NREMT VOCAB

abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

A weakening in the wall of the aorta in the abdominal region.

abduction

Movement away from the midline, or spreading apart, e.g., fingers.

abrasion

Scraping injury to the surface of the skin.

abruptio placenta

The premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.

absence seizure

Staring seizure.

absorption

Passage of material through the intestine into the bloodstream.

acidosis

An abnormally high level of acidity in the body’s fluids and tissues.

acute abdomen

Abdominal emergency that typically requires surgery.

acute abdominal pain

Rapid onset of abdominal pain.

acute coronary syndrome

Symptoms caused by myocardial ischemia, such as angina or myocardial infarction.

acute myocardial infarction (AMI)

Death to myocardial muscle; also called heart attack.

acute

Rapid onset.

adduction

To move toward the midline, or bring together, e.g., fingers.

advance directive

Written instructions, signed by the patient, specifying the patient’s wishes regarding treatment and resuscitative efforts.

aerobic metabolism

Energy production with oxygen.

afterload

The pressure the heart must overcome during ventricular contraction.

agonal respirations

Dying gasps.

agonist

A medication that stimulates a response.

allergen

Antigen that causes an allergic reaction.

allergic reaction

Hypersensitive immune response to an allergen.

alveoli

Air sacs in the lungs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the pulmonary capillaries.

amniotic sac

A fluid-filled membrane in the uterus which contains the fetus.

amputation

Injury resulting in a completely severed body part.

anaerobic metabolism

Energy production without oxygen.

anaphylactic shock

Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Also called anaphylaxis.

anatomic position

Standing, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms out.

anatomy

Study of the structure of the body.

aneurysm

Weakening in the wall of an artery.

angina pectoris

Temporary chest pain that occurs when myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply.

angioedema

Swelling under the tissue, often in the face or tongue.

anisocoria

Unequal pupils.

antagonist

A medication that inhibits a response.

anterior

Toward the front. Also known as ventral in humans.

anterograde amnesia

Unable to remember events prior to the injury.

antibodies

Produced by body’s immune system to defend against an antigen.

antigen

Foreign substance that stimulates an immune response.

aorta

Artery that carries blood out of the left heart.

apnea

Absence of spontaneous breaths.

appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix.

appendix

Pouch connected to the large intestine in the lower right abdominal quadrant.

arterioles

Small arteries that lead to capillaries.

aspiration

Material, such as vomit, entering the lungs.

associated symptoms

Anything the patient complains of in addition to the chief complaint.

asthma

Acute bronchoconstriction combined with increased mucus production.

atherosclerosis

Build-up of plaques in the arteries.

atrium

Either of the two upper chambers of the heart.

aura

A sensation of an impending seizure.

auscultate

To listen.

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Involuntary component of the peripheral nervous system.

avulsion

Injury resulting in an area of skin torn loose or hanging by a flap.

bag-valve-mask compliance

Amount of resistance felt during artificial ventilations with the BVM.

bariatrics

Branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of obesity.

barotrauma

Injury caused by a change in air pressure.

baseline vitals

The first set of vitals.

Battle’s Sign

Bruising behind the ears indicating possible basal skull fracture.

Beck’s triad

Three clinical signs indicating a possible pericardial tamponade.

bilateral

Both sides.

biological agents

Bacteria, virus, or fungus that can be used as a weapon and has the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety.

birth canal

The vagina and cervix.

blistering agents

See vesicants.

blood agent

See cyanide.

bloody show

Passage of the mucus plug from the cervix as it begins to dilate.

blunt trauma

Trauma that does not penetrate the body.

brachial pulse

Palpable pulse in the upper arm.

bradycardia

Slow heart rate.

bradypnea

Slow respiratory rate.

brain stem

Found at the base of the brain where it connects to the spinal cord. Includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

breech birth

The presentation of the baby’s feet or buttocks as the presenting part in the birth canal.

breech of duty

Failure to perform an ethical or legally required act established by the standard of care.

bronchitis

Inflammation of the lungs, either chronic or acute.

bronchoconstriction

Tightening (constriction) of the airways.

bruise

Discoloration of the skin caused by damage to underlying blood vessels.

capillaries

Small, branching vessels that connect arteries and veins. Allows for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

capillary permeability

Leakage of fluid out of a capillary into surrounding tissue.

cardiac tamponade

Accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac that compresses the heart.

cardiogenic shock

Decreased cardiac output due to poor cardiac function or mechanical obstruction.

carotid pulse

Palpable pulse in the neck.

causation

The relationship between cause and effect.

cavitation

Pressure wave caused by high velocity projectile.

cellular respiration

Aerobic metabolism.

central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord.

cerebral contusion

Bruising of the brain.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that circulates through the central nervous system.

cervix

The portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

choking agents

See pulmonary agents.

cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gall bladder.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic disease processes caused by obstruction of the lower airways.

chronic

Always present.

clavicle

The collarbone.

cleaning

Removal of visible contaminants from a surface.

closed fracture

A fracture where the skin remains intact.

coccyx

The tailbone.

cold zone

The safe area at a hazardous materials incident.

colostomy

A surgical opening through the abdominal wall.

compartment syndrome

Injury caused by compression of nerves, blood vessels, and muscle in a closed space within the body.

compensated shock

Early shock, during which the body is able to compensate.

complex access

Patient access that requires tools and/or specialized training.

concussion

Head injury resulting in temporary alteration of brain function.

conduction

Direct transfer of heat through contact with a colder structure.

congestive heart failure

Caused by ineffective ventricular function leading to fluid backup.