is the relationship between radius and wall tension in a blood vessel according to Laplace's Law?

The larger the radius of the vessel, the larger the tension required to withstand a given internal pressure.

What is the typical atmospheric pressure at sea level in pascals?

1.013 imes 10^{5} ext{ Pa}.

What is the formula for calculating pressure at a certain depth in a fluid?

P_{A} = P_{atm} +
ho g h.

What occurs to lung volume at a depth of 10 meters underwater?

Lung volume is reduced to half of its original volume.

Define 'hydrodynamics'.

Hydrodynamics is the study of fluids in motion.

What happens to intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma?

It significantly increases, potentially damaging the optic nerve.

What is the effect of stress on bladder pressure?

Stress can lead to an increase in bladder pressure.

When is pressure at the feet higher than at the head?

When the person is standing due to the fluid column above the heart.

What's a real-life application of Pascal's Principle in medicine?

Erectile dysfunction treatments using inflatable penile prostheses.

What physical principle explains the behavior of an unexpected increase in bladder pressure during straining?

Laplace’s law relates to the physical dynamics of bladder pressure under muscular contraction.

What measures are taken to relieve increased intra-ocular pressure?

Lasers can create exit channels for excess fluid to reduce pressure.

What defines the role of amniotic fluid in pregnancy?

Amniotic fluid helps diffuse impact and protect the unborn baby.

How can gravitation affect blood pressure distribution in the body?

Gravity causes pressure difference contributing to fainting if head pressure is lower.

What can excessive pressure in the CSF indicate?

It may indicate the presence of a brain tumor.

What happens to the radius and tension relationship during cardiac changes?

In cases of heart failure, an increased radius requires larger force to maintain blood pressure.

Define the formula for calculating wall tension in arteries using Laplace’s law.

T = P imes r, where T is wall tension, P is pressure, and r is radius.

What action can increase hydrostatic pressure in the body?

Coughing or any strenuous activity can increase pressure in the bladder.

What is the role of hydrostatic pressure in protecting organs?

Hydrostatic pressure helps distribute forces in fluids surrounding organs.

What should rescuers avoid doing when dealing with a hypothermic victim?

Avoid lifting them vertically to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.

How does Laplace’s Law apply in anatomy?

It applies to the thickening of heart walls and the blood pressure managing system.

Calculate the case of pressure change due to height measured above a reference point.

P = P_{atm} +
ho g h where h is the height difference.

In what unit is blood pressure typically measured?

Blood pressure is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

How can one determine if a person has fluid buildup in the legs?

Assessing blood pressure differences between the feet and head.