Medical Foundations and EKG Rate Calculation Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering body systems, regional anatomy, homeostasis mechanisms, triage categories, diagnostic tests, medical equipment, and EKG wave interpretation and heart rate calculation methods.

BPM

Beats per minute; a measure of heart rate calculated on an EKG by measuring the distance from one R-wave peak to the next.

The 300 Rule

An EKG rate calculation method for regular rhythms where 300 is divided by the number of large boxes between two neighboring R-wave peaks ($300 \div \text{large boxes}$).

The 1500 Rule

An EKG rate calculation method for regular rhythms where 1500 is divided by the number of small boxes between two R-wave peaks ($1500 \div \text{small boxes}$).

The 6-Second Rule

An EKG rate calculation method useful for irregular rhythms where the number of R waves in a 6-second strip is multiplied by 10 ($\text{count} \times 10$) to estimate the average rate.

R-wave Peak

The tall spike on an EKG rhythm strip used as the reference point to measure heart rate.

Endocrine System

Body system that makes hormones that control body functions.

Cardiovascular System

Body system that moves blood, oxygen, and nutrients around the body.

Lymphatic System

Body system that returns fluid to the blood and helps fight infections.

Muscular System

Body system that allows movement and produces heat.

Skeletal System

Body system that supports the body, protects organs, and makes blood cells.

Nervous System

Body system that controls the body and responds to information.

Digestive System

Body system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Immune System

Body system that protects the body from germs and diseases.

Reproductive System

Body system that allows humans to reproduce.

Integumentary System

Body system that protects the body through skin, hair, and nails.

Respiratory System

Body system that brings oxygen in and removes carbon dioxide.

Popliteal

Anatomical term referring to the back of the knee.

Antecubital

Anatomical term referring to the inside of the elbow.

Cephalic

Anatomical term referring to the top of the head.

Mental

Anatomical term referring to the chin.

Otic

Anatomical term referring to the ears.

Orbital

Anatomical term referring to the eyes.

Femoral

Anatomical term referring to the upper leg.

Plantar

Anatomical term referring to the bottom of the foot.

Tarsal

Anatomical term referring to the ankle.

Sternal

Anatomical term referring to the middle of the chest.

Coxal

Anatomical term referring to the side of the hip.

Gluteal

Anatomical term referring to the butt.

Antebrachial

Anatomical term referring to the lower arm.

Manual

Anatomical term referring to the hands.

Oral

Anatomical term referring to the mouth.

Buccal

Anatomical term referring to the cheek.

Brachial

Anatomical term referring to the upper arm.

Occipital

Anatomical term referring to the back of the head.

Olecranal

Anatomical term referring to the back of the elbow.

Anterior

Directional anatomical term referring to the front of the body.

Posterior

Directional anatomical term referring to the back of the body.

Calcaneal

Anatomical term referring to the heel.

Digital

Anatomical term referring to the fingers.

Sural

Anatomical term referring to the calf.

Feedback Loop Components

The three essential parts of a homeostatic loop: receptor, control center, and effector.

Negative Feedback Loop

A control mechanism that reverses a change to bring the body back toward normal, such as body temperature regulation and blood sugar regulation.

Positive Feedback Loop

A control mechanism that increases or amplifies a change until a specific event is finished, such as childbirth contractions and blood clotting.

Immediate / Emergency Triage

A triage priority level designated for life-threatening problems, such as cardiac arrest.

Urgent Triage

A triage priority level designated for serious injuries needing prompt treatment.

Less Urgent Triage

A triage priority level designated for an injury or illness that can safely wait a little.

Nonurgent Triage

A triage priority level designated for mild problems, such as a common cold.

RBC (Erythrocytes)

Red blood cells; low counts are associated with anemia.

WBC (Leukocytes)

White blood cells; abnormal levels are associated with infection or inflammation.

Platelets

Blood components that help blood clot; low levels can cause bleeding problems.

BUN

Blood urea nitrogen; a waste product related to kidney function used to assess kidney problems.

Blood Glucose

A laboratory measurement of blood sugar used to identify diabetes or low blood sugar.

Troponin

A protein released when heart muscle is damaged; associated with heart muscle injury or heart attack.

Creatinine

A waste product tested to assess kidney function; associated with kidney problems.

Liver Function Tests

Diagnostic blood tests that measure liver enzymes and proteins to assess liver disease or injury.

ABO Blood Types

The classification system consisting of four blood types (A, B, AB, and O), each classified as either Rh-positive (+) or Rh-negative (−).

Pulse Oximeter

Medical equipment that measures blood oxygen level and pulse.

Sphygmomanometer

Medical equipment used to measure blood pressure.

EKG / ECG

Electrocardiogram; medical equipment that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Thermometer

Medical equipment used to measure body temperature.

Ultrasound

Medical technology that uses sound waves to create images inside the body.

P Wave

The small bump on an EKG tracing occurring before the QRS complex; represents atrial depolarization.

QRS Complex

The tall, sharp spike on an EKG tracing; represents ventricular depolarization.

T Wave

The rounded bump on an EKG tracing following the QRS complex; represents ventricular repolarization.