Exam 2

Vital Signs

Clinical measurements that indicate the state of a patient's essential bodily functions.

Body measurements

Quantifiable metrics related to the size and shape of a person's body, such as height and weight.

Height

The measurement of how tall a person is.

Weight

The measure of how heavy an individual is.

Length (infants)

Measurement from the head to the heel when the infant is laid flat.

Head circumference

The measurement around the largest part of an infant's head.

Chest circumference

Measurement around the chest area at the level of the nipples.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person, used to classify underweight, overweight, and obesity.

Normal BMI range

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.

Overweight BMI

A BMI greater than 24.9 but less than 30.

Obese BMI

A BMI greater than 30.

Morbidly obese BMI

A BMI greater than 40.

Vital sign - Pulse Oximetry

A non-invasive method to measure oxygen saturation in the blood.

Oxygen saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen.

Normal oxygen saturation reading

95% or higher.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin containing keratin and melanocytes.

Dermis

The thicker layer of skin beneath the epidermis containing blood vessels, nerves, and glands.

Subcutaneous layer

The layer of fat and connective tissue that lies beneath the dermis.

Keratin

A type of protein that makes up hair and nails.

Melanocyte

A cell that produces melanin, which gives skin its color.

Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow.

Pallor

Paleness of the skin, often due to reduced blood flow.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from insufficient oxygen.

Arthritis

An inflammatory condition affecting the joints.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease characterized by wear and tear on articulating cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints.

Skin lesion

An area of abnormal tissue on the skin.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa, often causing joint pain.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weak and fragile bones.

Heart valves

Structures that regulate blood flow through the heart chambers.

Atria

Upper chambers of the heart that collect blood.

Ventricles

Lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out of the heart.

Aneurysm

A localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall.

Myocardial infarction

Commonly known as a heart attack, resulting from interrupted blood supply to the heart.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in immune response.

Platelets

Thrombocytes needed for blood clotting.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells and proteins.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Immunity

The ability of the body to resist infections or toxins.

Lymphatic system

A network involved in fluid balance and immune responses.

T cells

A type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the immune response.

B cells

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens.

Autoimmune disease

A disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own cells.

Spirometry

A common test used to assess how well the lungs work.

Asthma

A chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Emphysema

A lung condition that causes shortness of breath due to over-inflated alveoli.

Special senses

The senses that provide the brain with information about the environment, including vision, hearing, and taste.