Partial Study Guide: End of Year Final Exam in Principles of Biomedical Science

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the 'Building a Medical History' and 'Vital Signs' sections of the Principles of Biomedical Science course.

Medical History

A record of information about a patient's past and current health, including information about the patient's habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.

Chief Complaint

The patient's description of what they feel is their main problem.

Symptoms

Subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives such as aches, nausea, or fatigue.

Diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms.

Demeanor

The attitude and behavior a doctor exhibits to put the patient at ease. A doctor with an arrogant demeanor might lose a patient's trust or dismiss them.

Tact

Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with others. A doctor might exhibit tact when they choose their words carefully so as to not upset a patient.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Vital Signs

Measurements of some of the body's basic functions.

Homeostasis

The way the body sustains a stable internal environment and provides information about the physiological health of an individual.

Pulse

Number of heartbeats in one minute.

Respiratory Rate

Number of breaths taken per one minute.

Blood Pressure

The force of blood moving through the blood vessels.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A measurement of body fat that is the ratio of weight (lbs) / (Height (in))^2 * 703.

Oxygen Saturation

The amount of oxygen in the blood, measured as a percentage using a pulse oximeter.

Body Temperature

The amount of heat in a body - measured in degrees Fahrenheit.

Palpating

To examine or explore by touch, especially as a method of diagnosing disease or illness.

Ophthalmoscope

Tool used by medical professionals to assess the eyes of a patient.

Eye Assessment

Medical professionals look to see the response of the pupils to light and the patient's ability to track a moving object, looking for abrasion or scratching.