Basic Terminology for MT in Medical Settings

Analgesic

reduces pain without the loss of consciousness

Anemia

condition defined by less than normal amount of red blood cells

Aneurysm

a weak blood vessel with thin walls that can easily rupture and cause hemorrhaging

Angina

chest pain resulting from the heart not receiving enough oxygen

Aphasia

inability to utilize language due to brain injury/damage to the left temporal and/or frontal lobes

Apnea

cessation of breath

Apraxia

inability to execute patterns or sequences required to complete a task due to brain damage to frontal or parietal lobes

Arrhythmia

abnormal heart rhythm

Asphyxia

lack of oxygen in the body caused by interruption in breathing that can result in loss of consciousness

Aspiration

breathing foreign matter into the lungs

Ataxia

inability to voluntarily control muscle coordination

Benign

not cancerous

Biopsy

tissue removal for examination

Cardiac arrest

cessation of heart beat

Catheter

a medical tube inserted into a vessel, canal, or body cavity, used to extract or insert fluids

CT scan (computed tomography)

type of x-ray used to detect structural abnormalities

Congestive heart failure (CHF)

a condition in which the heart pumps out an inadequate amount of blood throughout the body

Contusion

bruise or injury to tissue, not including laceration

Cyst

a fluid filled sac that develops abnormally on body cavities or structures

Debridement

surgical removal of dead or lacerated tissue

Dialysis

process of separating and removing toxic substances and excess fluids from the body

Dysarthria

impaired articulation in speech due to brain injury

Dysphagia

feeling or sensation that food is lodged in the throat or that food is not progressing down the esophagus normally, resulting in difficulty swallowing

Echoencephalogram (EEG)

diagnostic procedure studying the brain’s electrical activity

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

diagnostic procedure studying the heart’s electrical activity

Endotracheal intubation

the process of placing a device through the mouth or nose for the purpose of opening airways and/or the removal of secretions

Extubation

removal of a tube from a hollow organ

Family-centered care

partnership between families, caregivers, and patients

Hemiparesis

partial paralysis or muscle weakness on one side of the body

Hemodynamic monitoring

observing the circulation of blood

Hemorrhage

excessive bleeding

Hydrocephalus

accumulation of water or cerebrospinal fluid around the brain resulting in ventricle enlargement and swelling of the skull

Hypertension

high blood pressure that can cause dizziness and fainting

Incontinence

loss of voluntary control over bowel and/or bladder functions

Intensivist

a physician who specializes in critical care

Lumbar puncture

diagnostic procedure removing a small amount of spinal fluid for examination (spinal tap)

Music alternate engagement (MAE)

a method used to decrease attention to a stimulus that causes pain and/or anxiety

MAR

a method used to decrease stress and train for stress management

Malignant

cancerous

Masking

covering unwanted noise

Mechanical ventilation

provides assistance for patients who cannot breath independently

Multisensory stimulation

simultaneous presentation of two or more modes, including auditory, tactile, vestibular, and/or visual

Myocardial infarction

heart attack

Oncology

the study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer

Orthopedist

a physician who specializes in injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system

PAL

a device that uses contingent music to encourage weight gain

PCCU

another term for PICU (pediatric critical care unit/pediatric intensive care unit)

Paralysis

partial or total loss of sensation, motion, or function in any part of the body

Procedural support

assistance to patients during non-invasive and invasive procedures

Radiation therapy

treatment that destroys rapidly dividing cells by targeting cells with x-rays; most commonly used to treat cancer

Sepsis

infection or toxic substance in the bloodstream

Stem cell transplant

often used interchangeably with bone marrow transplant

Stroke

CVA (cerebrovascular accident); destruction of brain tissue caused by inadequate blood flow and insufficient oxygen to the brain

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

temporary disruption of brain function, caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain; also known as a mini-stroke

Ultrasound

uses sound waves to produce an image of body structures

Venipuncture

surgical puncture of a vein, usually insertion of an IV

Ventilator

a device used for mechanical breathing; also know as a respirator