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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.
