chapter 9: examination and treatment areas vocab

accessibility

the degree to which a facility, service, or environment can be reached and used by people, including individuals with disabilities

ADAAA

federal legislation that broadened protections under the American with Disabilities Act and helps ensure equal access and protection for individuals with disabilities

anoscope

a short, hollow instrument used to examine the anus and lower portion of the rectum

consumable

a medical supply designed to be used and replaced, such as gauze, gloves, or examination-table paper

disinfection

the process of destroying many or most disease-causing microorganisms on nonliving objects; it does not necessarily destroy bacterial spores

examination light

an adjustable light used to provide focused illumination during a physical examination procedure

fixative

a substance used to preserve cells or tissue specimens so they can be examined accurately

general physical examination

a systematic assessment of a patient’s overall health using techniques such as inspection, palpation percussion, and auscultation

laryngeal mirror

a small mirror used to examine structures in the throat and larynx

lubricant

a substance used to reduce friction during certain examinations or procedures

nasal speculum

an instrument used to gently open the nostrils so the inside of the nose can be examined

occult blood

blood that is present but not visible to the naked eye; special testing is required to detect it

otoscope

a light instrument used to examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane (eardrum)

penlight

a small handheld light used during examinations, such as checking the pupils, mouth, and throat

relex hammer

an instrument used to test deep tendon reflexes

sanitization

cleaning that removes dirt, debris, organic material, and some microorganisms, reducing the number of microorganisms to a safer level

spores

highly resistant forms produced by certain microorganisms that can survive unfavorable environmental conditions and may resist ordinary disinfection

sterilization

the process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores