Med-Surg Final Exam Study Guide

Comprehensive flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions from the Med-Surg final exam study guide, including orthopedics, neurology, GI, GU, cardiology, respiratory, and endocrine systems.

Traction

The application of a pulling force to promote and maintain alignment, decrease muscle spasms or pain, realign bone fractures, and correct or prevent deformities.

Skeletal Traction

A type of traction where screws are inserted directly into the bone for longer durations, with a weight limit typically between $25-40\,lb$.

Skin Traction

A type of traction used to decrease muscle spasms using devices like a Velcro boot, belt, or halter, with a weight limit of $5-10\,lb$.

Pin Site Care

The assessment and cleaning of surgical pin sites; nurses look for redness streaking up the extremity or purulent drainage, though serosanguineous drainage and crusting are considered expected.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by decreased bone mass, deterioration of the bone matrix, and diminished bone strength, primarily occurring in postmenopausal women.

Bisphosphonates

Medications such as alendronate and ibandronate that inhibit osteoclasts to decrease bone loss; they must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning while sitting upright for $30\,minutes$.

Compartment Syndrome

A medical emergency caused by increased pressure (edema/bleeding) in a confined space (compartment) that decreases circulation, often treated with a fasciotomy.

Fat Emboli

A complication of long bone fractures (femur, pelvis) where fat travels to organs causing blockages, characterized by decreased $O_2$ saturation, dyspnea, and a petechial rash on the upper torso.

Ischemic Stroke

A disruption of cerebral blood flow due to an obstructed blood vessel, which can be caused by large artery thrombosis or a cardiogenic embolus.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A bleed into the brain tissue, ventricles, or subarachnoid space often caused by the intracerebral rupture of small vessels due to hypertension or a ruptured aneurysm.

tPa (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)

A blood thinner used for ischemic strokes that must be administered within $4.5\,hours$ of the last known well time and within $45\,minutes$ of ED arrival.

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

The pressure inside the cranial vault; normal levels range from $0-10\,mmHG$.

Cushing’s Triad

A late-stage medical emergency signaling severely increased ICP and imminent brain herniation, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respiratory rates.

Glioma

The most common type of intracerebral brain tumor, which originates from glial cells and includes subtypes like astrocytoma and glioblastoma.

Acoustic Neuroma

A slow-growing tumor of the $8th\,cranial\,nerve$ causing hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and a staggering gait.

Seizure

An episode of abnormal motor, sensory, autonomic, or psychic activity resulting from sudden and excessive discharge from cerebral neurons.

Epilepsy

A condition defined by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, often managed with antiseizure medications or vagus nerve stimulation.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, frequently seen in patients with stroke, Parkinson’s, Myasthenia Gravis, ALS, or Multiple Sclerosis.

Cystitis

An inflammation of the bladder, which is a type of lower urinary tract infection (UTI).

Pyelonephritis

An upper UTI involving the infection of the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue, characterized by chills, fever, leukocytosis, and CVA tenderness.

Urolithiasis

The presence of stones (calculi) within the urinary tract.

Nephrolithiasis

The presence of stones (calculi) specifically within the kidney.

Prerenal AKI

Acute Kidney Injury caused by decreased circulation and perfusion to the kidneys, where the kidneys themselves are healthy but lack sufficient blood flow.

Intrarenal AKI

Acute Kidney Injury caused by damage occurring directly to the kidney structures such as the glomeruli, tubules, or interstitium.

Postrenal AKI

Acute Kidney Injury caused by an obstruction downstream from the kidneys, such as stones, blood clots, BPH, or tumors.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Kidney damage or a decreased GFR lasting $3\,or\,more\,months$, which can lead to End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD).

Crohn’s Disease

Subacute and chronic inflammation of the GI tract that can occur through all layers anywhere from the mouth to the anus.

Ulcerative Colitis

An ulcerative inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation.

H. Pylori

A bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal system that can be diagnosed via a urea breath test and treated with a combination of PPIs and antibiotics.

Hiatal Hernia

An enlargement of the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes, allowing part of the stomach to move into the thorax.

Peritonitis

The inflammation of the peritoneum, often causing a rigid, board-like abdomen, pain, and fever.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

A nutrient-dense solution containing proteins, carbs, fats, and electrolytes administered through a CVAD or PICC for patients who cannot tolerate oral or enteral intake.

Preload

The amount of stretch placed on the cardiac muscle at the end of diastole, often increased in hypervolemia or heart failure.

Afterload

The force or pressure at which blood is ejected from the ventricle, which increases with hypertension or vasoconstriction.

Ejection Fraction (EF)

The percentage of the total amount of blood in the heart that is pumped out with each heartbeat; normal range is $55-75\%$.

Digoxin Toxicity

A condition resulting from high levels of digoxin, characterized by yellow-green halos in vision, nausea, vomiting, and HA; potentiated by low potassium.

Troponin

A cardiac enzyme that detects myocardial injury; normal levels are <0.1, and elevations indicate injury like an NSTEMI.

Sinus Bradycardia

A heart rhythm with a rate of <60\,bpm that is only treated with medications like atropine if the patient is symptomatic.

Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib)

An irregularly irregular rhythm where the atria quiver at rates of $300-600$, leading to a loss of the atrial kick and increased stroke risk.

Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)

A repetitive firing of irritable ventricular ectopic foci occurring at rates of $140-180\,bpm$; it can occur with or without a pulse.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart due to an accumulation of lipid deposits and fibrous tissue.

Right-Sided Heart Failure

Failure of the right ventricle to empty completely, leading to systemic symptoms like JVD, edema, fatigue, and ascites.

Left-Sided Heart Failure

Failure resulting in pulmonary congestion, characterized by crackles, pink-frothy sputum, dyspnea, and orthopnea.

Nitroglycerin

A potent vasodilator used for angina; patients can take $1\,tablet\,q5\,minutes$ up to $3\,doses$, calling EMS if the first dose provides no relief.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium causing friction rubs and pain that is aggravated by breathing but relieved by sitting up or leaning forward.

Pneumothorax

The presence of air in the pleural cavity causing lung collapse; a tension pneumothorax can cause tracheal deviation.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition of excessive thyroid hormone (High T3/T4, Low TSH) causing anxiety, tremors, tachycardia, and heat intolerance.

Thyroid Storm

A life-threatening medical emergency of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism characterized by high fever (>101.3), extreme tachycardia (>130), and altered mental status.

Hypothyroidism

A condition of reduced thyroid hormone (Low T3/T4, High TSH) causing fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, treated with levothyroxine.

Myxedema Coma

A life-threatening complication of untreated hypothyroidism characterized by decreased LOC, respiratory failure, hypotension, and bradycardia.

Cushing’s Syndrome

A disorder caused by excess cortisol, resulting in truncal obesity, a buffalo hump, moon face, and purple striae.

Addison’s Disease

A condition caused by deficient production of steroids (cortisol), leading to hyperpigmentation, hypotension, and low glucose.

Diabetes Insipidus

A disorder due to ADH deficiency, characterized by massive outputs of dilute urine with a specific gravity of $1.001\,to\,1.005$.

SIADH

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone, involving the excessive secretion of ADH leading to fluid retention and hyponatremia.