Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam 2 Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering endocrine, metabolic, respiratory, renal, genitourinary, and immunological disorders based on the lecture notes.

A1C

A laboratory test that measures average blood glucose levels over the previous $3$ months.

Hyperglycemia

A condition presenting with a sweet/metallic taste in the mouth, slow wound healing, polydipsia (thirst), and polyuria (frequent urination).

Hypoglycemia

A condition presenting with sweating, shakiness/tremors, bradycardia, confusion, and dizziness; managed with simple carbohydrates.

Hypothyroidism

A condition of low $T_{3}/T_{4}$ treated with levothyroxine taken on an empty stomach; symptoms include weight gain, feeling cold, bradycardia, and increased thirst/urination.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition of high $T_{3}/T_{4}$ levels characterized by weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia.

Hypoparathyroidism

A calcium deficiency often occurring after thyroid removal, requiring vitamin C and D supplementation; symptoms include numbness/tingling, extreme fatigue, brain fog, and muscle spasms.

Parathyroid-Phosphorus Inverse Relationship

A regulatory mechanism where high calcium results in low phosphorus, and low calcium results in high phosphorus ($Ca^{2+}$ high = $P$ low; $Ca^{2+}$ low = $P$ high).

Metabolic Acidosis

A metabolic state with $pH < 7.35$ and $HCO_{3} < 22 mEq/L$; symptoms include headache, hyperkalemia, and Kussmaul respirations.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep, rapid breathing that serves as a compensatory mechanism for Metabolic Acidosis.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A metabolic state with $pH > 7.45$ and $HCO_{3} > 26 mEq/L$ caused by severe vomiting, excessive GI suctioning, diuretics, or sodium bicarbonate ($NaHCO_{3}$) administration.

Emphysema and COPD

Respiratory disorders characterized by $CO_{2}$ retention and insufficient $CO_{2}$ exhalation; physical signs include barrel chest and clubbed fingers.

COPD SpO₂ Target

The normal oxygen saturation for a COPD patient is around $88\%$.

Pursed-lip breathing

A breathing technique where the patient inhales slowly and exhales twice as long as the inhalation.

Venturi mask

A color-coded oxygen delivery device that provides high-flow oxygen at precise concentrations over the mouth and nose.

Pneumonia Aspiration Risk

The highest risk factor for pneumonia, occurring when patients inhale contents into the lungs rather than swallowing.

Sleep Apnea #1 Risk Factor

Obesity.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition with $pH < 7.35$ and $pCO_{2} > 45 mm Hg$ caused by excess $CO_{2}$ from hypoventilation (e.g., COPD, pneumonia, atelectasis, or drug overdose).

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition with $pH > 7.45$ and $pCO_{2} < 35 mm Hg$ caused by the loss of $CO_{2}$ from hyperventilation (e.g., anxiety, fear, or pulmonary embolism).

Hemodialysis AV Fistula Assessment

Correct findings include warm skin, a palpable thrill, and normal skin color; pale skin may indicate poor circulation or obstruction.

Peritoneal dialysis

A daily dialysis procedure using a bag where the patient must be weighed both before and after the process.

Distended Bladder Protocol

The first step is to perform a bladder scan and encourage the patient to attempt voiding before proceeding to catheterization.

Priapism

An emergency medical condition consisting of an erection lasting longer than $3$ hours, commonly associated with sildenafil (Viagra).

Retrograde ejaculation

A condition where sperm enters the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra, which may result in a dry orgasm.

Peyronie’s disease

An upward curvature of the penis caused by the buildup of scar tissue inside the shaft.

Neutropenic Precautions

Also known as reverse precautions; involves staff and visitors wearing masks to protect immunocompromised patients (e.g., cancer or transplant patients).

Anaphylaxis First-line Treatment

The administration of an Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), which can be applied through clothing.

Fibrosis

The excessive buildup of scarring in tissues leading to loss of function, such as in liver cirrhosis or pulmonary fibrosis.

Senile purpura

Benign red or purple spots on the skin of elderly patients caused by fragile blood vessels.

Jung’s theory of aging

A theory suggesting that elderly individuals seek purpose and meaning, similar to a midlife crisis in later years.

Sandwich Generation

A term for adults who are simultaneously caring for their own children and their aging parents.