medical terms

What is a high blood pressure

140 and above

Below 90/60 is low

High temp

38 above

35 lower

Average heart rate

60-100

Oxygen saturation

95-100

Low is 90

What is the orange test tubes for blood

Orange= serum separating tube (SST) (renal?). obtains high quality serum sample by preventing cellular contamination

What is the purple test tubes for blood

Purple= red/white cells, platelets, haemoglobin (EDTA)

What is the green test tubes for blood

Green= plasma separator tube (PST) (potassium). Separates plasma from cells

What is the blue test tubes for blood

Sodium heparin tube. To check levels of trace metals, lead and mercury in the blood

What is the red test tubes for blood

Plain test tube. rarely used, only used for a specimen under instruction from the laboratory

What is the grey test tubes for blood

Fluoride oxalate tube

Used for glucose, lactate and alcohol test

What is the light blue test tubes for blood

Sodium citrate tube

• The ratio between anticoagulant and blood for physiological examinations is 1:9

For coagulation studies (PT/APTT/d-dimer assays)

What is CBC

• blood test that evaluates overall health by measuring different components of blood, including red blood cells (oxygen transport), white blood cells and platelets

• done with a syringe

What test are conducted on new admissions

• MRSA

• Candida

• Height

• Weight

• NOK (next of kin)

• ECG

• Laying + standing blood pressure

What are pressure ulcers

• Localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shear, typically occurring over bony areas

• Usually caused when laying for too long

  • On hips, heels, elbows, back of the head

What to do if a patient develops pressure ulcers

1) Ask consent for a photo

2) Report to DATX/IV

3) Contact tissue viability nurse

4) Air mattress

5) Regular reposition

6) Apply barrier spray

7) Assess the skin

What are the categories of pressure ulcers

What is the average blood glucose

Non-diabetic= 4.0-5.4

Diabetes= 4-7. more than 9 after eating

AKI

• (acute kidney injury)= signs are reduced urine output, fluid retentions causing leg/ankle swelling, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and confusion

VAC

• (vacuum-assisted closure)= a type of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) used to promote healing in acute and chronic wounds

• It involved applying a sealed foam dressing connected to a vacuum pump, which removed fluids, reduces

DOAC

• Direct Oral Anticoagulants

• Blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots

SAPT

• Single Antiplatelet Therapy

• Standard cardiovascular treatment using one medication (e.g. aspirin or clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots and secondary strokes

Duplex

• Non-invasive ultrasound to see the structure of blood vessels and measure blood flow speed and direction

• Used to detect blockages, narrowing, or clots in arteries and veins

Troponin

• This is a protein that is released after heart attacks and could cause heart damage

• Should not be in blood in high amounts

• Orange ampule used to test for this

D-Dimer

High volume of this protein in the blood shows that there is a blood clot in the body

• Old people get blood clots in their legs because of the pressure of standing up, or a lot of lying down

  • The blood clot can move from the legs to the heart/ lungs/ brain

Lyme disease serology

• A 2-step blood test to detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection

PUO

Pyrexia of unknown origin

Nephrotic syndrome

• Kidney disorder where damaged glomeruli leak large amounts of protein into the urine

SpA

• Causes pain + stiffness in the spine and pelvis

Pulsatile mass

• A swelling lump that throbs in time with the heartbeat

ESR

Inflammatory markers to check for infections

AKI

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden, rapid drop in kidney function that happens over a few hours to seven days, causing waste products to build up in the blood

• TO help we give fluids and increase oral intake (hydration)

• AKI could cause swelling of lower legs and feeling dizzy

  • Could be caused by intoxication of the liver (too much paracetamol) and dehydration

Carotid ultrasound

Examine structure and blood flow of neck

CRP

C- Reactive protein= protein produced by the liver that rises in the blood when you have an inflammation

• Levels go up quickly within hours of an infection, tissue injury, or surgery

What do you have to do before giving a blood transfusion

• Check Hb

• If the pt is at risk of taco→ fluid overload in the lungs

  • Risk factors are things like being over 60 years old, and already having heart/ kidney disease

Aortic dissection

a life-threatening medical emergency where a tear develops in the innermost layer of the aorta

• causes severe pain

  • risk factors are things like high blood pressure

What to do if patient has chest pain

• Need to know if its because of the muscle, heart or lungs

• If its from the lungs its pleuritic and they feel pain every time they breathe/ chest tightness

• Do an ECG to see if its from the heart

• If it hurts when they move from side to side it might be from the muscle